Might blood be good news?

[CrocodileShoes]

I'm now getting ready for my 3rd Docetaxel infusion. My symptoms and side effects have been very mild. Before chemo started, I was getting pains in the rectal wall, sharp bladder discomfort and pain on urination - along with blood in the urine.

As of today, I'm waiting for definitive results from a PSA (after infusion #1, PSA dropped slightly) but of the above symptoms, the only one I still have is blood in the urine. All the discomfort and rectal pains have gone. I have Lymphedema in my right leg, but I'm hoping that may go when the docetaxel starts working on the lymph node.

I'm wonder if anyone has had similar experiences. I'm still not assuming that the chemo is working, but it's been encouraging to see the pains disappear. Could it possibly be 'die-off' of cancer cells? Otherwise, is the disappearance of symptoms a likely indication that the Docetaxel is working?

I'll be getting a full-body MRI on Nov 1st, but I'm hoping the PSA readings before then might offer some hope.

Your wisdom greatly appreciated.

[sillyoyster]

I have finished my second infusion. My psa dropped from 2.68 to 1.80 after first inj. Side effects were lower back and leg pain caused by the G-CFS injection 27 hrs after chemo. It's meant to speed up wbc production. It's an auto injector placed on back of arm. Took tylenol and benadryl ans was able to sleep properly again. Only other side effects were minor taste bud changes which went away by second week, and profound fatigue. All in all, not so bad. This year marks my 15 year walk on the green mile. Hang in there dude..

[Yzinger in reply to sillyoyster]

were you gleason 9 and advanced cancer?

[j-o-h-n]

November 1st.......of what year?..........Goose that doctor to up the date....Damn doctors...just don't give a shit.........

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Saturday 10/07/2023 2:16 PM DST