What to do?

[MJCA]

Hi All,

At the end of August 2023 I completed 8 rounds of docetaxel. On 9/13/23 my PSA was 5.7, 10/30/23 8.25 and 11/27/23 it’s now 16.72. This year has been a shit show. I know my MO will put me on pluvicto. Here’s my quandary: I am a single gay man. Parents gone. No siblings. All I have to really live for are my cats. I WANT to travel and enjoy life; that was my plan for 2023. I’m thinking I may delay treatment for a while and try to enjoy life.

The chemo knocked the shit out of me. I don’t do much since I don’t have the energy, nor the balance nor the appetite. Any contributions (sans any sarcasm) are welcome.

[MoonRocket]

Not sure why your sexual orientation is an issue but here's my opinion since your asking. I think your cancer has other plans for 2024. Maybe try xtandi or some other lutimide while you work on getting back some stregnth and balance.

[MJCA in reply to MoonRocket]

Hi,

As in my previous reply, my MO deemed that the efficacy of meds in that class had diminished; so it was not worth trying them again. I was on apalutamide for 5.5 years until I experienced new SE.

[Mike1971]

Hi MJCA,

Isn’t Zytiga/Abiraterone an alternative? I see in your bio you tried it, but only for two weeks and without Prednisolone?

[MJCA in reply to Mike1971]

Hi. The SE were not great. Plus my MO deemed that the efficacy of meds in that class had diminished.

[MateoBeach]

Pluvicto treatments would be a good choice. BAT regimen would be another possibility. (You would like the testosterone effects as we all do, gay or straight.) Get a PSMA scan. The chemo should be off the table now that it has failed.

[MJCA]

Hi,

Yep. While on chemo my MO had already discussed Pluvicto as my next option. We shall see. My quality of life is not that great.

[Chugach]

have you been screened for genetic markers that may open up immunotherapy? Do what makes you happy and not just what makes your doctors boat payment. I advocate for travel and exploring this amazing world. But know this fucking dragon 🐉 will continue to grow and start wreaking havoc if left unmanaged, so keep that bitch pushed into a corner while Your exploring and traveling.

[MJCA in reply to Chugach]

Yes. This year definitely did not turn out what was anticipated. Chemo has really killed my energy and balance. I would need to recover before I EVEN anticipated going anywhere. I have had genetic testing. No BRCA1 or BRCA2. I’m tired. I’m alone. I am very sad.

[Chugach in reply to MJCA]

I am starting a psilocybin clinical trial tomorrow. Check my profile for more info. Do not ignore the mental health side of this fight.

[Chugach in reply to MJCA]

get a copy of Michael Pollan’s book how to change your mind. Read the chapter on hallucinogenic medicine. This is the way to reconnect and reprogram your brain.

Many legit therapists now incorporate psychedelics. Find someone legit to guide you. This is real medicine, real powerful medicine

[MJCA in reply to Chugach]

I did enough of that stuff in my younger days. I see a therapist weekly and am on Wellbutrin. Having this for 18 years is going to leave some psychological scars - but I am VERY strong.

[j-o-h-n]

What about Nubeqa?

How about a very long cruise..........somewhere exotic.......(If my wife lets me, I'll carry your luggage while she stays home and watches your cats)...I am not homosexual but I'm from the old normal and dislike using the word "gay" for someone who bats for the other team. But who am I anyway (just a bit of word smith).

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Sunday 12/03/2023 11:02 PM EST

[MJCA in reply to j-o-h-n]

LOL. I took Nubeqa for a short time. The SE got to me. I was on Erleada for 5.5 years. My PSA started rising, so my MO ruled out that class of drugs.