A quick introduction

[Pinkyboy]

Good day to all! I’ve been faithfully reading this forum for a little while, and have found it interesting and helpful, sometimes even encouraging.

So, my diagnosis was in April of this year (2023): stage four prostate cancer with considerable metastasis to bone (ribs, sternum, pelvis). PSA was 24.4. I was immediately given Lupron and Abiraterone/prednasone. This was replaced by Nubeqa after only a month. In early June I began what was to be six rounds of docetaxal. Apparently I responded well to the treatment as my MO put my chemotherapy on “pause” after four rounds. PSA had come down to 0.78.

I see my MO again on January 5th and we will determine where we go from here, I supposed based on the results of my blood “labs.”

I am grateful for this group and for all of you who post real-life experiences here. I am 84 years old and have enjoyed excellent health until this disease caught up with me

Robert

[Tall_Allen]

Why was chemo paused?

[Pinkyboy in reply to Tall_Allen]

My understanding is that my greatly improved PSA number was the decision driver. I welcomed the “pause” because of the side effects of the docetaxal. We get to revisit all the decisions and treatment direction in three weeks. I am feeling very good these days with my strength and stamina returning. My appetite has fully recovered (!)

[Tall_Allen in reply to Pinkyboy]

Usually, when chemo works and side effects are tolerable, more infusions are given.

[Pinkyboy in reply to Tall_Allen]

The side effects were *barely* tolerable. I've always been a pretty skinny guy, but while doing chemo, I lost 22 pounds.

[CrocodileShoes]

That's a terrific response. Long may the pause last!