Common cold

[Poollover]

I'm 86, stage 4, got a common cold and it really knocked me out. Thoughts about this?

[bobdc6]

Not covid?

[Poollover in reply to bobdc6]

Not Covid, I checked.

[vintage42]

What medications are you taking? Could any of them suppress your immune system?

[Poollover in reply to vintage42]

Orgovyx, Zytiga, and Dexamethasone. I would not be surprised if all of them suppressed my immune system. That can't be helped because I need these drugs to keep my cancer cells as dormant as possible.

[vintage42 in reply to Poollover]

So I am 81 and taking the same thing - Orgovyx, abiraterone (generic Zytiga), and Prednisone, a steroid like dexamethasone that must be taken to counteract Zytiga's suppression of adrenals.

After 3 months, I have not caught any colds that would test the immune system. On blood tests, my Lymphocytes (white blood cells) are a little low, 0.60 vs normal range of 0.70 to 3.1. Have you had yours tested?

[Poollover in reply to vintage42]

Like you mine are a little low which is why I worry.

[kiteND]

I have been much more susceptible to colds and other infections since I have been on ADT. I even ended up on the hospital with c-diff. I think ADT affects the whole body, kind of suppressing everything. I try to be more careful around sick family members, stay on top of vitamin C, etc.

[Don_1213]

While I'm a child compared to you (9 years younger) - consider that you are 86 and you are on drugs that suppress the immune system, so it's not surprising that a common cold will kick your butt. What I'd suggest is you get to your GP, tell him what's going on and ask what to do about it and how to avoid this in the future.

[Poollover in reply to Don_1213]

Thanks, I've done that and I'm getting over the cold, but the state of my immune system is a concern with ADT, etc.

[j-o-h-n]

Spending too much time in the Pool, the one with the cold water....

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n

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

John, I'm referring to the pool game -- billiards.

[j-o-h-n]

OK you're on............... 9 ball is my specialty.......... Rack 'em........

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n