ADT and ankle swelling

[Gimmishelter]

I have stage 4 PC with mets to 2 vertebra, one rib and my pelvis. I have been on Lucrin injections 3 monthly, Abiraterone 1000mg daily plus Prednisone. The Prednisone dosage was initially 10mg daily, but 2 months ago I complained to my oncologist about thinning skin on my arms and bleeding from the slightest scratch. She then reduced my dosage to 5mg daily. and there has been some improvement in that regard. My problem now is that I have noticed swelling of my ankles. My next oncologist appointment is only in mid July, so I was wondering if anyone else here on the same meds has also had the same side effects?

[Magnus1964]

I have been dealing with swollen feet and ankles for the last few years. The easiest way to ease it elevating you legs. I am very bad and keep forgetting to that.

You doctor can give you some meds for it, i. e. diuretics.

[Derf4223]

It is a known SE of lupron and maybe worse with an ARSI like Abiraterone in the mix.

[TeleGuy]

Try wearing compression stockings. I wear the ones from ProCompression and they put a pressure of about 30mm of mercury on your calves, ankles, and feet. As a bonus, they have some fun styles.

[Gearhead]

My experience is that it's a trade-off just like you are experiencing: Low prednisone with abiraterone = calf/ankle edema and hypertension. High prednisone = fragile forearm skin plus a few other short- and long-term issues. I switched from prednisone to dexamethasone, which seems to help a little in balancing those issues, but other things are going on that make it hard to be certain. Good luck!

[Gimmishelter]

Thanks for the feedback. I will discuss this with my oncologist next month. As you say, a trade-off. Since reducing my Prednisone, I have managed to lose about 5kgs and don't feel as bloated anymore. My face is not as puffy and I have had to punch another hole in my belt to keep my pants up. I also do not experience as many hot flashes at night as I used to. Now only one, maybe two as opposed to 3 or 4 before. Perhaps I can live with the ankle swelling.

[Grandpa4]

what other meds are you on. It is common for you to develop hypertension on those meds and to be place on amlodipine which causes edema commonly.

[Gimmishelter in reply to Grandpa4]

I have been on a hypertension med call Co-Tareg for about 15 years now and it seems to keep my BP normal.

[leo2634]

I take a water pill only when my ankles swell. It's a combination of all the meds we are subjected to to stay alive. My worse problems are the Neoupopthy it's caused thank goodness for Gabapentin. Never give up Never surrender Leo

[Eieio]

I had similar side affects from zytiga 10mg pred and eligard. That was a few years back. That edema Looks similar to gout. It cleared up when I stopped the ADT a year and half ago and not something you can do. I run across a lot of Amazonian herbal cures being Miami, one is called Chancha piedra or stone breaker traditionally used for kidney stones. Absolutely run it by your MO but it seemed to clear the symptoms. Just a tea once a day. I have no idea to interactions of your current regime but if turns out help , just passing along this rid bit may help you or others

[Gimmishelter in reply to Eieio]

Thank you.

[Professorgary]

I have been on lupron for 2 years and zytiga for nearly a year. The only time I had any edema was when I took amlodipine for bp. I do take curcumin and magnesium and drink 72 ounces minimum of non caffeinated drinks daily.