Metastatic Prostate Cancer

[wpeebles]

Just started Zytiga, prednisone and hormone shots for recurrent prostate cancer that has returned and spread to lungs. Just wondering if anyone else is taking these drugs and what their experience has been with side effects the first month or so. Thanks.

[RyderLake2]

hello,

I took Zytiga (abiraterone) plus Prednisone for about a year. While on Zytiga I was also taking Zoladex (goserelin acetate) with it. No serious side effects. The Prednisone caused any bump on my hand or arm to turn into a nasty blood bruise. They eventually disappeared but looked awful.

[MomOfMaisy]

My husband has been on 1,000 mg. of daily Zytiga, prednisone and Eligard injection every three months. He’s been on this treatment regimen for about 7 months and has had absolutely no issues other than no libido. He tries to run on the treadmill every day and get some strength training in when he can. He has a very positive attitude and sometimes we forget that he was diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic Gleason 9 prostate cancer. We hope that he continues to respond well to this hormone therapy regimen. He also completed 28 IMRT radiation treatments. His PSA has been undetectable the last two times he had it drawn.

[wpeebles in reply to MomOfMaisy]

Thank you for responding. Good to hear. I know about the libido thing as I had radiation and ADT 7 years ago when it first occurred. Is what it is as they say.

[London441]

For most, including myself, side effects are not noticeable until several months in. Fatigue, hot flashes, slowed metabolism, fat gain and more. All are manageable and minimized with commitment to cardiovascular and strength training exercise. Without these the risk of strong side effects is distinct and a danger to overall health in a number of ways. Be sure to keep the exercise up and eat healthfully and a bit less if you can.

[wpeebles in reply to London441]

Thanks. Exercise shouldn't a problem but eating healthier is going to take some work, but I will eventually get there.

[vintage42]

"... Just started Zytiga, prednisone and hormone shots... wondering if anyone else is taking these drugs and what their experience has been with side effects the first month or so."

Started the hormone pill Orgovyx (relugolix) 6 months ago, and Zytiga (abiraterone) with prednisone 5 months ago. Side effects are negligible, the most obvious being purplish blotching of forearms with easy skin tears, from the prednisone. I joined a gym associated with a hospital, was prescribed an exercise program for muscles and bones on their machines, and I take it like medicine.

[wpeebles in reply to vintage42]

Good to know. Thanks.

[j-o-h-n]

FYI Neck Melanoma metastasized to my Lungs and was treated with Keytruda.... and it worked. Ask doc?

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n

[S4survivor]

I've been on the same medications for 10 months now. Lot of hot flashes and night sweats in the beginning, but they are milder now. Exercise has definitely helped.

[wpeebles in reply to S4survivor]

Thank you for responding.

[Churchman123]

Been on Abiaterone and dexamethasone for 3 years following metastised prostate cancer discovered in my lungs. Side effects not good, lack of stamina, fatigue and neuropathy but I’m alive!!

[JohnInTheMiddle in reply to Churchman123]

Dexamethasone for 3 years? May I ask why it wasn't switched out for prednisone? Which apparently is not so strong with the unwanted side effects? All depends on dosage I suppose.

[mrscruffy]

Was on that combo for 7+ years. Once I got SE's under control smooth sailing

[Iscetic7 in reply to mrscruffy]

What did you do to get your SE under control?

[mrscruffy in reply to Iscetic7]

eating healthier and less food, sometimes intermittent fasting. Real results started happening after I started consistent work in the gym. I go 6 days a week lifting heavy 4 days a week and doing cardio 2 days a week. Haven't had a hot flash in years and am gaining muscle at a pretty good clip

[chefjlu]

Always follow the advice to eat before taking Prednisone. It is tough on the stomach when empty. I took 5mg Prednisone which is a small amount. I would take my Abiraterone when I woke up, drank a full glass of water and would take my dog for a long walk. When I got back would eat breakfast and take the Prednisone. It is helpful to eat yogurt/milk/some kind of fat as it helps to prevent stomach irritation. Important to have regular checks with blood tests of sugar levels, liver enzymes, and such. Also, exercise is important, can cause you to gain some weight along with the ADT medications. When you stop it is important to "wean" off over a few days. My doctor felt I could just stop, but the pharmacist recommended a short reduction schedule. If you are any other medications your doctor should know in case there is an interaction, that includes aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen.

[wpeebles in reply to chefjlu]

Good advice. Thanks.

[Grandpa4]

I took them for 2 years. I am an avid exerciser. Had a few hot flashes. I lifted weights but did not get stronger just not weaker. I found that my mitochondria did not work well. That is , I had an elevated HgBA1c and found that my endurance on the bike was much reduced. I could keep up going up the short hill but when I got up the top I was done. I had more joint pains then when off them. Gained 5 lbs. Overall still had high quality of life.

[Derf4223]

@wpeebles The other responses here missed this one: bone density loss. Men on ADT + abiraterone + prednisone lose bone density at a rate about 200% of a fully menopausal female. Get a bone scan (Dexa), through your MedOnc. You absolutely want to minimize fragility frac odds. Elderly men who get hip breaks are said to never recover fully and many times succumb within a year or so. Also keep close tabs on your blood pressure as these meds increase it.

[wpeebles in reply to Derf4223]

Thanks for the info.