Zytiga Month 7

Not the number I wanted to see - no where close to the number I wanted to see - BUT there is a plan!

Todays PSA 66 up from 33 Six Weeks ago.

My Infectious Disease Doctor, My Oncologist and my Pharmacist all believe the TB Meds are reducing the amount of Zytiga my body is getting. For now the plan is to increase the Zytiga (from 4 tablets to 5 daily - 1000mg to 1250 mg) and keep the Predisone the same ( 2 5mg tablets daily).

I asked why not increase the Zytiga more - my Oncologist said lets try this first and come back in about 2 weeks and lets see (30 Nov) - they all think this could do the trick. But there is no way to know.

We talking about what could be next (at my insistence)

Provenge - Nope my bone mets are too widespread. Also the PSA is rising.

MDV3000 (Xtandi) - Right its not approved till after chemo. But Zytiga is not approved till after chemo and he put me on that.

Docetaxel (Taxotere)

Alpharadin - Looks very promising but when will be approved? Sometime in 2013

For now - all hopes are the increased Zytiga will do its job.

Moving right along!

Tomorrow we are baby sitting GiGi at our house while her Mom and Dad go to see the new James Bond movie. This will be the first time our little lady has been here (she had her own medical stuff going on). Grandma was insistent the stroller be brought - Yup we are going to do some show off granddaughter!

Hugs

Bud

We will beat this crap

It is curious how you could get the Zytiga. Xtandi (MDV3100) is next probably, but he's had Taxotere, Zytiga, and now Jevtana. Did they have an explanation. We don't qualify for Alpharadin study because of being in lung, etc.

Have fun with Gigi. Decided she was like our first - Asia.

Bud,

I'm praying!!!!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with the family.

Zimac

Hey Bud,
My dad prolonged getting chemo as long as we could. He was able to get zytiga before chemo (which he just started). Insurance will cover a drug prior to fda approval if they have a clinical trial showing it is effective in the stage they are trying to approve it for. Zytiga had a trial showing it was effective pre-chemo which they submitted for approval and once the results were published, we were able to get his insurance to cover it, but it was considered "off label" until FDA reviews the data and approves for the pre-chemo stage. I'm assuming that xtandi doesn't have the pre-chemo trial completed or published yet. Now that my dads on chemo, i'm hoping he can try xtandi if chemo doesn't work.

Bud,

Reprinting previous post. Keep this approach in mind.

New options are beginning to surface for widespread bone involvement. Bayer is currently conducting a trial of Radium 223 Dichloride (Alpharadin, a form of liquid radiation). The trial has been granted expanded access status. This means that some of the exclusionary criteria can be relaxed if necessary. Early results with respect to tumor shrinkage for this treatment are very promising. Test site locations are numerous throughout the country. This may not be an option for everyone with skeletal involvement but it bears investigating
[http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01516762?term=alpharadin&rank=10]

Jim

Oh, dear friend... I am sad to hear this news, but appreciate your positive attitude - as always.  You have gotten some information here from others which I hope will be helpful to you.  I hope your latest plan is a success.

We know Miss GiGi will bolster your spirits!  You and Mrs. Bud are allowed to spoil her and show her off.    This Christmas should be exciting as she discovers the sights and sounds of Christmas.  Have you checked into buying the Fisher Price Little People House or Barn?  Our youngest Grandchild still loves the barn and all the sounds it makes.

You are in our thoughts and prayers, Bud.  God bless you!

Hugs,

Aimzee

Yesterday was wonderful! I totally forgot all about this crap.

Fun stuff / Grandpa bragging first (as I so rarely talk about Gigi *coughcoughs*)

Yesterday morning Grandma said we do not have any toys here. I said sure she can play with your stuffed teddy bears – Nope. So off I went to the store. Had no idea what to buy so I enlisted the help of 2 Moms who had little girls with them. The two Mom’s decided the Fisher Price Walk n Roll Rider is perfect. Got it home – oh good assembly – assembled just in time!

Daughter and son-in-law and Gigi came in, the parents had to rush off to see their movie right after giving Mom a pair of shoes.

Gigi played with her new Fisher Price toy for about 18 minutes. The shoe box – now that was special! And even better was the paper shopping bag with handles!

We went for a walk with her, she was the hit of the neighborhood. Grandma was just giddy with happiness. Gigi was being exceptionally adorable with waving at and babbling to everyone who approached.

When we got home from the walk, Grandma started to prepare dinner leaving Gigi with Grandpa. One thing I never knew before is how fast a tissue box can be emptied or how much fun tissues can be.

Since the 'adults' were busy (Grandma cooking and her parents out to see the movie), we dispensed with those silly rules of it her little cookies fall on the floor they are not too be eaten.

Laughs! We had a great time!!

Back to this crap

I really was NOT expecting a doubling of the PSA, a few points up or down sure. Ok have to deal with what is - like I said above we have a plan. Today was day 2 of the increased Zytiga dosage. Last night woke up with my PJ top soaking wet - Ohh good! Night Sweats Side Effects! This morning had a hot flash - Ohh good another Side Effect!

MsWorrywart - On the TB meds - I have about a week to go on the day a week DOT and than will go to a 2 or 3 day a week DOT. Having less TB Meds in my system should take the pressure off the Zytiga.

Aimzee - Fisher Price Little People House or Barn - on my list! Grandma is in charge of clothes, Grandpa gets to buy toys.

Oncas - Yes the Alpharadin is definitely in my planning.

Jerry L - Thankfully us Prostate Cancer Warriors do have options!

Ed - Thanks - prayers are very welcome!

upstatematt - I'm going to be starting another thread and will really appreciate your thoughts on chemo.

James - Me? Brag on Gigi? I'll have to try that - Laughs!!

Zimac - thank you! prayers are welcome you know you and your hubby have ours. A very Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours

nhwife - Hugs! Hope you and your hubby are doing well.

Passages - My Onc let me go on the Zytiga earlier this year. Now whats next if this does not work....

SpecialLady - the kids (Jennifer and Frank) really enjoyed being able to go to the movie. Grandma, Grandpa and Gigi had a great time! We plan to do this more often.

Thanks everyone, I really appreciate your love and support!

Hugs

Bud

We will beat this crap!