Zytiga - Stay the course

PSA went from 66 to 71 – That’s after being on the increased Zytiga for 14 days. My oncologist said that’s just about the same and we can continue with the Zytiga and see where it is in 2 weeks (my next scheduled appointment). He does not know if it’s just the Zytiga has failed or if even with the increased dose the Zytiga has yet to overcome/blunt the TB meds

I'll be on TB Meds three times a week through April. Would have been two times a week but I can't stand the Isoniazid
I'm special! They have never treated someone with prostate cancer and TB before - oh lucky me!

I asked what are the options – he said well lets not talk about that until we need too. I laughed and said right I know – still –

We spoke on options

He has lots of options still open some being

Provenge – well this was a surprise as he had basically said no before due to my extensive bone mets. He is looking into it.

Xtandi – possible but could run into the same conflict with the TB meds

Increase Zytiga doseage (son in law asked) – Doc said we are already in uncharted waters with the increase I’m on. So no

Taxotere – Spoke about this one for awhile, he said they give it like water (being use with a lot of patients – not just prostate cancer guys), has had a lot of success with it (70 % of patients do well), yes it is hard but lots of ways to manage. It is the big gun mainstay treatment. 8 to 10 treatments are standard spaced 3 weeks apart. 10 sounds like the upper limits a person can stand. I’ve agreed if the Zytiga does not work will seriously consider. Also if I go to the Taxotere and have a hard time with it - will get me off that and to something else.

Alpharadin – looks really good, but when will it be approved. He thinks in early 2013 also. The Alpharadin targets the bone mets.

I asked about clinical trials, not that I have anything in mind right now, basically to understand what my Onc does / will do.

Basically he looks to those when all the available treatments have failed or if the patient is in a lot of pain – which is not your case . I asked well if we find something that looks good would he work with us – Yes.

Based on simply my thoughts, If assume the PSA increased daily at the same rate

From 33 to 66 - 0.78 per day
From 66 to 71 - 0.38 per day

Which would indicate the increased Zytiga dose is indeed working.

Could have been better, could have been worse.

Hugs all

Bud

We will beat this crap

Sorry that worry of "failure" is in the air. I know fully well the feeling!! I concur with SoComf re: Taxotere. I went 8 rounds three weeks apart before I gave it up (PSA rising). T'aint fun, and VERY hard on all systems of the body, but it *DID* work for about two months.

Keep plugging away!

Bud,
I am glad that your VA doctors will work with you! Answers that question..
Best wishes
Bill
You will beat this crap!!

I think you're very wise to note the slowing rate of increase once the dose was dialed up, and conclude there's a good chance the Zytiga is still effective for you, it's just currently hobbled by your TB meds. And even if that's not the case, it's reassuring to hear of so many, and such promising, options, and see that your doc is very inclined to work with you in the fight. But personally I think the Zytiga is still working and you'll see better results eventually.

Thanks for the update and remember, you have multitudes you've touched and inspired, so you've got more prayers and positive thoughts and karma than you can imagine. As your family demonstrated with that fantastic party they threw you, no one fights alone!

Katie