Abiraterone question

Bill,
I stayed on zytiga until it quit working, three years after beginning the med. Prednisone was probably more impactful to me than the zytiga. It could make me a jerk, or my wife might say a bigger jerk. Eight years of ADT has also let to brain fog and memory problems, but I no longer cry when a squirrel falls out of a tree. Just my experience, so far on this PCA journey.
Michael

I have been on it for 1 1/2 years now.... Have been >0.01. side effects for me have been the hot flashes... nausea some mornings, and dry heaves... otherwise ok..no brain fog, but a lot of mussel gone...

Mr. bill,
First let me say.."Oh ...Noooooooooooooo"..loved that claymation guy.
Congrats to you on over 4 years with reduced PSA. That is a great result so far.
I have been on 1000mg Zytiga and, and currently generic Abiraterone and 10mg of prednisone a day for 7 years now. Still undetectable, PSA, PTL. Cyclone and I have have this saving the bottles thing going on, a constant reminder of the great effect that is happening to us. There have been periods of expired prescriptions lasting days(Onc Doc says it stays in your system after stopping for several days, even weeks.) Occasional forgot to take it on some days days(Brian Fog) , side effects of hot flashes, which I begrudgingly get used to those, fatigue, low RBC and Iron and possible recent bouts with dry heaves in the mornings, which I guess may be a side effect. But I have not been on a reduced dosage. I know others have..good going Go Bucks. Todd1963 went on an extended Zytiga vacation for a few months , an saw a slight bump up in PSA, now back to undetectable longer than most all of us.

Anyway follow that excellent advice from Cyclone , keep vigilant with regular doctor instructions and blood tests. and..keep the faith, and look both ways before crossing the street..oh nooooo!!!!

Wings aka Dan in So Cal at 70 degree tonight.

Hey Mr. Bill,
I think the side effects you describe are common for many of us taking Zytiga/Abiraterone Acetate and some have reduced their dose because of high liver enzymes. But I have not heard of someone reducing their dose because they are doing so well. I have also heard of ADT vacations where you go off all meds for a certain period of time. To me this is a gamble because you don't know if your cancer will return in a more aggressive form. Personally, I have been on Zytiga/Abiraterone since November 2015. I started after chemo failed and my PSA started to rise again. Shortly after I became undetectable again and have been so ever since. I find that I too suffer from the effects such as hot flashes, lack of energy, a constant feeling of not getting enough sleep, etc. Also, because prednisone is a steroid, I asked my oncologist if I could reduce my prednisone from 10 mg to 5 mg and they agreed. If you do decide to reduce your dosage, your oncologist will likely want to monitor you a little closer to determine if the reduced dose is having an adverse reaction. Whatever you decide to do, please continue to let us know how you are doing. Your experience whether positive or negative provide talking points when we meet with our own oncos. Best to you.

I think that's great, Mr. Bill, that you have a PSA test coming up in early November.

The way October is flying by --- it won't be long until then!

You have the assurance --- mentally and physically --- that if you and your oncologist see a "blip on the radar" --- you can then discuss things, and adjust things, accordingly.

Peace of mind, right there, my compadre!

That being said --- with me being on ZYTIGA for over six years now --- would it be wise to run lab work again in December or early January --- just to be proactive?

My oncologist has me run labs, each month --- various components, each time.

At first, I remember wondering if that frequency was overzealous --- but as time goes on, it has been to my benefit. My oncologist is amazing in his ability to "drill down" into specifics.

I get to the lab early, so that ALL lab tests have been assessed before I see my oncologist --- that same day.

I greatly prefer visiting with him in person about my lab results, rather than checking my online results. He provides thoughts, interpretation, and context that I find very helpful.

His dedication to lab work specifics allows me to maintain my health goals, energy levels, and active life.

I think your lab work will be a helpful & indicative tool for assessing how things are going for you --- in terms of adjusting the ZYTIGA dosage.

Here's to staying focused on the future, Mr. Bill ---- and looking ahead to the future!

I will watch for future posts and updates from you, good sir!

Appreciative of your contributions here on the website, over time!

Here's to the weekend ahead ----
CYCLONE --- # Iowa State University

Hello, Mr. Bill ----

Since you are just now adjusting your ZYTIGA (ABIRATERONE ACETATE) dosage, I wholeheartedly agree with your thinking --- that getting a PSA test every month --- at least for "right now" --- will give you and your medical team some reliable data --- to see how the change is going.

I think, too --- the PSA is a simple routine for us fellows here --- we all know the drill --- and for you, with the dosage change ---- it would provide some "peace of mind" --- knowing that you and your doctors are keeping a close eye on things.

It's like you are in the middle of "crossing a bridge" right now --- a change in dosage --- and staying on the timely testing routine will give you insight -- affirmation --- or indications that a further consultation is needed.

You mentioned your next visit to the lab is in early November --- another lab draw in December might be a great idea --- and it would give you and your doctor some valued data for the NEW YEAR ahead!

I will watch for your next posts, Mr. Bill!

Here's to continued treatment success, good sir!

A good day ahead ~~~
CYCLONE -- # Iowa State University