The Journey Continues

I’ve often told people that this PC thing is a journey. At times a rollercoaster ride that throws you side to side, up and down. Other times it’s a reflection pool, letting you see who you truly are and where you’ve been. My ride continues from the miracle of LU-177 (now, Pluvicto), where PSA went from 65 to 0.64 in 10 months, to the present, with my most recent labs with a PSA of 2.05, up 103% from the previous month. I’ve never had an increase greater than 54% the past 5 years—but then again, I’ve been blessed.

Now, another chapter begins. Watching the monthly PSA, talking to my stellar onco teams on possible next steps. Can I do Pluvicto again? My docs have said “probably, yes.” If so, is it covered by insurance? Does the insurance company say it matters that you’ve already had 6 treatments? One onco doc even wondered whether the insurers would say Pluvicto “worked” for me—or didn’t work because my PSA is going back up? These questions can’t yet be answered because no one’s been down this road.

What I know is that if my doctors say I should try another round of Pluvicto, I’ll do it, whether insurance covers it or not. Again, I’m blessed that that is an option. I will also continue to report on this journey as I get answers to these questions. Keep the faith, brothers, and thanks for your continued support.
-Steve

Steve,
The treatment worked. It knocked your PSA down to just about nothing. Unless there's a compelling reason to believe a second round won't work, how can insurance not cover it? I'm sure they will try to find a way. Probably doesn't cost any more than some ADT drugs.

So many questions. Let the PSA go high again and then do a full 6 cycles? Maybe it could work in some type of chronic management scheme?

I hope you get a chance to try it again. Good luck!

Hello, Steve55777 ~

Your analogy regarding the roller coaster ride ~ and the reflection pool ~ resonates with me.

I have given thanks for the jaw-dropping results you have had from PLUVICTO. It still continues to astound me.

That being said ~ I think of you as a trailblazer.

You're blazing a treatment trail which hasn't been cleared or mapped. You're helping to mark the trail, to be sure.

I was the first fellow at my treatment center to embark on the "early chemo plan" when it first became recommended. I was then the first fellow to start ZYTIGA.

What meant the most to me ~ months later ~ was when my oncologist told me that the results I experienced led the way for these approaches to be tried with other patients.

Your experiences shared here have already helped inform others!

It's incredible, really ... and PLUVICTO is a new treatment approach that is truly needed.

I believe the impactful results you experienced could be replicated, once again.

Your medical team will surely share their wisdom and guidance ...

In the future, this treatment will be commonly used and heavily utilized.

I believe another series of treatments would have the tremendous power to pack a mighty wallop against the foe, once again.

I have been keeping you in my thoughts, and I send to you my ongoing support.

I follow all of your posts and your journey inspires me, Steve55777.

May your courage and tenacity remain undaunted!

In fellowship ~ from "one brother to another" ~

CYCLONE ~ # Iowa State University

Steve, Have to confess to more than a gulp or two after reading your latest. We all hope that you will be able to undertake another set of treatments, but we all recognize the complexity of getting that done in our insurance system. You mentioned that you would consider self pay. Have you considered looking into treatment in Getmany? LU-177 treatment is well established in Germany. And the Euro is at historic lows vs the dollar. Three or four years ago I corresponded with a man who, having exhausted options in the US, stated he was considering Germany. We lost touch, so I don’t know if he actually followed through. I have no information, but perhaps self pay in Germany would turn out to be a lot less expensive than in the US. And more important, actually available. Wishing you all good fortune and speed in finding a way… Bill

Steve,

Stay strong, and fight the fight!
Have another round of Pluvicto.

Take care and may God bless you and your family!!