Posted 3/13/2016 12:19 PM (GMT -5)
Dear Dochurdles,
I see this is your first post, so I want to welcome you here to our "Band Of Brothers" --- we're here to help each others, support each other, compare notes, share a bit of advice, and to learn from each other.
There are several of us here who are now on ZYTIGA --- I've been on it for over six months now. It's one of the new breakthrough drugs, along with others such as XTANDI ...
I've been on continuous ADT shots since I was diagnosed, then did a series of Taxotere chemo treatments --- some months after the chemo treatments, then my PSA started to creep up --- and then my oncologist and I decided that I should try ZYTIGA next --- we had been discussing it for months in advance, as my "next step" battle plan.
In my case, I felt very fortunate, because ZYTIGA did have an immediate impact on my PSA --- my oncologist had me return within 20 days after I started taking the ZYTIGA pills, just to see if there was an impact. We saw some immediate results, which was very encouraging ! Bit-by-bit, month-by-month, we watched my PSA creep to its lowest level since I was diagnosed --- ZYTIGA helped bring my PSA down even below what I had experienced while on the chemo treatments --- it seemed like a day of small miracles. So, I have already benefited from ZYTIGA --- and so have others here, as well.
You mention side effects, Dochurdles --- best advice is to consult with your doctor on these --- with ZYTIGA, we have to be monitored every month, so you will likely be seeing your doctor very soon. Make a list of your side effects that you are experiencing --- lay your cards on the table with your doctor --- describe your symptoms honestly --- and then go from there. Here's a situation where that patient-to-doctor connection is so important !
Other friends of mine have also benefited from ZYTIGA --- my friends and I did experience a bit of mild nausea, because the four ZYTIGA pills have to be taken on an empty stomach. We discovered that drinking a lot more WATER in between each pill, taken ONE AT A TIME, made the nausea disappear. One morning, in a rush, I "wolfed down" all four pills with very little water --- about an hour later, I had the dry heaves. Lesson learned = drink PLENTY of WATER before you take the pills and in between each pill and after you take the pills.
Another very important aspect about taking ZYTIGA --- you have to take two small steroid pills each day --- these two small steroid pills are taken to help alleviate many of the side effects of ZYTIGA, and to help your body tolerate ZYTIGA. It's essential to remember the small steroid pills each day, as well.
I know when you post about a certain topic, it's helpful to hear from others --- so I just wanted to welcome you, since we are both taking ZYTIGA --- you will find this website helpful and supportive and informative --- feel free to post again --- let us know how you are doing --- and we invite you to share your experiences.
Welcome to our "Band Of Brothers" here, Dochurdles !
Sent with my best to you,
"Iowa State Cyclone"