Chemotherapy for advanced metastatic prostate cancer

Hello Jane B,

Welcome to the friendly and helpful bunch on this forum. 

If you click on the chair next to my name then you will see that my husband is in a very similar situation to yours who is currently undergoing chemotherapy, prompted by a rise in PSA after being on enzalutamide. He had an MRI and CT scan after 3 cycles which showed that the secondary metastases are shrinking. To what extent we don't know until the end of treatment but I am sure others will chip in with their experiences after the full sessions, especially for bone mets.

Yes, there are treatments beyond enzalutamide such as immunotherapy if your area does it. New treatments are being made available all the time as well as the possibilities of trials.

As for tips on getting through chemotherapy it is the usual -diet, exercise, rest when you need to and listen to your body and the experts. Keep a diary of your chemo sessions noting pains and aches, moods etc. Different doctors have different protocols but the overriding one is to maintain Quality of Life. Letting the experts know how you husband is reacting to each cycle allows them to tailor the medication to his needs.

Ask as many questions as you like. This is just the first response to what I am sure will be many from people willing to share their experiences.

Hi Jane

Chemo often helps for PC, I am sure that he will benefit.

Also worth considering something newish ,  Olaparib for advanced cancers (PARP inhibitor) and not available everywhere.

I have read good things about it, you can check it out online, plenty of info out there.

Probably go with Chemo first  and in the meantime u can start investigating for future use if needed.

best wishes

Steve

hi Alwayshope, thanks so much for your reply it’s good to hear from someone that’s in a similar situation. IAlways think that knowledge is from others is so helpful. I will investigate immunotherapy too. The main thing is getting through the chemo without too many side effects. I will definitely read your husbands story too. Thanks again 

Jane, there is a thread 'Chemotherapy Infection Control' which gives you some additional information about what to expect with chemo and precautions whilst your husband is on it. It is currently on page 8 but will slip to page 9 if there is another new post.

Knowledge is power.

Chemo dosent have to be all bad although when the oncologist told us this I didn't believe him. My hubbie has had 2 sessions so far and has his next treatment on 15 September. The only symptom he gets is a metallic taste from day 5 which starts to reduce on day 9 and then goes 3 days later. He still carries on as normal but I watch him like a hawk. I am terrified of infection so gardening is banned,. We have taken the decision to not see friends or go out for meals, again because of the risk. I thoroughly clean the house every 2 days and we use separate bathrooms and towels. I might be over the top with this but I would rather be safe than sorry. Have a read of his profile. Hope your husband gets on well with his treatment.

Thanks for the info. I couldn’t agree more, knowledge is power

Thank you Shar, it’s good to hear what other people are doing 

Hi Jane

i am also advanced prostate cancer Gleason 10. I was diagnosed 5 years ago and immediately started chemotherapy. Had 6 cycles with an infection on cycle 4. A couple of days in hospital cleared it up. Followed this with RT 20 cycles. I have been on Prostap for 5 years and may soon add Enzulutamide to the mix. I’m closely monitored and my oncologist is confident there are plenty of options out there when needed. 
Stanley

Thanks Stanley, we were afraid to ask the question “what happens after chemo? Is that it or are there other options?” My husband is afraid they’ll say that’s it and there’s nothing more to try. He is very low at the moment 

Hi Stanly can I ask please how soon after your chemo did your rt start .thanks