chemo docetaxel? or enzalutamide (xtandi)? need to choose!

Hi

I started on Enzalutamide. It is a kinder drug in terms of side effects and for 7 months it really worked in terms of pushing back the cancer and PSA levels. After a while (and it varies hugely by patient), the cancer will become castration and blocker resistant. I've just started chemo a year on from diagnosis but it was worth trying Enzalutamide. You never know you may be one of the lucky ones where it works for years.       

Hi Sussex thanks for reply

I've got 15y old kids, not told them yet.

They will be starting there GCSE year.

I've been with partner 4y.

Out of the 2 the enzalutamide sounds less of an impact on us all.

Nurse says enzalutamide can work for 3-18 then would need do chemo next.

Already on injections and have radiotherapy on horizon.

It's all bit shit as this all changes me as a caveman.

Hi Troxly,

I was diagnosed 20 months ago with advanced pc (PSA at the time 525) and have been on monthly firmagon injections and daily enzalutimide tablets. My PSA is now 0.5. Initially I felt very tired after the tablets and not too bad after the injections, now it is the other way around. Generally, I still feel healthy, although starting to feel a little out of breath. All the best your treatment whichever it my be.

Hi makanlah, 

Glad your doing ok.

The specialist nurse said during covid lockdowns, advanced pc cacer patients were given enzalutamide instead of chemo due to not going into hospitals and needing find other home based treatments?

She has said they found that our comes with enzalutamide was kept as alternative treatment as it actually worked well???

Have you had much bodily issues, pains, reduced flows?

All the best

Hi Troxly, 

I agree with your first paragraph, that was exactly what I was told at time of diagnosis. 

The treatment has certainly reduced the pain I used to have, especially in my wrists. I do still have discomfort in my hips from time to time, but not so bad as to need painkillers. 

Other bodily functions are fine

After 20 months on Firmagon and  Enzalutamide my PSA is continuing to come down. My testosterone fluctuates though.

Good luck with your treatment. 

How is the weight gain.

Seems to be one of the unavoidable side effects? Somach and chest?

I have put on a couple of kilos, but I feel this can be managed with diet and exercise. 

Certainly there has been an increase in my spare tyre and my bra size.

Other side effects are the hot flushes and hair loss. I'm slowly losing bodily hair, but after 30 odd years of being bald, there is some regrowth up there!