RE: [CHB] Positive Zytiga Results

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Hello Jim and others interested, I am experiencing several side effects though not debilitating: - significant tiring/weakness as result of testosterone down to <3.0ng/dl- major problem is weakening of muscles that, in my case, includes urinary sphincter muscles thus near 100% incontinence requiring about 5 changes a day of the Poise “overnight” thickness pads – interestingly, hardly any leakage when abed likely because there is no bladder pressure on the sphincters while lying down; one-bout of urinary infection cleared up with an antibiotic- light-headedness/sudden warmth and total fatigue with pulse increase that comes on occassionally but lasts just a few minutes- some confusion in recall of current schedules though no problem with recall of past events/subjects. I keep a positive attitude about most everything I do or get involved and anticipate that once completing the series of Zytiga, these side effects will resolve. If they don’t, I’ll continue to deal with them as part-and-parcel to continuing survival. All in all, not hard to put up with recognizing I apparently have a pretty good mind-set wherein I don’t let things take control of me. I weathered 15 years of on/off/on/off and now back on ADT managing this danged cancer, and as long as the medications are performing as intended, I’ll continue to put up with the side effects. My experience is absolutely nothing compared to the much more debilitating effects friends like Arnold and several others on these forums are dealing with in their fight to combat this enemy within us. (Sorry that I don’t recall all of your names, but know I pray for you as a group every day). Chuck From: Jimjoliet@... Sent: Saturday, December 24, 2011 12:48 PMTo: maack1@...; advancedprostatecancer ; ProstateCancerSupport ; chb@...Subject: Re: [CHB] Positive Zytiga Results That's great news, Chuck. What side effects have you had, if any, with the Zytiga? Jim ********** The CHB mailing list is intended for informational purposes only. Be aware that much of the material on this list represents the opinions and interpretations of other patients. Recommendations should NOT be regarded as professional advice. Conduct your own research and discuss your options with health care professionals involved in your care.********** Positive Zytiga Results:In September 2010, after 14 years on/off/on/off androgen deprivationtherapy, I completed my second intermittent androgen deprivation (IAD) thathad lasted two months short of 6 years while " maintaining " withdutasteride/Avodart over that entire period. My PSA had finally reachedthe 2.0ng/ml plateau I had decided would be the appropriate time to returnto adding bicalutamide (generic of Casodex) and Lupron to my continuingAvodart. With this return to ADT3 my PSA fluctuated down to as low as1.67ng/ml by May 2011. However, despite this triple hormonal blockade, itthen gradually began elevating and with the PSA level reaching 2.55ng/ml onSeptember 2, 2011, I began abiraterone acetate/Zytiga 1000mg upon risingeach morning (requires empty stomach) accompanied by Prednisone 5mg twicedaily along with continuing Lupron and Avodart. In three weeks PSA droppedto 1.61ng/ml. At two months, PSA continued drop to 1.28ng/ml. On December22nd, at a week short of four months, my PSA continued its drop to0.74ng/ml. Testosterone has dropped to <3.0ng/dl (as we would expect withZytiga effectiveness). All other CBC/CMP lab results at this time withinnormal ranges. CT imaging with and without contrast unable to identifylocation of any tumor activity though did determine osteopenia. ACirculating Tumor Cell (CTC) test determined zero cancer cells circulatingin the blood stream. I am currently scheduled to continue this Zytigaprotocol for a total 180 days (six 30-day prescriptions).Obviously pleased to be among those wherein Zytiga has proven to beeffective.Chuck Always as close as the other end of your computer to help address anyprostate cancer concerns. " What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but whatis woven into the lives of others. " (Chuck) Maack - Prostate Cancer Advocate/ActivistEmail: maack1@... PCa Help: " Observations " http://www.theprostateadvocate.com