Side effects to monthly Degarelix and Zometa

I had my 4th monthly treatment of Degarelix and Zometa Friday, July 6. It knocked me down pretty hard. I looked up the side effects of these drugs online and had almost every one listed. For the first time, it affected my work quality. My second treatment back in May was a total breeze. I asked my Doctor and he mentioned that it seems to be a little different each time. I also asked him as a result of this most recent treatment how I might better prepare for the monthly ritual. The one thing that was greatly different between the 2nd and last treatments, was, I did consume fair amounts of alcohol the 2 evenings following the treatment, Friday. I wonder if that could have been a major factor in how my body reacted this time. I also, tried a hydrocodone which I had around to see if it would make me more comfortable. I did not at all. I'm not a fan of that drug in the least. In May, I was completely alcohol and pain pill free. Actually, I'm always pain pill free. Although I did not mention that I drank these nights, my Dr. gave me a couple options to switch to:

1. A long-acting Lupron in place of monthly degarelix. They come in 3, 4 and 6 month forms.

2. Switch from Zometa to an oral weekly form called Fosamax

Any opinions to this?

Thanks for the reply Bud. No, I did not tell my Dr. about the drinking. It was actually the night of the treatment and following night. I have been having good results and feel the same reluctance to switch since its been proving effective. I don't know why my signature isn't posting for you to see my numbers.
In April, my PSA was 62.8. In mid April it went to 24. May was 11, June was 4.95 and July was 3.11. But it really wiped me out this time around. Emotionally, mentally and physically to the point it affected my work quality. I asked the Dr. if there was a way to better prep but I have to assume mixing alcohol with the treatments isn't the best idea. Thanks for your input! Jason

Vegas,
I did not have the Degarelix option available when I was on HT for three years so I can't compare the experience. I can say that Lupron/Casodex (bicalutamide) was my regimen:

25mg 4 month injected doses of Lupron
50mg daily doses of Casodex (Bicalutamide generic available)

On that regimen I experienced various SE's but did relatively well with them. The experience is different for everybody and each on the regimen will experience at least a few of the SE's. As for the Fosamax I also had that one for my bones in 75mg doses daily. I don't recall SE's from it. Zometa is more powerful but if your bone mets are improving it may be adequate to use Fosamax (Sodium Alendronate generic available). Talk to Nick about how the switch might affect you. There could be a transition to a new regimen but it may very well improve your SE's.

Also have you looked into "complimentary" approaches to controlling SE's? I know you have heard me talk about them but we didn't go into detail. If you can try to keep a list of SE's in writing and forward them to our integrative oncology buddy. Or send it to me and I'll attach it with a copy to you and Brian. He'll have some suggestions to try, I'm sure. They don't work for everybody but it's a great approach to trying to lessen the burden of the SE's that's worth a shot...

Tony

This is all helpful and encouraging. Tony, I will write the SEs I experienced in detail and send them to you. Thanks! Jason