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New Journey - Taxotere - Updated 19 March - Done

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Posted 2/20/2013 2:02 AM (GMT 0)
Today was Session three - 41 days since I started

But I forgot to report here one week after session two I received 2 units of blood. My Doc was not surprised as he was expecting that. Definitely felt stronger!

Other side effect's
a general loss of appetite
hair loss continues

So Session three - Had blood work done last week and my Doc wanted to see again this week. Okie Dokie - liver functions are a tad on high side so he reduced the Taxotere dosage by 10%.

Blood work every week is somewhat of a pain in the neck - but me thinks its a good thing!

Other than that all the medications remained the same.

This 'chemo' is really doable folks

Maybe next time I'll ask for a PSA check - maybe:)

Oh Linda drove to the hospital, Linda and Mom than went out shopping and to lunch and shopping. Linda, Mom and GiGi got new outfits. And life is good!

Hugs all

Bud

We will beat this crap
Posted 2/20/2013 2:24 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the update, Bud!

Glad to hear it is "do-able" and of course I am glad to hear about the new outfits. :)

We look forward to seeing you at the Red Stick!
Posted 2/20/2013 3:29 AM (GMT 0)
Awesome Bud....Glad to hear the chemo is not killing you. My sister did it for 6 years to an extent (on again off again) She handled it well. Hope I never get that far but if I do I hope I can handle it as well as you. Good luck!
Posted 2/20/2013 11:53 AM (GMT 0)
My most gooderest buddy what can I say, but  smilewinkgrin smilewinkgrin smilewinkgrin smilewinkgrin smilewinkgrin turn turn turn tongue tongue smilewinkgrin

Just yesterday I was thinking we need more posts from the Heart and Soul of HW and here it is.  Just 2 months to GFMPH Cajun Jeff Style and can't wait to socialize with my gooderest buddy. Mrs Water Guy says hello too!

Terry

Post Edited (Water Guy) : 2/20/2013 5:30:08 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 2/20/2013 12:10 PM (GMT 0)
Good to hear your update, Bud. Upbeat as always! that's contagious, you know!
Posted 2/20/2013 12:12 PM (GMT 0)
Good to hear its going OK... Gives me some hope that I'll be able to handle it if it's in my future.
All the best.
Posted 2/20/2013 12:26 PM (GMT 0)
Was getting worried there for a bit, did not "see" you for a while here. How many rounds 6? Does this mean you are half way done? That would be something to celebrate!! HUGS!
Posted 2/20/2013 2:22 PM (GMT 0)
SpecialLady

3rd session out of 8 or 10. Depending how my body takes the sessions.

Yes I've been a bit absent from HW - been working on what do I do for Medicare - which I have to get er done in mid March. Sounds simple just sign up - yup but that what do you get on top of Medicare? Thats were it gets really confusing.

Also - been doing at least one trip to the VA hospital per week, and than two days to Gigi's place. Busy busy!

Yestersday, on the way home I was definitely not in a shape to drive (yeah Daughter), got home took a nap for awhile. Than last night was up every couple of hours. I had to get up at 6 AM to take Linda to Union Station, now should I nap or not? Hmm think I'll go as long as I can without napping!

Hugs to all!

Bud

We will beat this crap
Posted 2/20/2013 3:19 PM (GMT 0)
Bud,
Glad to hear the treatments are doable. Sometimes, like the word "cancer", the word "chemo" strikes unnecessary fear into the hearts of some. I probably got more of a sympathetic reaction from others when I said I was going through "chemo" than any other treatment. Chemo can be hard but, in this era, it is not to be feared. I hope it is smashing your cancer! Good luck.
Robert
Posted 2/20/2013 3:44 PM (GMT 0)
Bud,

Speaking as a blessed man with nine grandchildren it is obvious to me that GiGi is providing her very positive effect on you. God bless her.

My wife did four heavy taxotere infusions as part of her second breast cancer treatment and did well. The Neulasta really helped and she never had any liver issues. It did wear her down, but she perked up wondefully within a couple of weeks after her last infusion..........just in time to start a couple of months of radiation.

Keep up the good spirits.
Posted 2/20/2013 4:57 PM (GMT 0)
Bud,
You made the day for me(us)!
Marie and Jim
Posted 2/20/2013 4:58 PM (GMT 0)
Thrilled (but not surprised) to read such an upbeat report from you! How very Raddad to be such a trooper (not everyone suffering through chemo notices so much to be grateful for) in his own odyssey, and to post reassuring words for those who know they'll likely walk down the same road.

Hoping the positive mojo holds, and the battle is being won
Posted 2/20/2013 4:58 PM (GMT 0)
JNF

Nine grandchildren? Good for you!

Yes I'm a very blessed man. A wonderful wife, two wonderful daughters, a great son in law and Gigi. Add to that all you wonderful people here on HW that have helped me and continue to help me in so many ways.

No one fights this crap alone!

Hugs to all!

Bud

We will beat this crap
Posted 2/20/2013 8:33 PM (GMT 0)
Bud,
Hang in there buddy! Went to my monthly PC meeting yesterday & my friend who has been fighting this "crap" for 10 years showed up at my invite--he was the "success" story of the night..Surgery, radiation, hormones, and after his drip chemo he has undetectable psa, his hair grew back--white--and he took a part time job to get out of the house--his humor is back along with his strength...After treatments at UW Madison and Mayo health system facility he is 'rockin'..
It's a rough journey and I hope that you are successful--with the support of your women warriors, Gigi, and your many friends you'll be fine..
Bill
Posted 2/20/2013 8:41 PM (GMT 0)
I love you buddy. Hang in there.
Posted 2/20/2013 9:16 PM (GMT 0)
Bud, TIP: when it's transfusion time, always put in your request for some "young blood." It stretches out the boost you feel for a few extra days.

best wishes...
Posted 3/16/2013 12:07 AM (GMT 0)
Not a good report.

Today was to be my fourth chemo session.

Went in this morning, had blood work done in preparation for the chemo.

Turns out I need two units of blood – had the first one today – it took a while to actually get the blood and than 2 hours plus to infusion the blood.

PSA was 98 the day of and before the first session – (9 Jan), was 97.3 after two sessions – was measured on 19 Feb before the third session

PSA Today was 136.8 – that’s after 3 sessions of chemo. My doc thinks may be due to liver as the Liver functions were also high he wants me to have scans.

I asked what could be – he wants to wait till get the results of the scans before he discusses

I’m scheduled for scans next Tuesday – which will also be the second unit of blood

After results of scans will figure out what to do.

Bit of history

On 8 Jan my blood work had showed elevated liver functions so had scans done which showed 4 2cm spots on the liver.

On 9 Jan – first seesion started with a 20% reduction of Taxotere.

29 Jan (day of 2nd session) the liver functions were within tolerance. So had a full dose of the Taxotere

19 Feb the liver functions were a little high – Taxotere dosage was reduced by 10%.

Will figure this out and get back on track! All will be well and I will beat this crap!

Enjoy the weekend all

Bud
Posted 3/16/2013 12:13 AM (GMT 0)
Even a not good report from you sounds upbeat. Scans are good to get. My husband is set for his set on April 16 and the following week we'll get that report as well as a PSA.
Believe it, we will beat this crap!
Posted 3/16/2013 12:38 AM (GMT 0)
Bud,

Always thinking about you...

I need to get new scans as well. Sort of like shampoo - scan, rinse, repeat... docs will find the right combo to put this thing in check.

With your liver counts, are referring to AST and ALT? What range are you seeing that is high? Just asking because sometimes mine are somewhat elevated...

Hang tough,
Jerry
Posted 3/16/2013 12:55 AM (GMT 0)
Bud, I don't know what to say, my heart sank a little reading your update.
Get it worked out, get back on track and beat this crap!
Posted 3/16/2013 1:34 AM (GMT 0)
Bud my bestest buddy my heart goes out to you, I love you like the brother I never had. Can't wait to spend some good GFMPH times with you next month. Hang in there and beat this crap.
Posted 3/16/2013 1:49 AM (GMT 0)
Bud, been looking for an update, but not this one. Hugs and prayers.
Posted 3/16/2013 2:54 AM (GMT 0)
Hi there, how is xtandi working for you guys. My dad Gleason score 9 bone mets was on hormone for only 5 months. Taxotere only gave him few months and now wee are debating between zytiga and xtandi.
Posted 3/16/2013 3:00 AM (GMT 0)
My husband has done both. There is a possibility he was removed to quickly from Zytiga. Now on Xtandi and not looking great, but will be re-evaluated next week. Good luck with your decision making. There doesn't seem to be any one answer, treatment that is guaranteed; especially at their stages.....there is always hope.
Posted 3/16/2013 3:35 PM (GMT 0)
Bud,
We know you're gonna get through this..you got so much love from so many friends and family! We're ALL in this together! Take care of yourself ..a little stronger each day. see you real soon!
Jim and Marie
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