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PSA still high with chemo

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Posted 4/20/2013 8:40 PM (GMT 0)
Hi all,

Looking for some much needed advice. My dad has had 4 rounds of chemo (docetaxel) due his 5th on Friday. PSA was before chemo 299 and spiked to 624 after first couple of sessions. Dr told us this would happen so didn't panic so much. It has however only gone down by 4 after his 4th round of chemo. I must add though, that initially it was 1100 so he is still in a better position than 2.5 yrs ago. We know there is a lot of cancer to keep at bay but getting conflicting advice.
Dads oncoligst said would expect a dramatic drop at nxt bloods, which was 3 weeks ago but he was away so seen his registrar, and if not will stop chemo and discuss alternative treatment. However the registrar we seen last appointment and his chemo nurses say to not pay too much attention to his numbers at this stage but more on how he is in himself, and also that chemo can give false PSA reading until after treatment stops???
I must say my dad had tollerated chemo fansastic so far and still looks really well, you would never know to look at him, using cold cap and so far no hair loss.
I'm just really struggling to know what to advise him and also who to listen to.
Would really appreciate any help and advice

Lisa
Posted 4/21/2013 1:47 AM (GMT 0)
Lisa, Has your Dr. considered Zytiga and Casodex. This Combo saved a friend of mine when his numbers were jumping as high as your Dad's. I'm no Dr. but it's worth asking your onc about.
Posted 4/21/2013 1:51 AM (GMT 0)
Lisa I don't know anything about the PSA etc. but wanted to tell you we're praying for your father (and family). Hang in there.
Posted 4/21/2013 8:04 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for replies, dad is currently still having degarelix injections (4weekly) so thinking that possibly zytiga will probs be our next step?
Initially Dr wanted him to have 10 chemo sessions but don't know if he'll stop them now and if that's the best option...
Posted 4/21/2013 4:35 PM (GMT 0)
All I can say is anecdotal, OK? My friend's husband had PSANumbers off the charts like your Dad's, he was 62 at the time and I suggested that they talk to their onc about a combo of Zytiga and Casodex. They did that and that's what their onc did and her hubby"s PSA went way down and he is one happy camper now. I Am not a Dr. but this worked in this case. Hey, it never hurts to ask, huh?
Posted 10/25/2014 2:42 PM (GMT 0)
Are you the same Lisa that said you found an insurance co.that will approve Fentora for non-cancer pain? If so could you give me their name? Just joined today, have encephalopathy as well as a spine docs describe as a train wreck. Pain so bad I'm paying $2500 a month for seven good days...attempted suicide last year before insurance cut off Fentora. Am really desperate for help. Make too much money, over $48K a year, for Cephalon assistance. Who can afford over $100k a year for a drug? How can they patent a glorified, mini Alka Seltzer tab? Why do I get Fentanyl patches approved, just a different delivery method of same med. I need help and fast. Recently changed insurance, sales told me all I needed was a precert,nno problem. Now they won't pay for Fentora OR Gralise, extended release neurontin. I'm in constant pain, scared and can't believe the FDA of my America is so entangled with Big Pharma! What happened to compassion in my country? I cry a lot.
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