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My journey with Jevtana

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Posted 2/4/2014 12:20 AM (GMT 0)
Update .... for Rob:

Catscan + Revised treatment plan + blood test:

Catscan results - compared to 11/25/13 catscan:

1) Presumptive cyst at right lobe of liver - stable.

2) Interval improvements of lymph node and adrenal glands.

3) Kidneys - need further review with urologist.

4) Small prerectal fluid collection reduced in size.

5) Overall Impression - interval improvement.

Revised treatment plan - for next 3-months:

1) Jevtana will continue but at 4-week intervals - not 3-week!

2) Jevtana treatments at same strength though.

3) Next catscan after the next 3-Jevtana treatments.

4) Xgeva will continue every 28-days for next 3-months.

5) Procrit may start again - to be determined monthly.

6) Lupron to continue - current 6-month intervals.

Blood test results + comments:

WBC           8.9 current          4.5 to 10.5 range

GR#           6.7 current           1.4 to  6.5 range

HGB           9.5 current         11.6 to 17.6 range

PLT            337 current          150 to 450 range

Note: HGB lower than recent months. Will check again next Monday before the Jevtana .... may be getting procrit shot next Monday!

Current PSA should be available by Wednesday - February 5th.

Peace and wellness

Rob & Gizmo

 

Posted 2/4/2014 6:13 PM (GMT 0)
What a good report Rob!
Posted 2/6/2014 2:40 PM (GMT 0)
PSA update for Rob ........

All PSA's while on Jevtana:

Baseline - before Jevtana start 18-weeks ago ........ 83.09

After 3-weeks or Jevtana #1 ............................... 64.78

After 6-weeks or Jevtana #2 ............................... 43.01

After 9-weeks or Jevtana #3 ............................... 25.19

After 12-weeks or Jevtana #4 ............................. 23.92

After 15-weeks or Jevtana #5 ............................. 18.20

After 18-weeks or Jevtana #6 ............................. 15.49

Summary ........ 81% drop in PSA over 18-weeks

For the next 3-treatments of Jevtana - maintenance every 4-weeks.

Peace and wellness

Rob & Gizmo

 

Posted 2/7/2014 9:28 PM (GMT 0)
Rob, great to see that psa continue to drop. Hope the maintenance schedule keeps you in the teens or lower. You seem to be tolerating jevtana well so hang in there for the ride.

Pat
Posted 2/7/2014 10:46 PM (GMT 0)
That is one powerful medication, wow! Thanks for sharing. Enjoy and celebrate!
Posted 2/11/2014 8:55 PM (GMT 0)
Jevtana #7 update on February 10th - for Rob:

Notes - first Jevtana treatment at a 4-week interval but full strength.

           extreme fatigue during and after treatment that day.

           no other SE's except constipation/diarrea cycles first two days.

           

Urologist appointment on February 11th:

           review catscan report from 12-days ago - after Oncologist review.

           some reduction of cancer growth found near kidneys.

           review blood in urine for one day - 11-days ago.

           sample of urine taken to check for UTI - from nefrostomy tube.

           lupron shot - 6-month quantity given.

Miscellaneous:

           will try a PC Fitness weekly program at a local Wellness Place.

           will continue the support group for Recurrence at WP.

           will continue the support group for Spirituality at WP.

           will be checked for Procrit need every two weeks with a CBC.

           will continue the Xgeva shots every 28-days.

           next PSA will be in 4-weeks.

The above is being called my maintenance program - by Oncologist!

Peace and wellness

Rob & Gizmo

 

Posted 2/20/2014 5:42 AM (GMT 0)
Hello Rob and Gizmo.....well I've been off the site for a few days....but I have been checking it on and off during those times....I am just so excited for you and what wonderful results you have gotten from the Jevetana treatments. Is it worth the effort Rob? The fatigue levels, how are they? Can you manage to do anything that requires "strength" and mobility? How is the constipation/diarrhea?

Well husband was going to "rest" from therapies for awhile when last I noted on this thread. However, his PSA went from the 43.11 on January 23rd to 75 today. So he will be back in the "chair next Wednesday for every 3 weeks indifferently, unless the numbers change dramatically as we go along. We kinda know where we stand, we are not stupid, the statistics are there staring us in the face, so we understand our situation and the time span we are in. But I was not impressed with the oncologist's explanation that we have no other alternatives and did not give us any hope as to another possible "miracle drug" that could be in "the works", he said that we have gone the "full gambit"and that there isn't any other therapy left except this chemotherapy treatment. I did not think that was a good advice at this time, we were already upset.....but "it is what it is" isn't it? Time to face facts......I just hate seeing him so lifeless while he's on the treatment....anyway...we are going to go visit our other son in Georgia for a couple of days...get out and about amongst the "living" and then start on Jevtana next Wednesday every 3 weeks for ???????

Will write more later...need to get my "head" straight.......and absorb and go on...
Posted 2/20/2014 4:35 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Sally:

   It's so good to hear from you. For more than a month now, I nearly daily check the "caregivers thread". It so often is of very inspiring attitudes - even though sad stories.

   It sounds like Ted is for moving ahead or back onto Jevtana. It's at least a sign of continuing to fight. God Bless you both.

   I would be a little distresssed at what the new oncologist said - or maybe the way he said it. I hope you just caught him/her on a bad day. I have not had the courage to ask mine that question yet! Although, before Jevtana, he did briefly mention about the possibility of looking into some trials. As I recall, his Nurse Practitioner mentioned something about the University of Chicago. We are in the Chicago suburbs.

   For me personally, the fatigue in general has not increased noticeably. But, my legs - just above the knee - have gotten noticeably weaker the past 6-months or so. It bothers me a lot - mentally more than physically.

   I used to have a small motorcycle but traded that in on a medium-sized motorscooter three years ago - when my advanced PC treatments started. I did not ride it last summer because I felt too weak to safely handle a 320-pound scooter.

   I'm using that now as incentive for this year. It was great fun to ride the summer two and three years ago - mostly in the neighborhood or within 10-miles or less. It got 80+ mpg and was safe up to 50mph or a little more. And I always wore my gear - including a helmut, gloves and proper boots.

   So that's my target for this Summer. I'm not going to sell it yet. I'm giving it one more year.

   By the way .... what you said about reality ..... i understand. With Teds PSA going from 43 to 75 .... I am right with you on that one. The one question i asked when I was told I would be put on the maintenance program was "is my PSA going to stop going down"?

   Of course, no one can answer that. And - PSA does not govern everything in life - but you and I know (like everyone else going thru this) that those stinkin PSA numbers either make or break the next week or month.

   Other updates since my 2/11 posting:

1) Urologist said i do have an infection at the nefrostomy tube.

2) Should be getting that tube replaced next week + antibiotic.

3) The constipation/diarhea cycles seem to be my chemo gift!

4) Extreme fatigue was ONLY the day of the Jevtana treatment.

5) The PC Fitness program was NOT for advanced PC patients.

6) I have two pieces of excercise equipment at home.

7) That's where my motorscooter incentive comes in!!!!

   Sally .... wishing you and yours a great trip to see your son.

   One other thing ... my oncologist has said a couple of things about jevtana. One is that they never give more than 6-treatments without a break to anyone at three week intervals (the Jevtana is known to have built-up side effects). And - fairly often, a patient cannot handle 6-consecutive treatments because of the side effects. The change to 4-week intervals will typically reduce the severity of the side effects.

   The above are the opinions of my oncologist - and seem very reasonable to me. i hope this helps, in some way, for your re-starting Jevtana .... and for that nasty old PSA to start coming back down.

Peace and wellness

Rob & Gizmo

 

Posted 2/20/2014 5:23 PM (GMT 0)
Sally and Rob--

May I offer a few comments regarding treatment and my situation?

First of all, Sally, I wouldn't take the oncologists comments as gospel.
You can go onto clinicaltrials.gov and search for trials that Ted might
be eligible for. There are hundreds of them all over the country. You
can go state by state and find one close to home. If you find one that
Ted can enroll in, give the pertinent information to his doc and let the
doc set things up. I'm more or less in the same situation as Ted, and
the advice, above, was given to me by my doc.

Rob--

I've had two infusions of Jevtana and my PSA dropped almost 60 percent.
The bad news is that it has given me severe neuropathy in both legs and
paresthesia in both hands. My doc took me off Jevtana as a result and
I need a walker to get around. I hope you aren't having the same symptoms
as I had...gradual loss of feeling in my legs, resulting in my being unable to
walk. I start physical therapy next month. I'm scheduled to start Xofigo next
week.

All the best to both Ted and Rob in your battle. Remember Winston Churchill's
famous statement..."Never, never never give up"

Pete
Posted 2/20/2014 10:17 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Pete .........

   I understand what you're saying about the trials. The important parts are where they're located ... and if the patient can qualify.

   Regarding my situation, it looks like you haven't read any of my 4-months worth of detailed descriptions since starting Jevtana.

   First, I just had my 7th infusion 10-days ago. I have given detailed information on each of my infusions from side effects to blood test results to PSA results to miscellaneous data.

   My PSA has come down from 83.09 down to 15.49 over the course of 6-infusions and 15-weeks.

   The side effects of Jevtana or any of the other three chemos I've been on over the past two years are NOT universal. We are all affected in many different ways. I have been fortunate to so far not have any problems with neuropathy. On the other hand, I have had daily constipation or explosive diahrea for 20-months without relief. We all face different demons ... called side effects.

   I wish you well with your physical therapy ... and with your journey.

Peace and wellness

Rob & Gizmo

 

Posted 2/20/2014 11:02 PM (GMT 0)
Rob--

I've read all your posts. I was hoping that you didn't get the neuropathy
as I did. You mentioned some weakness in your legs.I am aware that each
person is different as far as side effects go. I wanted to let others know
that follow your journey of my situation and what happened to me can
happen to someone else.

Pete
Posted 2/21/2014 2:54 PM (GMT 0)
Pete:

   Sorry about my mistake. I had a bad .... day yesterday - and was in a pissy mood. Again - I'm sorry.

   Your right to note other possible side effects. I am in a couple of cancer support groups, and I've noticed that it is fairly common for those with 3rd or 4th stage colon cancer to also get neuropathy - seemingly due to the chemo often used for colon cancer.

   I hope the physical therapy helps you.

Peace and wellness

Rob & Gizmo

 

Posted 2/26/2014 4:11 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Sally .........

   I just read your post on the "caregivers" thread ... wasn't sure where I should write this, but decided to do that on this thread since we've been sharing the "Jevtana" experiences.

   I didn't know you moved from Florida. My family and I lived there also for about 9-years ... a long time ago! My youngest daughter was born there in 1985. I got used to feeling 55 degrees as being a cold day there - in the Tampa Bay area. Now .... back in Chicago, this winter it's only been higher than freezing for 3-days since December. And it was 3-degrees this morning.

   I get it!!!!

   What I wanted to write you about was:

1) I have been on lexapro (anti-depressant) for over 4-months now, and it's largely because of the PCa. It does that to us!

2) Regarding Ted ... while I don't want to even imply any false hopes, I need to mention something to you about his thoughts or comments to you while you were on your trip to see your son.

3) His weight loss concerns you - and seemingly him too. Just FYI .... when I was on my first PCa treatment, Zytiga (two years ago), I did lose over 40-pounds during the 5-months I was on it. The first 25 was needed but the last 15+ was not. I didn't look so good (sunken face) ... I ran out of pants to wear ... BUT, it was temporary. It was strangely the Zytiga and how it affected me.

4) Currently, on Jevtana, all of a sudden ... my hair is coming out in very small clumps (hardly serious but) - it didn't for the first 5-treatments of Jevtana. My Onco has told me that the side effects on Jevtana get worse (for most) as time goes by. Many are taken off the Jevtana after 4-treatments or even less.

Summary for the above:

   I hope Ted is or was going thru some depression on your trip and it was the depression talking. It's most understandable.

   And I hope you're better now - even though so much of what you're both going thru hurts.

   And congratulations on your 50th anniversary.

   And hope his 5th treatment today was OK. I'm due for an xgeva shot myself today.

Peace and wellness

Rob & Gizmo

 

Posted 2/26/2014 4:16 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Pete ......

   Please let us know how the physical therapy is going for you.

Peace and wellness

Rob & Gizmo

 

Posted 2/28/2014 3:13 PM (GMT 0)
Update for Rob ........

   Had the scheduled xgeva shot yesterday ... and got an unexpected CBC test. There were a couple of surprises, but my GR# was OK and PLT was good.

   But the WBC was down to 3.5 ... even 17-days after the last chemo. I was told they were not concerned yet - but will get another CBC and more tests in about 10-days.

   The HG was pretty low at 9.4 .... so it's back to procrit for now (yesterday) and they will check it again in 10-days.

Good surprises:

1) Fatigue is there but still just moderate.

2) No muscle or bone pains.

3) Leg weakness seems slightly better (more protein lately).

4) No hot flashes for many weeks now.

5) No nausea for over a month now.

Summary ..... not crazy about the possible procrit shots every couple of weeks ..... but all other side effects are mostly OK. The constipation and diarrea cycles i guess are a part of my life from now on. Just hope there isn't more damage there than is apparent.

Next Jevtana (which would be #8) is in 10-days on the new 4-week cycle - with a PSA reading a day or two after.

Peace and wellness

Rob & Gizmo

 

Posted 3/1/2014 6:24 AM (GMT 0)
Rob N Gizmo,
Sorry to say that "I" am not happy with new oncologist or facility. I have had trouble getting medication refills (correct & usual dosages) and facility was totally confused over this past appointment and the times/ First for lab times, then doctor appointment time and chemo time. I understand that we were in a "rushed in" situation, but really folks, this is suppose to be a big and renowned facility and it sounded like a bunch of juveniles running the schedule.
We come in and sign in, go to a cubicle, given paperwork to complete (pain levels, medication refills needed, any new pain and in what area, etc), go back and wait to be called for lab, do lab, go wait to see doctor, wait, see doctor and go over issues and questions, have to ask for the refills (what about the paperwork we completed for the refills needed?), go to infusion waiting room, wait, then go in get infusion. Protocol from previous facility more intense than this facility, vitals taken before and after infusion and wait for 30 minutes before chemo given, and wait 30 minutes before you can go home after infusion. Here vital before, but nothing after.

Doctor never gave me a script for Zofren or Prednisone had to ask while we were in the infusion rom. Generic for the sleep medication (Abien) was only 5mg (which I noted on refill form sheet), but script was for 10mg. the Prednisone was previously for 5mg twice a day (again dully noted on refill form sheet), but script was for 10mg twice a day. I am leery of to much Prednisone in his body, especially when you have to ween your self off. Then the generic Lortab, the usually was 7.5 w/325 Tylenol ($15.00 co pay), new script was 7.5 w/500 Tylenol (this caused my copay to go to $40.00). Called nurse, she called back left me message, that she would call back (you can't contact her directly, have to leave a message to someone else, who in turns contacts her), she never called me back. I was calling because of the changes of the dosages of the medications......oh we[l, we are a new patient and will have issues to start with and then (I'm hoping") everything will "smooth out".

Also the other oncologist prescribed the Lasix and Aldoctone, because of the water retention from the meddications, but this oncologist doesn't want to write a script for either one of those meds, wants Ted to get a PCP for theose, I said even though it's the chemo that is causing the water retention, he said yes.

Asked doctor if this Jevtana fails will we do a Zytiga and the Radium 223. He said no......doesn't sound like he is thinking in any other direction than the Jevtana......don't know.

Rob, I think Ted's hair is coming out as well and he just now has had the 5th session. Asked about the neuropathy that may be a side effect. He said yes in the tips of the toe's and finger's.......may come and go, but could stay even after chemo has stopped. Not happy about that. His appetite has decreased, so I made some homemade oatmeal and raisin cookies (his favorite).

He's going to bed by 6:30 or 7 almost every night. He won't take an anti-depression med...I've tried to get him to, but he stops after just a few days doesn't even give it enough time to really get into his system to do any good.

His constipation started even before his chemo session////bought those pills you take, he'd rather drink the prune juice. Yuck!

Venting again...........sorry!

I'll post his numbers the next time after his PSA.
Posted 3/4/2014 4:17 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Sally ....

   So sorry to hear of all the problems from what sounds like the internal support system of the new oncologist. I have had similar (though not as many) problems with my urologists office. His support staff seems lazy and mistake prone .... but my urologist himself is very good ... and personable too. And his nurse knows how to give those 6-month lupron shots in the butt without it hurting at all!!!!

   My current (for three years now) urologist is my third urologist .... just thought the first was incompetant and the second was money hungry!

   Sally .... I hope your frustrating experiences are getting straightened out with the new oncologist.

   Knowing that we all seem to suffer slightly differently with the same chemo .... I will say one thing that helped me the past few weeks is making sure i have enough protein daily. I've focused on fibre - which hasn't done me any good .... but my increase in protein the past month or more has given me a slight but noticeable improvement on my ability to walk up the stairs. My lower thighs seem to be slightly more stable when going up stairs.

   I wish Ted would consider the anti-depressant. I had never been on one in my life until starting the generic Lexapro (20mg) 4-months ago. It really has reduced the high emotions that three years of Lupron has created .... not to mention the chemo too. I have not experienced any side effects with it .... or they were so insignificant, that the chemo and lupron overshadowed the lexapro.

   I consider myself to be very lucky that neuropathy has not become a part of my life yet .... but it could at some point! It does seem like some of the side effects can change when you've been on a chemo for awhile - but it's not necessarily always getting worse.

   I hope Ted's latest Jevtana treatment is of some help to him with no increase in SE's.

Peace and wellness

Rob & Gizmo

 

Posted 3/8/2014 8:07 PM (GMT 0)
Quick Note .... for those on Jevtana:

   Everyones individual oncologist needs to determine the spacing intervals of the Jevtana infusions or injections. But, in my case, I am now on what is called a maintenance program ... meaning the same quantity of Jevtana - but every four weeks instead of every three weeks.

   My side effects have reduced somewhat with the 4-week cycle. My oncologist also stated that, in their office, they will revise the cycle to 4-weeks from 3-weeks - if the side effects are too much to bare ... even if it's only been 2 or 3-treatments.

   Something to consider ..... if the side effects become too much!

   My next treatment (#8) of Jevtana is Monday, and I should have basic blood tests and my newest PSA reading y Wendnesday or sooner.

Peace and wellness

Rob & Gizmo

 

Posted 3/9/2014 12:46 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Rob,
So happy to read your posts and to see that Jevtana is working well for you. I havent been on this forum for the past six months now. Sadly, my dad passed away and I did not feel like coming on here. But today I was thinking about all of you and I am very happy to read your Jevtana journey. Prayers for you and I do really wish that Jevtana works for you for a long long time.
Regards
Chinki
Posted 3/9/2014 2:17 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Chinki .....

   Thank you for your thoughts and wishes.

   I did not know about your Dads passing. Please accept my condolences and know that .... he was very lucky to have you at his side. Hope you're doing better now. Bless you.

Rob & Gizmo

 

Posted 3/11/2014 8:21 PM (GMT 0)
Update for Rob ..... on 3/11/14:

   First, I would like to recommend a book. I just started reading it at my chemo appointment yesterday, and while it may have more info than most of us need, it does answer many questions about PCa and options for treatments. It is named:

"Promoting Wellness Beyond Hormone Therapy" - "Options for Prostate Cancer Patients"!   It is written by Mark A. Moyad, MD, MPH

   The second half of the book is heavily devoted to side effects and diet - while the first half deals with basic terminology, FDA-approved treatments and some info on trials. The text copyright is dated 2011 ... but jevtana is reviewed as an FDA-approved treatment in this book - so the info is very recent!

March 10th treatment and notes:

Blood tests:

WBC ............. 9.3 current ........ range limits of 4.5 to 10.5

GR# ............. 7.8 current ........ range limits of 1.4 to  6.5

Hgb ............. 11.4 current ....... range limits of 11.0 to 18.0

Plt ............... 204 current ........ range limits of 150 to 450

   Note - better than 10-days ago and no procrit needed!

   Next blood test in 14-days!

PSA readings - slight disappointment:

Current - before Jevtana #8 ............. 15.21

Prior - before Jevtana #7 ................. 15.49

Prior - before Jevtana #6 ................. 18.20

Prior - before Jevtana #5 ................. 23.92

Prior - before Jevtana #4 ................. 25.19

Prior - before Jevtana #3 ................. 43.01

Prior - before Jevtana #2 ................. 64.78

Prior - before Jevtana start .............. 83.09

   Summary of a 81.7% drop in 23-weeks

   or less than a 2% drop in the last 4-weeks!

Side effect changes:

1) Hot flashes are brief and not often the past month or two.

2) Nausea has not been a factor since the first week or two.

3) Constipation has been present since before the start of Jevtana.

4) Diarrea has actually become a little less severe the last few weeks.

5) Overall weakness is present - see below.

6) Pain of muscle and/or joints has been very minimal.

7) Hair loss just began moderately a month ago.

      Overall weakness - has slightly improved with more protein intake.

Next:

1) Catscan scheduled for 3/21

2) Meeting with Oncology Nurse Practitioner on 3/24

3) Meeting with Oncology Doctor on 4/7

        To be determined - next Xgeva shot + Procrit if needed!

The journey continues ..............

Peace and wellness

Rob & Gizmo

  

 

Posted 3/20/2014 4:22 AM (GMT 0)
Here's the latest numbers for Ted.......I am having a difficult time reading this new lab reports. The previous ones from Florida were pretty cut and dry....but these are very detailed and for a novice like me, confusing. I almost have to Google everything lately.

02/26/2014 03/19/2014
WBC: (range 4.0 – 11.0) 5.8 6.4
RBC: (range 4.2 – 5.6) 3.92 3.90
HGB : (range 13.7 – 17.0) 11.4 11.5
HCT: (range 40 – 50) 32.2 32.4
PLATELETS: (range 150- -400) 217 213
GRAN: (range 1.6 – 8.5) 3.51 3.81
PSA : (range: WHATEVER) 79.51 79.18
Weight 248 244

We did establish with a PCP and he did prescribe a anti-depressant (Brintellix) for Ted. He had samples and gave us some, of which I gave to Ted almost the moment we got out of the office. Went to Barnes and Nobel, where he got very sick and had to leave to come home, he was very nauseous. Didn't think it was anything, except that he had an upset stomach from the pizza we had the previous night. Long story short, I gave him the meds and for two more days, and the same reaction. So pulled out the insert, got out the magnifying glass and read that if on the fentanyl patch, side effects would occur, just as they had. Okay, so I had given the PCP a typed out listing of all Ted's meds, but he might not have realized the interactions that Ted would have, benefit of the doubt given to PCP.

Anyway, the weather is trying to get better, so Ted can maybe get out and walk some, to try to get some exercise in and develop a longer level of non-fatigue. I can't help but have my concerns with this new oncologist and the ineptness the staff has had in dealing with husband appointments and medication refills. But will strive forward, because this is the avenue that I believe our other oncologist would have taken as well.

Sorry, not very talkative tonight, have a headache and laryngitis and want to go to bed and hope I can rest and sleep a little, so will sign off and will try to get back tomorrow......
Posted 3/21/2014 3:44 AM (GMT 0)
02/26/2014 03/19/2014
WBC: (range 4.0 – 11.0) 5.8 6.4
RBC: (range 4.2 – 5.6) 3.92 3.90
HGB : (range 13.7 – 17.0) 11.4 11.5
HCT: (range 40 – 50) 32.2 32.4
PLATELETS: (range 150- -400) 217 213
GRAN: (range 1.6 – 8.5) 3.51 3.81
PSA : (range: WHATEVER) 79.51 79.18
Weight: 248 244

Why can't my columns stay like I set them up?
Still have laryngitis, and feeling really rotten tonight.
Husband felt unusually active today, did multiple tasks (honey-do's) today. The weather has been better and that in itself is incentive to "get out".
Hope everyone is doing the best that they can do......
Rob, is your hair still coming out?
Posted 3/21/2014 4:21 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Sally ....

   Are things in your new home settling down a little now? Any more remodeling to be finished?

   I am so glad that Ted did agree to take some kind of anti-depressant. I heard last night, as we get older, the seratonin is not produced as easily or as much .... and we all tend to need some help with an anti-depressant - even without PCa.

   Oh, I wanted to say - are you sure the range for the hemoglobin is 13.7 to 17.0? My CBC records have shown the range at 11.0 to 18.0! His actual HGB was 11.4 to 11.5 ..... while my last one was also 11.4. That's actually quite good for someone on chemo!

   My hair is still coming out ... but i do have a lot of hair to lose! I seem to brush out 50 to 100 thin hairs a day - mostly from the sides .... but my sides are still fairly thick. My top is thinned out a bit! Wish that was my only complaint!@!!~!!! 

   I had another catscan today. It's amazing that with 3-passes under or thru the Sieman-made machine, the bill comes out to around $6000. I am on medicare, but that kind of billing is really sickening!

   I believe Ted and I are nearly identical in age - and other than Provenge, our treatments have been nearly identical. I keep hoping that the Jevtana will have at least two happy patients (plus one wife and one dog)!

   Don't forget to take care of yourself too.

Peace and wellness

Rob & Gizmo

 

Posted 3/24/2014 4:42 PM (GMT 0)
Update for Rob - 3/24/2014:

No chemo scheduled.

Blood test scheduled for CBC + Kidney:

WBC ............ 4.5 to 10.5 range  ............ 2.3 actual

GR# ............ 1.4 to 6.5 range ............... 1.2 actual

Hgb ............ 11.0 to 18.0 range ........... 11.0 actual

Plt ..............  150 to 450 range ............  350 actual

   Notes:

1) Kidney results due back tomorrow - to be sent to Urologist.

2) Hemaglobin level - OK - no procrit shot needed!

3) WBC & GR# expected to be low - 14-days after chemo.

Catscan results - from 3/21 catscan:

Results nearly identical to catscan on 1/30/2014!

Miscellaneous:

Xgeva shot due on 3/27/2014.

Summary:

1) Stop Jevtana chemo injections - for the time being.

2) Last two catscans were nearly identical.

3) Last two PSA readings were very close - both just over 15.2!

4) Blood tests will now be every 28-days ... from every 14-days!

5) Will be watching for doubling of PSA - including timeframe!

6) Will likely re-start Jevtana in the future - TBD!

Now ..... it's wait and watch - for the PSA to go back up!!!!

Rob & Gizmo

 

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