Zytiga exhaustion

My PSA has gone from 909 in May, 2017, to less than 0.02 since September, 2017. So I’m alive, but Stage 4 with metastasis to L5 veterbra and pelvic lymph nodes. So Zytiga is keeping me alive. But I was in good shape before this dx, and had good strength for my age (now 74). But Zytiga has made me weak, constantly out of breath, and unable to follow an exercise regime that would be effective. I can walk 3-4 miles on level ground at 3.5 mph (with a couple of 5 minute breathers) but am winded after doing a flight of stairs. When I talk to my doc about the side effects, he tells me that I should do as much exercise as I can stand.
So my question is: Is there an exercise program that’s specifically designed for guys like me who have absolutely no testerone? My goals are modest, just to be able to do normal stuff without becoming totally exhausted.

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Post Edited By Moderator (142) : 10/7/2018 9:22:38 AM (GMT-6)

Michael, I must say you are amazing. I also have a tennis playing friend who has not done quite as well as you but he is still playing tennis and trying to find a chemo that will work. The good thing is you live at sea level. There is a women's program in Seattle that looks like an excellent program https://teamsurvivornw.org/exercise-and-cancer/ I would think men could do the same thing if they were willing to share how they did it. You are motivated and have stamina issues that are holding you back from doing the exercise that you want. If you wanted the company you could work with your hospital and start your own exercise program. They could provide a qualified trainer and the other participants. If you don't want to deal with all of that you could get your own trainer. This might be expensive and you might look at a city gym or the YMCA for the trainer. Another approach would be to get a PT order from your doctor to deal with your issues. They will develop a plan for you to start increasing your stamina. You might need some help with this from your doctor to make sure you are covered by insurance. There are numerous cardiac exercise programs too. You would think that there would have similar programs for cancer patients. It seems to me that you need a little help. Let your doctor know this. Basically, you are ready to go but need some additional support. Hopefully, he will be willing to offer some help. If not, I know you will find a way sooner or later. You are an inspiration to me and I am sure others will benefit for your efforts. Keep up the fight.

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68 yrs., marathon runner, PSA .012, 8.12.18, 1.42 June 18, 2018 (Lupron 5.21.18 & 8.15.18), 12.7 May 2018, 13.7 Jan. 2018, 2.1 May 2012. SpaceOar 9.6.18, testosterone <.7, 8.15.18, Tot Mayo 19 ng .17 testosterone Free 6.18.18, Gleason 3+4=7 involving 15% of the right apex and 15% of the right mid, 3+3=6 prostate cancer involving 5% of the left base. Pathology interpretations by John Hopkins, UNM Cancer, and SF Path 3+4=7 or 4+3=7 MD Anderson Proton Center w/o %. T3 MRI 1.8 lesion left side 5P, Neg. Bone Scan. Prolaris test 3.5 consistent with intermediate and a PTEN test negative. Father PC age 78 RT & ADT now 93 yrs. Neurogenic bladder due to lumbar disk disease and recurrent bladder neck contracture with urinary retention man. 20 years doing catheterizations. TURP & scaring 2003, Finasteride 5 milligrams daily since 2002.

Welcome to HW.

That's a good walking program you doing. Sadly the treatment does take its toll and other than pushing harder, I am not sure there is anything else you can do. As for an exercise program/class/thing, I am not aware of any. You might check and see about having a consult with a physical therapist. Also check your in your are if any hospital or medical facility has a PT program for cancer patients.

Andrew

I do seems to find hill/ grades harder so I try to walk them in the early stage of my walk if possible. I do find then getting somewhat easier, but not perfect. It takes time ,with a T level of .1 it takes it's toll also.

I’ve been on Zytiga a couple months now, after docetaxel and I continue on lupron and xgeva for bone Mets. Last scan shows 95% gone. I work out every other day and the strength that was zapped by chemo earlier this year has come back almost 80%. Hiking again too but it took 4 months of work to build back up. Hang in there.
Todd, you are such an inspiration. Thanks very much!!

I would think the amount you're walking is great. I haven't heard much about weight work. My oncologist (and surgeon), both prominent practitioners, emphasized weight bearing activities. As my oncologist put it -- these medications melt muscle. SantaZia, above, mentioned physical therapy. If you can get that covered great. Either way, hit the gym. Do some squats to strengthen your legs.

I went to the gym during docetaxel. I'd come home and tell my wife "I got a decent 1/2 hour workout -- but it took two hours!". If you saw me there I was just sitting most of the time. Take your time. Start easy.

Best to you

Excellent response to the Zytiga Michael! If you haven't do so already, please ask your doctor's office or call your local hospital and ask for information about local resources for people with cancer. Treatment for pretty much all cancer types results in fatigue so exercise and wellness programs for people with cancer seem to be common. Unless you are in a very rural area, you'll likely find multiple community or hospital affiliated exercise programs for people with cancer. I've found them from my local hospital, my PCa support group, and even my neighborhood fitness center has a program and trainer certified to work with people being treated for cancer. They may not be PCa specific programs but the people running them should be able to assist you with a customized plan based on your needs. If all else fails, you can find some exercise information online from national PCa groups like USToo.

I've taken advantage of some of the programs available in my area, and they do help. Still, as others have said here, the bottom line is doing something and keeping it up as you can. Walking multiple miles as you do is great exercise. I was able to keep working out in my gym while on Zytiga, but even so at 52, like you, I got winded on stairs after starting Zytiga.