Posted 5/3/2020 3:30 PM (GMT 0)
Mrs. B.D. ----
I always follow your posts, and have been thinking of you and your husband.
Like your husband, I also see my oncologist every four weeks.
At first, I teased him and said I felt like a "dog on a very short leash" ---- but with initial complexities in my case, I now see this as a very proactive approach.
Initially, my PSA was skyrocketing. They rushed to get my first ADT shot injected. I asked for chemotherapy immediately.
The FDA was almost ready to recommend the "early chemo plan" ---- and the minute my doctors received the "green light" ---- I was called in that very day, and I joined the first wave of fellows here who were treated with "the early chemo plan" ...
I'm a teacher, and these treatments began at the beginning of a new school year. Time was of the essence!
Meanwhile, I hope your recent PROVENGE treatments will pay important dividends.
Something I have experienced --- I feel some of my treatments have attacked the cancer cells in one way, allowing the next treatment to be more effective, and then attack it in a different way. This is my wish for you.
You mentioned ZYTIGA as a "next step" treatment.
Many of us here have been on ZYTIGA. I have been on ZYTIGA for nearly five years. So --- I want to share some HOPE with you today.
Comrades here banded TOGETHER, to put together "down in the trenches" first-hand experiences with ZYTIGA.
I recommend this thread to you and your husband today. It includes tips on mitigating side effects, and best ways to take this daily medication.
The ease of taking a daily medication AT HOME was such a relief, after running to the clinic for lengthy chemotherapy infusions and subsequent shots of NEULASTA and ADT shots.
I invite you to check out the Zytiga thread today. Simply go to the top of your screen and find the search icon, which might have a magnifying glass icon for the search feature. Then, type in this specific thread title, as follows:
ZYTIGA: OUR COLLECTIVE EXPERIENCES
The thread title will immediately appear on your screen. Click on it, and begin reading --- you might want to print it off for your husband, as well, for reference.
More than ANYTHING ELSE, we are here for you.
Keep reaching out to others, form a trusted bond with your medical team, and keep posting here.
Sending you 100% of my support! We're in this LIFEBOAT together.
Our job each day? Just keep ROWING, one day at a time!
With all my best, sent to you --- from across the miles,
Cyclone - # Iowa State University