To Chemo or Not To Chemo !??!

Just thinking---

The decision for men in what I call, the "terminal" stage of PCa, to try Taxotere, seems to be a decision that many men make blindly (hey, its the "last chance"). Of course, Taxotere, usually prolongs life by a few months or more but at what cost to the patient? I understand that Taxotere's side affects are tolerable but that is at the standard dosage. What about the higher dosages that are in clinical studies right now....the higher doses presumbably will take a higher toll in adverse reactions.

So there is the question that a lot of us are or will some day face....is it worth a few months more, if those few months are going to be spent vomiting, not eating because everything tastes like metal, more bone loss, etc?? Maybe in the next year or so, Provenge will likely take the place of Taxotere and with that, quality of life will be preserved till close to the end. And for that, the decision should be easier. Also, the continual improvements of hormone ablation drugs will hopefully prolong patients in the hormone-dependant zone, which ultimately is the better alternative.

 

I'll respond both of you guys here...

Joey,
I have a few friends that did multiple phases of Taxotere and responded well to it. The general statement that it adds a few months is true for the population but some guys it works for much longer. Some guys it does not work at all. One such friend of mine (His login name here at HealinWell is War-eagle) did not do well with heavey dose chemo in his first round with it. But his PSA lowered and he enjoyed a brief drop in PSA. Unfortunately, his second round is really beating him up. He no longer posts here but he is a dear man that my wife and I took the time to fly across country to meet in person. I stay in touch with him, and can report to the group that know him, that his attitude, humor, and always kind demeanor has not changed a bit, We are not sure this round will work, but we hold out hope for him...

Les,
You are correct. Taxotere is not just an end game maneuver. I was offerred it by my oncologist. My disease had heavy evidence that cells escaped the prostate. Thus I am on HT adjuvantly. I also with a simple yes could have been through 6 sessions with Taxotere in hopes that it could be far more effective up front than later. It was an option I was afraid of. I play guitars and it is an important part of my quality of life. I read where neuropathy in the extremities was possible and I declined it. Should my PSA rise before I stop HT, i will do it, however.

Tony

Joey as a wife to a 51 year old with advanced prostate cancer - I want those extra months - I want more - though these last few months have been pretty low key we have spent time together. Side effects vary by person - my husband has been fatigued but has had no nausea and is eating ok but taste buds have changed he doesn't say things taste like metal he just doesn't want complicated meals is happier with plainer food. Also the chemo can beat down the cancer and stop some pain.

Good point, John,
My brother told me that we had so much in common including your's and his wifes battle with breast cancer. Kathy did not do chemo as she was clear after a lumpectomy and radiation. We both researched Taxotere, her for breast cancer and me for prostate cancer. Our stories were one week apart pretty much from diagnosis to surgeries. But I was very happy to get my brothers report that you and wife are doing well.

Tony

I wondered where our friend War Eagle went, I remember posting with him when I first joined here. Thanks for the update.

David in SC

There is a current government trial investigating Taxotere and prednisone as adjuvant therapies for higher risk PCa patients, hoping to extend reoccurence times.

But your other point is valid, and cetrtainly many of us will have to face some day. When is it enough ? Family issues, health issues, financial issues, frame of mind issues, personal stamina and philosophy of life issues, will all take part in this decision, which no humor intended, will be one the hardest decisions we will face in our lifetime.

What I really am becoming more fearful of, is that our "end of life counselor" may also have a say in these decsions at some point in the futire. That is scary stuff !