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Taxotere journey Part 1

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Posted 5/14/2012 2:28 AM (GMT 0)
I will find out the correct dosage tomorrow and how it is calculated. Maybe by height and weight? I'll ask the Onco before his treatment.
Posted 5/14/2012 2:54 AM (GMT 0)
Typically the dosage is specificed as XX mg/m2, with the m2 being the mass of the person being treated. My dose is 60 mg/m2 which translate to 117 mg of taxotere for my size. For someone with mets, I suspect the dosage would be more like 75 mg/m2 or even higher.
Posted 5/14/2012 5:14 AM (GMT 0)
Zimac,

Thanks for sharing your Taxotere journey. It is quite amazing to hear about all of the highs and lows of the treatment.

It sounds like your husband may be a candidate for Provenge. I've talked to some people with really good results when taking Provenge and then Taxotere (or Provenge and then Zytiga). Not all doctors are set up to give Provenge, so I thought I should mention it. If you live in the US, insurance should cover most of the cost.
Posted 5/14/2012 5:24 AM (GMT 0)
Do you know if you can take Provenge after Taxotere? We are seeing the Onco tomorrow so I will ask him. He personally is not a Provenge advocate but I have already called someone in NYC who is. Just not sure if it can be given post Docetaxel.

Zimac
Posted 5/14/2012 6:00 AM (GMT 0)
Zimac,

Provenge can definitely be taken after Docetaxel. From what I've heard doctors think Provenge and then Docetaxel is ideal. This is because Provenge is long-lasting and keeps fighting the cancer, so when you take the Docetaxel both medicines are fighting the cancer. This is the current hypothesis and it seems to make sense. So whatever treatment you take after Provenge will really be Provenge plus that other treatment.

For some reason doctors either really love Provenge or really hate it. I'd try to talk with both types of doctors and see who is making the most sense. If you get to talk with both doctors about Provenge I'd really like to hear their thoughts.
Posted 5/14/2012 11:20 AM (GMT 0)
I feel so much what you are feeling! "PCa has a mind of its own". Yes.
My husband was given 135 mg of the taxotere which seems like ALOT. we are seeing our oncologist today and that is at the top of our list.
Our doctor has mentioned Provenge but it is expensive still.
Zimac, thinking of you and your husband today!
Posted 5/14/2012 1:12 PM (GMT 0)
nhwife, 135 mg has to be viewed in context of your husband size/weight. Ask them what the dose is in terms of XX mg/meter-squared. That will tell you how hard they are trying to hit the cancer.

My very limited, layman's understanding of docetaxel (Taxotere) vs. Provenge: Docetaxel is much likely to give a strong punch or shock to the cancer in the short term .. one typically expects a robust PSA drop with docetaxel. Provenge seems more subtle .. it takes more time to work. I think there is still skepticism from some doctor's on Provenge given the clinical trials did not result in a PSA drop .. and, of course, the associated cost of Provenge.

Good luck on his round 2.

Posted 5/15/2012 2:45 AM (GMT 0)
Round 2/Day 1

Everything went smoothly. Just waiting patiently to see when it hits. Energy good, appetite good, short hair cut today.

SC - he is receiving 75 mg/meter sq. they multiply that by 2.29 (body surface) for a total dose of 175 mgs. Would this be considered a strong hit?
Still unsure. What was your PSA before Taxotere if you don't mind me asking. I see your PSA currently and it's a fabulous number.
My husbands PSA was not much lower then when he started tx. I know it was only 3 weeks but i expected a much lower PSA. I wish they wouldn't do them every time we go. It's nerve wracking to me.

Overall we had a good day.

Zimac
Posted 5/15/2012 2:58 AM (GMT 0)
Zimac,

I am happy your husband had a good day.

My PSA has been undetectable the whole way since surgery/HT started .... just about concurrently. I am undergoing Taxotere as part of an adjuvant or proactive strategy, designed to cut down on a high recurrence risk.

According to what I have read, the dosage guidelines indicate 75 mg/m2 is standard or normal for your husband's situation. My Dr. dialed it back to 60 mg/m2 and only 6 rounds given I have an undetectable PSA, etc.

Posted 5/15/2012 3:13 AM (GMT 0)
SC,

I love to see undetectable numbers on this forum. May your PSA numbers always remain zero.

Thanks for your info.

Zimac
Posted 5/15/2012 9:17 AM (GMT 0)
Zimac, glad the day went smoothly for you!
I think I still have questions about the dosage which I will get answered at some point. I don't know how they came up with 135 for my husband but it is being reduced by 25% because of how hard it hit his white blood cells.
I am thankful we haven't had a PSA result yet - we aren't getting one until early June. I am nervous about it - very.
Hope your husband continues strongly!
Posted 5/16/2012 3:06 AM (GMT 0)
Round 2/Day 2

Sleeping last night was a problem because of the Decadron. Energy great, appetite great, metallic taste has returned so we are using plastic utensils and sucking on sour candies. Hair is still falling out.

Day two is a good day.

Nhwife, the dosage they told me was based on the patients weight and height. They take 75 mgs. per meter squared and multiply it by the calculation they get for the patients height and weight. My husband was calculated at 2.29. They take 75 mgs/m2 x 2.29 which equals 171.75. They round that to 175 mgs which was his dosage. Hopefully that helps.

I agree that waiting on the PSA is a good idea. They do my husbands PSA every time we go and it drives us crazy. His PSA did go down after just 1 round so we are hopeful it continues. I certainly understand how nervous one gets.

Hope you're having a good day.

Zimac
Posted 5/16/2012 9:17 AM (GMT 0)
My husband will start with the decadron on Sunday - I'll remind him that it might cause sleeplessness.
As Day 16 starts, not bad. A good night's sleep and he is off to work today.
He is probably going to get a hair cut in the next few days.
Hope your good days continue.
Posted 5/16/2012 10:59 PM (GMT 0)
Zimac, I'm glad to see your husband is doing well. You won't need any of the following information now, but I'm just responding to questions that may be important if you need Provenge later.

Southern Comfort, you are right Provenge doesn't target PSA instead it targets PAP. Apparently men with low PSAs (< 22.1) who took Provenge lived 13 months longer than the control arm. That's the latest news, you can read more about it here:

http://www.xconomy.com/seattle/2012/05/16/dendreons-provenge-works-best-for-early-stage-patients-scientists-say/

If you have trouble paying for Provenge, the company making it has set up a special charity to help you with costs. I know one guy who was complaining about the cost who ended up getting it for free! Make sure you know what the actual cost to you is. Don't just assume you can't afford it. Nobody pays the full list price, insurance pays for a lot of it, but there still is probably a copay.

Post Edited (ranch99) : 5/16/2012 5:13:09 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 5/18/2012 2:56 AM (GMT 0)
Round 2/Day 4

Didn't report anything yesterday as it was a good day. Today was a good day also, but had some aches, pains, return of the metallic taste which causes a decrease in appetite. Energy level s good. What is left of his hair is still falling out. A few Charlie horses in his legs. Sleep was better.
He actually said he feels better this time around. He felt round 1 was a bit tougher because of the stomach cramping which he is not having now,

We are going for a second consultation outside of NYC to see if we are on the right track. Hopefully this will be positive for us.

It would be terrific if the fatigue does not hit tomorrow.

Ranch99 - Thanks for the Provenge info. Will keep it in our back pockets.

Nhwife - the decadron and prednisone definitely effects sleep. Glad he is feeling much better.
Posted 5/18/2012 9:29 AM (GMT 0)
Really glad that things are going so well!
Posted 5/19/2012 2:02 AM (GMT 0)
Round 2/Day 5

So far so good. Energy level is high. Metallic taste is subsiding. Appetite is good. Getting used to the hair loss. No complaints today. I hope this continues.

Zimac
Posted 5/19/2012 11:12 AM (GMT 0)
Me too! Good days!
Posted 5/20/2012 2:33 AM (GMT 0)
Round 2/Day 6

Lots of energy. Wow! Really happy. Just hope this poison is doing its job. By
9:30 pm he was exhausted, but was going non stop all day. First infusion, I think, was much tougher on him. Does your body get used to this stuff?

Hair is the issue. Not much left. Still keeps falling-out.

Zimac
Posted 5/20/2012 11:16 AM (GMT 0)
Zimac

Wonderful to hear about the good days!

While I have no experience myself, my quess is the body does get used to the treatments. Now hopefully that is correct and your hubby's good days will continue as the normal.

After going non-stop all day, by about 8:30 or 9:00 PM I'm typically stretched out on the sofa watching something on TV.

Hugs to you and your hubby!

Mr and Mrs Bud
Posted 5/20/2012 7:16 PM (GMT 0)
We are taking a lot of heart with your journey. Tomorrow is my husband's second infusion, which is 25% less. We are hoping for smooth days ahead and hope they continue for your husband!
Posted 5/20/2012 8:40 PM (GMT 0)
Mr. & Mrs. Bud - I too am stretched out on the sofa about the same time.
Thanks for the hugs. Sometimes I just need that extra one you sent my way.

nhwife - Smooth sailing to you guys tomorrow and always. I hope round 2 comes and goes without a glitch.

Zimac
Posted 5/20/2012 9:26 PM (GMT 0)
ROUND 2 / DAY 7

Morning started off with a burst of energy. He was a little tired by mid-afternoon as he took a nap around 4 p.m. Appetite continues to be good despite the metallic taste. Has some minor aches and pains today but nothing like the first time around.
We are not doing well in the hair department, but who cares that's what hats are for.

The prednisone makes him jumpy, edgy, irritable (not his personality at all) so I give him a CHEMO PASS as long as he's on this poison. It's a tough road.

nhwife, Is your husband on Prednisone?

Zimac
Posted 5/20/2012 9:43 PM (GMT 0)
Zimac

I'm on Prednisone, I take it twice a day. I found when I started (about 2 months ago now) the side effects included jumpy, could not sleep, ravenous hunger.

I quess my body has gotten used to the Prednisone as other than waking up a few times a night seems to have settled down.

BUT! I've been getting some really spiff hot flashs (sweats) during the day and at night. The night ones - my pj's will be soaking wet. At night will sleep with the fan on.
But I'm also on Zytiga and had my last lupron injection a few weeks ago.

A glass of wine at night seems to help.

GFMPH! You and your hubby should come!

Bud
Posted 5/20/2012 10:29 PM (GMT 0)
Yes he is. He's actually been on since almost the beginnin of the year because he had to take it when he was on zytiga. I don't think he is feeling any SE from that except for occasional sleeplessness. We expect that SE around now because of the deca. Like Bud, his body might be used to it.
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