A friend posted info in my DH's behalf months ago and I'm afraid I wasn't diligent about
following through. And now I cannot find that post!
I'm back and will check daily for insights and help from those who might be on the same page as DH is now or may be familiar with his current treatments.
First, 10 years ago, when first diagnosed, he opted for seed implants and radiation treatments at RCOG in Atlanta. Three years ago, his PSA was suddenly over 100. For 2+ years his psa was held in check with Lupron but last year it no longer brought it down. He has been under the care of an ocologist since that time. He was on a pill medley initially that did not do much. Now he is getting chemo. He has had 4 (every three weeks) and has 2 left of the 6 infusions she wants him to take. And, yes, it has brought his psa down from about 250+ when he started to 90+ 3 weeks ago when his last PSA was taken. He had a PSA test Thursday and will see his doctor Tuesday and his 5th chemo session is scheduled for Wednesday. However, she has said that if she sees no improvement after each session, she is going to switch him to one of the newest drugs being used...I call them either X or Z and I forget which of the two names she has indicated will be her choice.
I guess these drugs are very expensive because she did say that she is expected (by our insurance) to try chemo first in order to justify going to one of them. And she seems pleased with the chemo results so far.
That is our story in as short a form as I can make it. And I know everyone on this site is fighting their own battles and I know how hard it is for each and every one of you!!
If anyone has gone through the scenario I've just described and have any words of wisdom, they would be much appreciated.
In addition to the chemo infusions he has also had Zometa infusions for his bones, which is the area they determined is affected. (A large hip lesion and a couple of very small areas in his chest also). He gets around good and has no pain but the chemo has depleted his energy and he has battled some with depression. Over all though, he is optomistic for the most part.
Does anyone have any opinion or experience with Zometa? And if you've been treated with either the X or Z drug, what were your results.
Thank you all in advance and if I can elaborate on anything that we've been through so far, please just ask!!