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4 years Zytiga/Abiraterone

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Posted 12/1/2019 11:37 PM (GMT 0)
Well Gents (Ladies too),
It has now been four years since I first started taking Zytiga and with the exception of the first month I have been reading a .< for each month thereafter. It hasn't been the easiest road to take but I am still here. I am now acclimated to the combination Lupron/Zytiga/Prednisone routine and have seemed to become accustomed to the hot flashes that come with hormone therapy. Energy still eludes me and I have trouble sleeping now but the joint aches have subsided. My last bone scan came back clean and a recent bone density report revealed normal bone density. This is likely due to zometa and the fact that I walk hills on a regular basis. Weight is also an issue. I just cannot seem to lose the pounds unless I work myself out to exhaustion. So just trying to enjoy life.
Sadly what I thought was a black head on my nose has turned out to be some sort of skin cancer. Should know something tomorrow. The docs will likely perform what is called a MOHS procedure in order to excise the cancer and reconstruct my nose. I hope it works and is not something worse. Having dealt with prostate cancer for the last six years I was hardly phased by the news of skin cancer. I suppose it's just one more thing to deal with.
Most of all I am glad to be here and am enjoying the small things in life.
Well take care everyone and Happy Holidays.

Post Edited (Almost a 10) : 12/2/2019 4:59:12 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 12/1/2019 11:57 PM (GMT 0)
Hey there, thanks for posting. Good to hear from someone fighting one of the more extreme versions of this disease.

Just wanted to offer something to consider. Dr. Snuffy Myers suggested low-dose transdermal estrogen patches to fight the direct side effects of ADT, primarily loss of bone density. Here's a video he presented about the concept. Men with testosterone convert it to some level of estrogen normally. Without testosterone, this is also lost, and it's the loss of estrogen that is the bigger culprit in loss of bone density, hot flashes, and more. He suggested 25 - 50 mcg patches, changed twice weekly. It doesn't take much to offset the hot flashes and fatigue.

He addresses the claim sometimes heard that estrogen supplements causes blood clots. There is no evidence for this happening in men. You'll hear that claimed as a risk by doctors that aren't current on this idea, and Dr. Myers goes into that in some depth.

It's a bit "outside the box" perhaps, but it could help with some of your symptoms. Just something to discuss and research, if you're so inclined.
Posted 12/2/2019 1:11 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the post. I'm on Xtandi, but your remission gives me plenty of Hope.
Posted 12/2/2019 1:24 AM (GMT 0)
Great report.I'm only 2 years behind you. My wife loves hearing about these posts.
Posted 12/2/2019 12:24 PM (GMT 0)
Redwing, thanks for the reference to the estrogen patch. Sounds like there are some cognitive benefits as well. GoBucks, Glad to see you are tolerating Zytiga now. When it works, it works well. Mattam, keep the faith, brother. You are doing well.
Posted 12/25/2019 7:09 PM (GMT 0)

Hello, Almost A 10 ~

You are forging ahead, staying on your treatment path, and encouraging others with your posts.

I continue with my journey on ZYTIGA, at present, with over 50 empty bottles lined up on a shelf to remind me of my progress.

I'm thankful for your loyalty to this website --- I'm always glad to see your posts, Almost A 10.

As the NEW YEAR approaches, keep setting your sights on new goals.

All the best in the NEW YEAR to follow,
CYCLONE ~ Iowa State University
Posted 12/27/2019 2:02 PM (GMT 0)
Cyclone,
Thank you for your kind words. You are always so inspirational and thoughtful in your replies. I don't obsess over my condition much anymore and consequently I find that I spend less and less time on this site. When I do come back I always search for something you have written. I must admit I was sad not to see posts from you for a while but was refreshed when I saw that you recently responded to someone else. I am also glad to see that you continue to respond well to zytiga therapy and wish you many many more months and years of success.
Posted 12/28/2019 12:38 PM (GMT 0)
Almost a 10,

Glad to see you’re tolerating Zytiga.

I was on the Lupron/Zytiga combo for about 2 years and definitely had muscle and bone aches from them. We dropped Zytiga when it appeared it was failing me with a rising PSA. I’m on Erleada now and actually miss the side effects of Zytiga, since I think the Erleada side effects are similar in definition but more severe.

Anyway, glad to hear your bone scans are good. Happy to also see you’re enjoying what you can. I find myself finding activity or experiences or travel and putting those things out on my calendar so I’m always looking ahead and fighting to be well so I can enjoy these items. Concerts, short trips, community events are examples.

Hope the MOHS procedure went well. I know there are oral therapies available that are less invasive that can be very effective if you haven’t done anything yet. Either way, hope that’s just a minor distraction for you as your plate is full as it is.

Take care and keep fighting!

Gunner
Posted 12/30/2019 1:16 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Gunner,
Sorry to hear that Erleada is a little tougher to take but good that it's bringing down your PSA. As for the biopsy, it turned out to be a sebhorriec Keratosis which is a benign skin growth common in older adults. Now I just have a hole where the skin was shaved off. Small price to pay for the peace of mind that it's not an another cancer.
Posted 12/30/2019 1:27 AM (GMT 0)
Glad to hear your skin is benign. I just had surgery 2 weeks ago and the "thing" on my face was the same thing. My body is full of sebhorriec keratosis. But since I had a melanoma spot and a few squamous cell ones, we need to be watchful.
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