Jerry J

Sorry to hear that. How do you know it's the lymph nodes and not bones?

Jerry, please remind us where you are and who is providing your treatment.

Hello, Jerry1 ----

Mindful of you, and have been thinking of you, since reading your post.

Do you have a great medical team working for you? I am thankful when I don't need them, but rely on them when concerns arise in my case.

You deserve a top-notch oncologist, looking after your case. Do not hesitate to seek out the best and brightest ---- as your case has some inherent complexities, as you have shared.

Just a suggestion to consider ----- have you discussed the topic of chemotherapy treatments?

It's a daunting subject, when first considered ---- as I know from first-hand experience, but it is another form of "attack" that hasn't been mentioned in your recent posts.

These days, individualized chemotherapy infusions can be specifically mixed, based on the patient's needs.

Other chemotherapy components can be mixed in --- dosage strengths can be adjusted ---- and timing of each infusion can be adjusted.

I was given full-strength, powerful chemotherapy infusions, but they were given three weeks apart, allowing my immune system time to rebound, in between.

A friend of mine benefitted from low-dose infusions, given once a week, over time.

Another friend of mine needed CARBOPLATIN added to his chemotherapy infusions, for his case of prostate cancer.

Dr. Kwon, at Mayo Clinic, calls these individualized, specially formulated infusions "chemotherapy cocktails" --- which helps me better understand the blending and mixing that can help each patient.

It's not always easy, but we have to keep our minds open to treatments that can help us the most.

I think chemotherapy is certainly something you might talk over with your oncologist.

Many of us here have pursued chemotherapy --- would this be an effective weapon for your case, I wonder?

Please keep us informed ~~~ let us know how you are faring.

You've got comrades here, rallied around you!

Handshake, support, and encouragement, from across the miles ~~~
CYCLONE ~~~ # Iowa State University

The oncologist who has kept me alive for 12 yrs has just returned from a years leave. He wants me to do Taxotere chemo infusions 1 every three weeks. The problem is I just finished 7 very strong infusions for a UTI that is immune to most antibiotics. He feels we need to wait at least
6 weeks to make sure the infusion medication is out of my system. He is trying to get approval to get some help with cost for Zytiga @ Prednisone for at least 6 weeks to see if we can slow progression. I was on Lupron and Xtandi for 3 months that did nothing last PSA was 73.1. Apparently hormones to not work for more then a month for me. I am so weak from these drugs
And infusions plus Covid shots that I fell going to the bathroom last night. Does Zytiga and or chemo also make you very weak. Appreciate any info.

Hello, Jerry ----

Mindful of you. I am reaching out to you today.

I was my oncologist's first patient on ZYTIGA --- now the generic form.

Many of us here have been on ZYTIGA - also known as "Abiraterone Acetate" --- and I have been on it for 5 years.

I am mindful of your health concerns that you described.

A bit of exercise, if possible, can help lessen the fatigue ---- and an earlier bedtime or short nap might help you, as well.

Please check the current feed on this website now.

I just now bumped up a detailed thread entitled "ZYTIGA: OUR COLLECTIVE EXPERIENCES" ---- and you will find it helpful.

A bunch of us banded together, to create a thread with first-hand experiences.

Read through it, and print it off, if you wish. It will give you background and insight.

Please know others are thinking of you. I am just one of those people --- sending you my encouragement and support.

Handshake, comradeship, fellowship,
CYCLONE ~~~ # Iowa State University

Jerry, that really sucks. I hope you find a doc who is willing to do what is needed. Hang in there.

I'm hoping that you find the best combination of treatment.
I know very little about these things but feel a kinship with all the good people here.

Best wishes to you

Glen Heinsohn

Well finally got to the doctor he took me off
The Zyntia and is arranging for a Pet Scan and then start Chemo. Once every 3 weeks for 10 treatments. Had anyone had success
With chemo. It seems nothing else works
Jerry

Thank you so much for the information right now I am off all meds waiting for results of
Pet Scan. See nurse on Tuesday to go over what to expect from chemo this information will be very helpful.

Yes the threads were very informative thank you. The results of my Pet Scan shows the lymph
Nodes are larger but no major organs involved. Meeting with oncologist on Tuesday to set up
Chemo. Will keep you posted.

Thanks again
JerryJ

Hello, Jerry ----

Mindful of you --- glad the infusion part went well ...

Now you are encountering "the crash" ---- and yes, it can pack a wallop. It's the notorious part of the treatment cycle.

My doctor timed the infusions so they would hit on weekends, so that I could keep teaching school full-time. It wasn't always easy, but resting on those notorious "crash" weekends helped.

I found I needed to keep life simple on those weekends --- quiet and restful.

Turn on some quiet music --- take some naps and doze ---- and get to bed early tonight.

Drinking water can help. It flushes the toxins out of your system. The next day or two will be rough, quite likely, then things ease up.

Make sure you have family, friends, or a neighbor checking in with you, along the way.

You're encountering the roughest couple of days in the treatment cycle. In a day or two, you will feel more restored.

Take a doze on the couch or your favorite recliner. Sip ice water, along the way --- healthy hydration.

Focus on "one day at a time" ---- your body just encountered a new & unexpected "shock to the system" ---- and you will slowly rebound.

You will feel your energy slowly returning.

Rest, relax, rejuvenate, rebound, recover ...

Thinking of you this weekend, following your first treatment ~
CYCLONE ~ # Iowa State University

Hello, Jerry ~~~

Just circling back, to check on you, now that a few more days have passed since your latest chemotherapy infusion.

My oncologist had great wisdom, and timed my TAXOTERE infusions for late on Wednesday afternoons. With the "energizing" steroids, I felt "ramped up" on Thursday and Friday so that I could finish teaching each week.

He timed the infusions so that the "chemo crash" would hit me over the weekend --- and the "crash" was always quite noticeable.

I've always said --- let your favorite recliner or couch become your best friend, when the "crash days" hit. You suddenly feel like your energy is draining away --- like a car battery that doesn't want to start on a cold winter's morning, so to speak. It's a general feeling of lethargy and malaise ...

Best to rest and relax during those "crash" days --- a couple of naps, some comfort food, some relaxing T.V. shows, and an earlier bedtime.

I would return to school, to start a new week, each time --- Mondays were a little rough --- but then on Tuesdays, I would be teaching and I could literally FEEL my energy rebounding. Then you know the energy "crash" is fading away, and your energy is returning.

I learned the importance of staying hydrated --- water helps the body flush out the toxins. Once, I slacked off on my water consumption after an infusion, and didn't bounce back as quickly.

I did my best to go for some short walks, too --- so it's a balance between resting up, yet staying active.

So --- here's hoping you are feeling that RESURGENCE of energy, once again, Jerry.

Wanted to let you know you have other "battle brothers" who are thinking of you --- and I am just one of many here who are thinking of you, during your treatments.

With my best to you ~~~ from "one brother to another" ~~~
CYCLONE ~~~ # Iowa State University