My cancer medication

[moparcanuck]

I don't normally post personal problems but this one is really getting me down.

I suffer from stage 4 prostate cancer which is being treated by a new oral drug called Xtandi. There is a list of side effects the length of my arm. The worst of which, for me, are extreme weakness, fatigue and depression. I can't climb a flight of stairs without being completely exhausted at the top. I have no physical strength whatsoever. I can no longer do the most menial of tasks around the house. I can't even go to cruise nights anymore nor do I have the inclination to go. I must rest in bed 2 or 3 times a day for at least an hour. The average span of the medication working is 8 months. I have been on it for 2.

After that comes chemo which would consist of a treatment of 1 hour every 3 weeks. It would be very tolerable according to my oncologist. The bad news is that the average survival rate on chemo at this stage is 18-24 months. The good news is that I might be able to get chemo 2, 3 or more times thus prolonging my life as much as possible.

I'm really thinking of skipping these meds and going straight to chemo. My quality of life has bottomed out on the Xtandi. Has anyone else been on Xtandi and if so, what was your experience?

 

[clazar]

Just wanted to give you some moral strength. Plug away & fight for what you have to live for.

In our prayers
Chuck

 

[cdr]

my thoughts & prayers to you, i am a cancer survivor & we can't give up.

 

[luvthoseBBodies]

Go thru the process - I've had a couple of buddies that "skimped on it" - they aren't driving their old mopars anymore - sorry to be blunt.

 

[alsant]

My prayers are with you .

 

[747mopar]

Sorry to hear, wish you the best with your struggle and hope you come out swinging.

 

[Richard Cranium]

 

[conv67bdere]

My thoughts and prayers are with you . . . too . . .

 

[72Fourspeed]

Look that Devil in the eye and tell him you got things to do.

 

[Redhorse719]

Be strong, don't skip any treatment. My younger brother is fighting this battle.

 

[Photon440]

Unless you have more schooling than your doctors, I'd stick with their advice. I'm sure they're not putting you through misery for nothing. You have my prayers and thoughts as well.

Stay the course and come back to respond to this thread in a couple of years to say you made it!

 

[steve from staten island]

Im sorry about what your going through,my thoughts will be with you. I have no experience with what your dealing with and really my only advise is are you going to a facility thats has the experience dealing with your type of cancer? Do your doctors deal with advanced prostrate cancer? Whats the track record of the drug your taking? Id ask as many questions as needed. My wife was diagnosed with stage four so we know what your going through.

 

[GetX'd]

I have a friend and co-worker that was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. He didn't skip any of the treatments. He fought the good fight. It took a lot of the wind out of his sails, but he followed his doctors advice. He's now living cancer free and a high quality of life. I haven't had it so I can only try to give you moral strength. Be strong, fight the good fight and God Bless.

 

[crahill39]

My wife lost her mother when she was 16 to Colon cancer, because she gave up and didn't listen to the doctors. There are more people than you think that want & need you around. Be strong brother, you are in my prayers.

 

[Moparsmitty]

I know people that are alive today that doctors didn't give any chance of recovery. Cancer treatments have come a long way in a very short time so follow the course of treatment that your doctor gives you and fight like hell to beat this thing. Your attitude can make the difference. God bless you and your family.

 

[hemi*guy]

Things like this really put the menial **** we worry about in perspective!
Keep fighting...you can do it!!
Guy

 

[furyus]

No experience with this, but stick to it . Don't give up.

 

[satman72]

As long as there is a glimmer of hope, keep fighting. No one knows what tomorrow may bring.

 

[MoparMitch]

Prayers from here my Mopar Brother. Bite the bullet and carry on with the treatments. Doc knows best.

 

[kb67mopar]

I don't know your scenario but would removal of the prostate get rid of the cancer? All else fails you could explore that option to avoid needing some of the treatment? I also know nothing about cancer so i could be way off base.

Regardless do what they tell you and fight the ****...you can do it.