Firmagon (Degarelix) substitute for Lupron

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Comments

  • wayne2
    wayne2 Member Posts: 31

    You got the right atttude...
    Wardyboy,

    After reading your initial post your positive attitude not only uplifted me but probably all the guys on this blog. Personally I was down in the dumps after receiving two Firmagon injections recently after my PSA jumped in two months from 2.7 to 5.9 but your enthusiasm has helped me to stop feeling sorry for my self if you can relate. Sucks when you cry after watching a Lexus commercial.

    I think you're probably feeling the normal side effects of chemical castration. HORMONES Just wait till the moobs start growing LOL. Well at least we still have our humor.

    You're a breath of fresh air and I look forward to your positive outlook and progress.

    I'm not a Doctor but your slight rise in Testosterone isn't signicant. Mine was 68 while maintaining a 1- PSA score for several months.

    Good Health<
    G

    SHOTS AND BOOBS
    Hi Glen.....I've missed you. Your blogs really give me a good uplift. I've read wardyboy's input and really feel for him......As for me, I'm growing boobs too.........I get my eighth shot of FIRMAGON in about ten days along with a psa check. I also get these mind attacks once in a while...........WHEW !!.....NOT FUN STUFF.......but all in all I keep counting blessings and try to give back some of what I've been given............Fishing is still great, but the catchin' is lacking right now, but time on the water with friends is precious.

    Wardyboy..........hang in there. I've read some info on the Mayo Clinic website about hormone treatments that is really positive. And we'll all keep praying. Thanks for sharing at the gut level......and

    .....PEACE TO YOU ALL..........wayne2
  • Medcomglen
    Medcomglen Member Posts: 95
    wayne2 said:

    SHOTS AND BOOBS
    Hi Glen.....I've missed you. Your blogs really give me a good uplift. I've read wardyboy's input and really feel for him......As for me, I'm growing boobs too.........I get my eighth shot of FIRMAGON in about ten days along with a psa check. I also get these mind attacks once in a while...........WHEW !!.....NOT FUN STUFF.......but all in all I keep counting blessings and try to give back some of what I've been given............Fishing is still great, but the catchin' is lacking right now, but time on the water with friends is precious.

    Wardyboy..........hang in there. I've read some info on the Mayo Clinic website about hormone treatments that is really positive. And we'll all keep praying. Thanks for sharing at the gut level......and

    .....PEACE TO YOU ALL..........wayne2

    Shots and Boobs
    Hi Wayne,

    Thank you for your kind words to me and to Wardyboy. Hopefully Firmagon will keep Wardyboy's PSA in check... I've been on a roller coaster of emotions, aches, muscle pains and such after my back to back Firmagon injections in August and September but I'm doing better every day. At least my PSA dropped down to castrate levels. I don't know how you manage with continuous month to month injections. I did notice after my second injection that I experienced the same terrible exhaustion as I had before while taking Lupron so it may not be the difference in drugs but severe hormonal changes. Yes, the Moobs started growing again. My daughter said she'd loan me one of her bras but she's much bigger then I am thank the Lord. I was getting to look like my old self prior to the first injection but I'll accept the trade off. PSA will be checked again Thursday so I'll decide to have one last injection before my Cobra insurance runs out. After that I don't know what I'm going to do to pay for future injections since out of pocket is around $2,000. Hope for the best and keep on fishing :-)
  • Medcomglen
    Medcomglen Member Posts: 95
    wardyboy said:

    Keeping positve!
    I have to keep positive to fight the good fight. I have a monster of PC to battle.When my Oncologist(who deals only with PC at Sloan),told me that im in the top 1% of most advanced PC that hes dealt with, I cried and im still reeling from it.I have only been dealing with this for 6 weeks and have been through a lot!!!My family,friends and brother Firefighters have rallied around me.The guys in the Firehouse are working my tours for as long as I need !Several of them have called me to let me know that they too are battling PC.My employee assistance counselor for my department has just been diagnosed with PC and wants to partner up with me to share info, support etc .How about that I might be counseling my counsler!!!LOL.I think that my next step is to talk a few oncologists.I dont feel "good" with my current guy. I just feel like another patient.Hes mainly a researcher for Sloan and only sees patients 1 day a week.When I asked about diet and supplements and what "I" can do to make my body as "unfriendly" to this cancer as possible,he didnt offer much.I am going to start researching this next and any recommendations that you guys can give would be appreciated. Thanks Wardy P.S. Nice tractor Glen ! My 56 yr old Farmall tractor is like an old friend,but I drool looking at the new ones!I might be down in your area soon. Going to sneak down to Sanibel Island with my wife for a long weekend for our anniversary.Cant wait to fish and swim in that warm gulf water!! Good therapy for sure!!!

    Stay Positive
    Hey Wardyboy,

    If it's any consolation my Oncologist said I had two years to live probably and to get my personal affairs in order. That was three and a half years ago. I asked him on the two year anniversary about his prediction and he told me I'm still regulated by hormonal therapy and every patient is a snowflake. Throw the stats out the window and just believe in yourself and that you can control this beast. Sounds like you have a great support team behind you and some on these boards too. I too asked about diet and was told it was too late to change now. My ex-wife has worked in Oncology as an RN for 25 years and always said the ones that make it changed their lifestyle with no stress and a healthy diet. Funny you mentioned Sanibel. Had my Honeymoon at South Seas Plantation. Let me know your plans and maybe we could meet at the Bubble Room for a healthy lunch :-)
  • sig2007
    sig2007 Member Posts: 1

    Shots and Boobs
    Hi Wayne,

    Thank you for your kind words to me and to Wardyboy. Hopefully Firmagon will keep Wardyboy's PSA in check... I've been on a roller coaster of emotions, aches, muscle pains and such after my back to back Firmagon injections in August and September but I'm doing better every day. At least my PSA dropped down to castrate levels. I don't know how you manage with continuous month to month injections. I did notice after my second injection that I experienced the same terrible exhaustion as I had before while taking Lupron so it may not be the difference in drugs but severe hormonal changes. Yes, the Moobs started growing again. My daughter said she'd loan me one of her bras but she's much bigger then I am thank the Lord. I was getting to look like my old self prior to the first injection but I'll accept the trade off. PSA will be checked again Thursday so I'll decide to have one last injection before my Cobra insurance runs out. After that I don't know what I'm going to do to pay for future injections since out of pocket is around $2,000. Hope for the best and keep on fishing :-)

    After Radical and Radiation?
    Hi all,
    New to this site. Does anyone know if firmagon can be used after having a radical prostatectomy and radiation, and if yes, what their experience was? My PSA is getting higher and in the last 2 weeks has gone from 3.8 to 4.73...starting to go fast! Thanks
  • wayne2
    wayne2 Member Posts: 31

    Shots and Boobs
    Hi Wayne,

    Thank you for your kind words to me and to Wardyboy. Hopefully Firmagon will keep Wardyboy's PSA in check... I've been on a roller coaster of emotions, aches, muscle pains and such after my back to back Firmagon injections in August and September but I'm doing better every day. At least my PSA dropped down to castrate levels. I don't know how you manage with continuous month to month injections. I did notice after my second injection that I experienced the same terrible exhaustion as I had before while taking Lupron so it may not be the difference in drugs but severe hormonal changes. Yes, the Moobs started growing again. My daughter said she'd loan me one of her bras but she's much bigger then I am thank the Lord. I was getting to look like my old self prior to the first injection but I'll accept the trade off. PSA will be checked again Thursday so I'll decide to have one last injection before my Cobra insurance runs out. After that I don't know what I'm going to do to pay for future injections since out of pocket is around $2,000. Hope for the best and keep on fishing :-)

    36D and SLEEPEZE
    Sure enjoyed your last note..........as usual. Yep, I think I'm up to a 36D............and get the "sleepys" a lot around noonish............good solid naps :-)).......but, staying active helps with my mental salvation .....reduces the number of brain farts experienced.
    I get my seventh month injection of the Firmagon tomorrow. Had my psa checked this week...........still at 0.10......same as July.......so far so good..........hope I can stay awake long enough to finish this note........it's going on 9 pm :-).....this is all better than the alternative..............your two year "notice" to an actual 3-1/2 years SO FAR IS GREAT NEWS !!.......and you're still going STRONG !!

    Comment re your $ concern: I've heard of some drug companies helping with the costs of some higher cost drugs. Firmagon is made by Ferring Pharmaceutical (looked it up)......maybe it's worth a shot contacting them..........or the urologist doing it or health center or ??

    I'll get back to you after my visit to the urologist tomorrow........and fishing is still great, but the catching is tuff right now, but beautiful out on the water :-))
  • Royalbert
    Royalbert Member Posts: 5
    wayne2 said:

    36D and SLEEPEZE
    Sure enjoyed your last note..........as usual. Yep, I think I'm up to a 36D............and get the "sleepys" a lot around noonish............good solid naps :-)).......but, staying active helps with my mental salvation .....reduces the number of brain farts experienced.
    I get my seventh month injection of the Firmagon tomorrow. Had my psa checked this week...........still at 0.10......same as July.......so far so good..........hope I can stay awake long enough to finish this note........it's going on 9 pm :-).....this is all better than the alternative..............your two year "notice" to an actual 3-1/2 years SO FAR IS GREAT NEWS !!.......and you're still going STRONG !!

    Comment re your $ concern: I've heard of some drug companies helping with the costs of some higher cost drugs. Firmagon is made by Ferring Pharmaceutical (looked it up)......maybe it's worth a shot contacting them..........or the urologist doing it or health center or ??

    I'll get back to you after my visit to the urologist tomorrow........and fishing is still great, but the catching is tuff right now, but beautiful out on the water :-))

    cost of Firmagon
    Here in France I have just had my double whammy 240ml shot. Its all free on the health system but on the box it says it would cost 400 euros if I were outside the system. This will be followed by a single shot every month until my next blood test in 5 months time.
    My PSA had got to 17 but the urologist said that was nothing to worry about as long as Firmagon brings it down again which he is convinced it will.
    I have been on various tablets since 2005 and Firmagon is currently being lauded as the latest wonder drug, so lets hope so.

    After the injection I had 3 days of discomfort and went up 3 belt notches but very quickly everything came back to normal.
  • PA_grandma
    PA_grandma Member Posts: 48

    Firmagon
    I an new to Firmagon (Degerelix), had my second injection on Mar 22. The stomach pain was no where near the level of the first double injection. I have experienced hip pain following both injections. Was almost back to "normal" until second shot, then it started again. Ever heard of this? My PSA was 40 in January, bone scan confirmed metastasis to sacrum and pelvis. Last Lupron was back in Sept 09, on it since 06. Went on Casodex in Jan, PSA dropped to 7.3 by Feb 11, then had first Firmagon. PSA now 7.7. Dr thinks it could be due to overdue on second shot by a week or so (schedule screw up on their part).
    Radical in 2000, Radiation on 05, Lupron 06. Gleason 8.

    Joining the string

    Firmagon pain
    This is my first post as caregiver to my husband, John.
    Didn't plan on participating until final test results of lymph node biopsy... but in reading about Firmagon, I couldn't wait.

    Some information
    79 years old
    Gleason score (5+4) 9
    Stage 3 or 4 depending on lymph results
    Bone scan, no involvement

    My question is...I've been reading about pain after injections of Firmagon, which he had late yesterday afternoon. At the moment, he's still asleep, but if he's in pain may I give him one of my pills 'Hydrocodone' (which I got after my dental implant.. but didn't need)

    He's supposed to avoid blood thinners because of his pending biopsy... and don't know if this would fall in that category. Hope someone can respond before he wakes...
    Thanks,
    Joyce
  • PA_grandma
    PA_grandma Member Posts: 48
    Royalbert said:

    cost of Firmagon
    Here in France I have just had my double whammy 240ml shot. Its all free on the health system but on the box it says it would cost 400 euros if I were outside the system. This will be followed by a single shot every month until my next blood test in 5 months time.
    My PSA had got to 17 but the urologist said that was nothing to worry about as long as Firmagon brings it down again which he is convinced it will.
    I have been on various tablets since 2005 and Firmagon is currently being lauded as the latest wonder drug, so lets hope so.

    After the injection I had 3 days of discomfort and went up 3 belt notches but very quickly everything came back to normal.

    Firmagon pain
    October 20, 2010 - 7:01am
    Firmagon pain
    This is my first post as caregiver to my husband, John.
    Didn't plan on participating until final test results of lymph node biopsy... but in reading about Firmagon, I couldn't wait.

    Some information
    79 years old
    Gleason score (4+5) 9
    Stage 3 or 4 depending on lymph results
    Bone scan, no involvement

    My question is...I've been reading about pain after injections of Firmagon, which he had late yesterday afternoon. At the moment, he's still asleep, but if he's in pain may I give him one of my pills 'Hydrocodone' (which I got after my dental implant.. but didn't need)

    He's supposed to avoid blood thinners because of his pending biopsy... and don't know if this would fall in that category. Hope someone can respond before he wakes...
    Thanks,
    Joyce

    p.s. posted incorrectly, it's somewhere in with March 25th messages, so I copied and pasted again... just a newbie

    p.p.s. just read up about the drug... tell your doctor...prostatic hypertrophy, urethral stricture etc. This pill is not for him, plus he just got up NO PAIN,
    Thanks anyway.
  • Royalbert
    Royalbert Member Posts: 5

    Firmagon pain
    October 20, 2010 - 7:01am
    Firmagon pain
    This is my first post as caregiver to my husband, John.
    Didn't plan on participating until final test results of lymph node biopsy... but in reading about Firmagon, I couldn't wait.

    Some information
    79 years old
    Gleason score (4+5) 9
    Stage 3 or 4 depending on lymph results
    Bone scan, no involvement

    My question is...I've been reading about pain after injections of Firmagon, which he had late yesterday afternoon. At the moment, he's still asleep, but if he's in pain may I give him one of my pills 'Hydrocodone' (which I got after my dental implant.. but didn't need)

    He's supposed to avoid blood thinners because of his pending biopsy... and don't know if this would fall in that category. Hope someone can respond before he wakes...
    Thanks,
    Joyce

    p.s. posted incorrectly, it's somewhere in with March 25th messages, so I copied and pasted again... just a newbie

    p.p.s. just read up about the drug... tell your doctor...prostatic hypertrophy, urethral stricture etc. This pill is not for him, plus he just got up NO PAIN,
    Thanks anyway.

    Pain
    After my jabs it was not exactly pain but a kind of painful discomfort with bending and twisting especially on the belt line which lasted almost three days then....all gone.

    I would not have thought traditional pain killers would have been much use anyway as the pain was not muscular but it seems he did not need them anyway.

    Good luck with everything
  • Medcomglen
    Medcomglen Member Posts: 95
    Royalbert said:

    Pain
    After my jabs it was not exactly pain but a kind of painful discomfort with bending and twisting especially on the belt line which lasted almost three days then....all gone.

    I would not have thought traditional pain killers would have been much use anyway as the pain was not muscular but it seems he did not need them anyway.

    Good luck with everything

    Pain and PSA results
    Hi Royalalbert,

    My Oncologist prescribed POPOXYPHEN-apap (DARVOCET) which I took before and after my Firmagon injections. This did seem to lesson the stomach pain along with PREDNISOLONE which reduced swelling when compared to my previous injections. Again, my injection site pain was still present but my waist didn't swell as had before.

    The PSA was checked last week with wonderful news of 06.91. drawn on October 18th. I plan on having another injection when my PSA rises again over 4.-5. I may have to start learning French so I can afford future Firmagon injections. Mmmm Blackmarket Firmagon? Just joking.

    Wishing you the best,
    Glen
  • bobmack
    bobmack Member Posts: 1
    Firmagon
    6 year survivor, radical prostatectomy,40 psa at time of surgery. 8-10 Gleason
    Eligard after 2 years or so, Firmagon about 8 months ago. Tougher side affect with Firmagon. 2nd injection was 60 days after first because the doctor was out of town. Thank God because 60 days was soon enough. 30 days would have been overkill. PSA starting to creep up to 1.2 from .8 after Firmagon. Getting my weight under control from the Firmagon. Gained about 12 pounds to 167, which is higher than I have ever been. I am, on .5 mg daily of Avodart as an experiment. My hair stopped falling out, vitamin C helps that as well.
    73 years old, inpretty good condition. Still feel great, but am neglectig my exercise.
    Cancer in the spine seems to have subsided with the last scan.
    I take a lot of herbal stuff as welland eat healthy. I use about one tube of capsaicin cream (0.1%) every 2 or three weeks. I read that it can kill PC cells. The Avodart dropped my DHT from a high of 1500 to a low of 29, T is still over 700. Starting on modified citrus pectin.
    Does anyone know anything about noscapine ?
  • Royalbert
    Royalbert Member Posts: 5

    Pain and PSA results
    Hi Royalalbert,

    My Oncologist prescribed POPOXYPHEN-apap (DARVOCET) which I took before and after my Firmagon injections. This did seem to lesson the stomach pain along with PREDNISOLONE which reduced swelling when compared to my previous injections. Again, my injection site pain was still present but my waist didn't swell as had before.

    The PSA was checked last week with wonderful news of 06.91. drawn on October 18th. I plan on having another injection when my PSA rises again over 4.-5. I may have to start learning French so I can afford future Firmagon injections. Mmmm Blackmarket Firmagon? Just joking.

    Wishing you the best,
    Glen

    glen
    Hi Glen
    Funny you should mention Black Market Firmagon.
    When I got my first shots the prescription was for 2 injections. The Pharmacist who had not heard of Firmagon gave me 2 boxes. When I opened them, each box had 2 shots in them. As I wouldn't have used the 2nd box I took it back a month later. He hadn't realised or even missed the 2nd box.

    Had my second shot now with no after effects except belt-line discomfort and slight swelling.
    Because its all free in France I am disappointed it only costs 170 euros per shot. I feel that if it were more expensive it would work better and that I am getting something out of the system!

    Mind you, if I had to pay I would be sticking with Casodex, Pomegranate juice and prayer.

    The american postings seem to have much more info about their disease than I ever get. My Oncologist is French and although I can't understand half what he says all I ever get is a PSA result and a gallic shrug. No Gleason scale,no testosterone scores,just PSA.

    Perhaps he works on the notion The less they know,the less they worry.
  • blm50
    blm50 Member Posts: 1
    bobmack said:

    Firmagon
    6 year survivor, radical prostatectomy,40 psa at time of surgery. 8-10 Gleason
    Eligard after 2 years or so, Firmagon about 8 months ago. Tougher side affect with Firmagon. 2nd injection was 60 days after first because the doctor was out of town. Thank God because 60 days was soon enough. 30 days would have been overkill. PSA starting to creep up to 1.2 from .8 after Firmagon. Getting my weight under control from the Firmagon. Gained about 12 pounds to 167, which is higher than I have ever been. I am, on .5 mg daily of Avodart as an experiment. My hair stopped falling out, vitamin C helps that as well.
    73 years old, inpretty good condition. Still feel great, but am neglectig my exercise.
    Cancer in the spine seems to have subsided with the last scan.
    I take a lot of herbal stuff as welland eat healthy. I use about one tube of capsaicin cream (0.1%) every 2 or three weeks. I read that it can kill PC cells. The Avodart dropped my DHT from a high of 1500 to a low of 29, T is still over 700. Starting on modified citrus pectin.
    Does anyone know anything about noscapine ?

    Firagon injections work!
    In 2004 my husband had a radical prostatectomy. Still, his PSA never went to 0.0 and after four years of very, very slow increases he then had 42 radiation treatments. The radiation treatments also did not bring his PSA to 0.0. Finally, in June he stared on Firmagon and his August PSA was 0.1. HOORRAAYY! He's sheduled for a PSA again this month and I hope it will either be the same or finally 0.0. He is having soreness at the injection site after each injection. His hot flashes and mine coincide which is quite amusing to some people. He is 70, is on medication for high blood pressure and his heart, works out three times a week at the local gym and all in all is in realtively good health. We eat a little stangely because I have Graves Disease and Celiac Disease which cause us to eat more fruits and vegetables, gluten free everything (he still eats cookies and other goodies at times, and we seem to feel better.
  • retired1
    retired1 Member Posts: 11
    blm50 said:

    Firagon injections work!
    In 2004 my husband had a radical prostatectomy. Still, his PSA never went to 0.0 and after four years of very, very slow increases he then had 42 radiation treatments. The radiation treatments also did not bring his PSA to 0.0. Finally, in June he stared on Firmagon and his August PSA was 0.1. HOORRAAYY! He's sheduled for a PSA again this month and I hope it will either be the same or finally 0.0. He is having soreness at the injection site after each injection. His hot flashes and mine coincide which is quite amusing to some people. He is 70, is on medication for high blood pressure and his heart, works out three times a week at the local gym and all in all is in realtively good health. We eat a little stangely because I have Graves Disease and Celiac Disease which cause us to eat more fruits and vegetables, gluten free everything (he still eats cookies and other goodies at times, and we seem to feel better.

    blm50
    It is my understanding that they cannot measure down to 0.0 if he is at 0.1 we all would take that in a minute.
  • Medcomglen
    Medcomglen Member Posts: 95
    Royalbert said:

    glen
    Hi Glen
    Funny you should mention Black Market Firmagon.
    When I got my first shots the prescription was for 2 injections. The Pharmacist who had not heard of Firmagon gave me 2 boxes. When I opened them, each box had 2 shots in them. As I wouldn't have used the 2nd box I took it back a month later. He hadn't realised or even missed the 2nd box.

    Had my second shot now with no after effects except belt-line discomfort and slight swelling.
    Because its all free in France I am disappointed it only costs 170 euros per shot. I feel that if it were more expensive it would work better and that I am getting something out of the system!

    Mind you, if I had to pay I would be sticking with Casodex, Pomegranate juice and prayer.

    The american postings seem to have much more info about their disease than I ever get. My Oncologist is French and although I can't understand half what he says all I ever get is a PSA result and a gallic shrug. No Gleason scale,no testosterone scores,just PSA.

    Perhaps he works on the notion The less they know,the less they worry.

    Thank you for the laughs.
    Thank you for the laughs. Possibly French Doctors keep information to a minimum since it's socialized medicine and would be too costly for further explanation. Just a guess:-)I just posted this under a new discussion...Great news from Ferring...

    "I contacted the Ferring Pharmaceutical Company that manufactures Firmagon(degarelix) last month regarding if they had a compassionate drug program. My Cobra Insurance was ending 10/31/10 and affording Firmagon as an out of pocket expense would be a severe financial burden. I was informed Ferring did not have a compassionate drug program for Firmagon in place but they would check on my situation and let me know.

    To my surprise I received a phone call from a Ferring representative today asking for my Oncologists address so they could mail 3-4 injections for free for my future injections.

    I would like to publicly convey a sincere thank you to all of the Ferring Pharmaceutical company employees that contributed to this compassionate decision.

    Sincerely,
    Glen M."
  • Medcomglen
    Medcomglen Member Posts: 95
    Royalbert said:

    glen
    Hi Glen
    Funny you should mention Black Market Firmagon.
    When I got my first shots the prescription was for 2 injections. The Pharmacist who had not heard of Firmagon gave me 2 boxes. When I opened them, each box had 2 shots in them. As I wouldn't have used the 2nd box I took it back a month later. He hadn't realised or even missed the 2nd box.

    Had my second shot now with no after effects except belt-line discomfort and slight swelling.
    Because its all free in France I am disappointed it only costs 170 euros per shot. I feel that if it were more expensive it would work better and that I am getting something out of the system!

    Mind you, if I had to pay I would be sticking with Casodex, Pomegranate juice and prayer.

    The american postings seem to have much more info about their disease than I ever get. My Oncologist is French and although I can't understand half what he says all I ever get is a PSA result and a gallic shrug. No Gleason scale,no testosterone scores,just PSA.

    Perhaps he works on the notion The less they know,the less they worry.

    Great News! Firmagon injections.
    Thank you for the laughs regararding French Doctors. Possibly French Doctors keep patient information to a minimum since it's socialized medicine and would be too costly for detailed medical explanations. Just a guess:-) I just posted this under a new discussion...Great news for me from from Ferring...

    "I contacted the Ferring Pharmaceutical Company that manufactures Firmagon(degarelix) last month regarding if they had a compassionate drug program. My Cobra Insurance was ending 10/31/10 and affording Firmagon as an out of pocket expense would be a severe financial burden. I was informed Ferring did not have a compassionate drug program for Firmagon in place but they would check on my situation and let me know.

    To my surprise I received a phone call from a Ferring representative today asking for my Oncologists address so they could mail 3-4 injections for free for my future injections.

    I would like to publicly convey a sincere thank you to all of the Ferring Pharmaceutical company employees that contributed to this compassionate decision.

    Sincerely,
    Glen M."
  • wayne2
    wayne2 Member Posts: 31

    Great News! Firmagon injections.
    Thank you for the laughs regararding French Doctors. Possibly French Doctors keep patient information to a minimum since it's socialized medicine and would be too costly for detailed medical explanations. Just a guess:-) I just posted this under a new discussion...Great news for me from from Ferring...

    "I contacted the Ferring Pharmaceutical Company that manufactures Firmagon(degarelix) last month regarding if they had a compassionate drug program. My Cobra Insurance was ending 10/31/10 and affording Firmagon as an out of pocket expense would be a severe financial burden. I was informed Ferring did not have a compassionate drug program for Firmagon in place but they would check on my situation and let me know.

    To my surprise I received a phone call from a Ferring representative today asking for my Oncologists address so they could mail 3-4 injections for free for my future injections.

    I would like to publicly convey a sincere thank you to all of the Ferring Pharmaceutical company employees that contributed to this compassionate decision.

    Sincerely,
    Glen M."

    PSA IS STILL LOW ; PAIN IS UP
    WHEW...............psa is still 0.1...............But the last two injections have been VERY PAINFUL.Had another one today; taking tylenol...................but still better than the alternative.

    I'm happy for you, Glen regarding the company send someeds your way.............HOORAY AND CELEBRATIONS. !!

    Any ideas re pain? I'm gonna go lay down and read...........BUT !!!I DID FISH FOR TWO HOURS AFTER MY INJECTION TODAY..........GOT TWO NICE BASS........PUT 'EM BACK.....................Then the pain hit me...................but I am blessed!!

    good wishes and prayers to all..................Les N.
  • Medcomglen
    Medcomglen Member Posts: 95
    bobmack said:

    Firmagon
    6 year survivor, radical prostatectomy,40 psa at time of surgery. 8-10 Gleason
    Eligard after 2 years or so, Firmagon about 8 months ago. Tougher side affect with Firmagon. 2nd injection was 60 days after first because the doctor was out of town. Thank God because 60 days was soon enough. 30 days would have been overkill. PSA starting to creep up to 1.2 from .8 after Firmagon. Getting my weight under control from the Firmagon. Gained about 12 pounds to 167, which is higher than I have ever been. I am, on .5 mg daily of Avodart as an experiment. My hair stopped falling out, vitamin C helps that as well.
    73 years old, inpretty good condition. Still feel great, but am neglectig my exercise.
    Cancer in the spine seems to have subsided with the last scan.
    I take a lot of herbal stuff as welland eat healthy. I use about one tube of capsaicin cream (0.1%) every 2 or three weeks. I read that it can kill PC cells. The Avodart dropped my DHT from a high of 1500 to a low of 29, T is still over 700. Starting on modified citrus pectin.
    Does anyone know anything about noscapine ?

    Firmagon
    Hi bobmack,

    Good to hear you are a six year survivor and still going strong. I can relate about the back to back injections of hormone therapy and Firmagon. Had two injections back in August and September and I was really hit with exhaustion and weight gain. 5'-4" 165 lbs. Use to be 150 lbs. By the way, I noticed there is a Newsletter for noscapine. Are you a subscriber? If not here's the link to copy and paste or click on it. Sounds interesting since it use to be a cough syrup.

    http://pcref.org/mailing/?p=subscribe&id=1

    Here's a recent study too:
    http://www.upi.com/Science_News/2010/03/23/Noscapine-use-for-prostate-cancer-studied/UPI-40241269377522/

    Good luck with your next Firmagon injection. If it's in your spine you probably should remain on a monthly schedule and hopefully the "Doctor will see you now" :-) What other herbal supplements are you taking for your Prostate?

    Best of health in the meantime.
  • wayne2
    wayne2 Member Posts: 31

    Firmagon
    Hi bobmack,

    Good to hear you are a six year survivor and still going strong. I can relate about the back to back injections of hormone therapy and Firmagon. Had two injections back in August and September and I was really hit with exhaustion and weight gain. 5'-4" 165 lbs. Use to be 150 lbs. By the way, I noticed there is a Newsletter for noscapine. Are you a subscriber? If not here's the link to copy and paste or click on it. Sounds interesting since it use to be a cough syrup.

    http://pcref.org/mailing/?p=subscribe&id=1

    Here's a recent study too:
    http://www.upi.com/Science_News/2010/03/23/Noscapine-use-for-prostate-cancer-studied/UPI-40241269377522/

    Good luck with your next Firmagon injection. If it's in your spine you probably should remain on a monthly schedule and hopefully the "Doctor will see you now" :-) What other herbal supplements are you taking for your Prostate?

    Best of health in the meantime.

    THANKSGIVING
    We're in Texas visiting a son and his wife for Thanksgiving. I had my last firmagon shot on Friday, Nov. 12th...............went fishing that afternoon and active in the boat ; lots of pain at the injection site that night and for several days after. I still have a hard knot at the site........about the size of a half dollar. This new for me. I read that the injection forms a nodule and then emits over a 28 day period..........anyone else have this happen ?

    However............I still am blessed and have much to be thankful for.I pray for blessings for all this holiday.

    wayne2
  • VascodaGama
    VascodaGama Member Posts: 3,638 Member

    Firmagon
    Hi bobmack,

    Good to hear you are a six year survivor and still going strong. I can relate about the back to back injections of hormone therapy and Firmagon. Had two injections back in August and September and I was really hit with exhaustion and weight gain. 5'-4" 165 lbs. Use to be 150 lbs. By the way, I noticed there is a Newsletter for noscapine. Are you a subscriber? If not here's the link to copy and paste or click on it. Sounds interesting since it use to be a cough syrup.

    http://pcref.org/mailing/?p=subscribe&id=1

    Here's a recent study too:
    http://www.upi.com/Science_News/2010/03/23/Noscapine-use-for-prostate-cancer-studied/UPI-40241269377522/

    Good luck with your next Firmagon injection. If it's in your spine you probably should remain on a monthly schedule and hopefully the "Doctor will see you now" :-) What other herbal supplements are you taking for your Prostate?

    Best of health in the meantime.

    Another site about NOSCAPINE
    Hi Glen, There is another site more descritive about this cough syrup. Many pitfalls were verified, so it should be taken seriously.
    Have a look at;
    http://www.psa-rising.com/mednews/tx/62-off-label/61-cough-medicine-noscapine-prostate-cancer-study

    Regards
    VGama