Zytita and heart conditions

ralph.townsend1
ralph.townsend1 Member Posts: 359 Member
The MD Anderson doctor in first of July, told me my Metastatic ilac node's had improved and that I needed to get heart check. I had told them of more chest pains, but did not think it was heart. So this last Friday I went to Heart place in Richardson Texas and sure enough he said my heart sound great, but with the diabeties and the cancer medicine plus the pains in the chest. Probably best to get the test, it will come back good the pains will go away. With two stents being 12 years old. Need to check.

I don't know, if I should talk about this on the Cancer site.
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Comments

  • Samsungtech1
    Samsungtech1 Member Posts: 351
    Heart
    Ralph,
    Are you exercising? This is important. I just have one stent and am sure more are coming. Problem is with the PCa. You get the treatments, and the side effects and do not exercise. When they put my stent in they put me in physical therapy. Are you eligible for this? It is just a suggestion.
    Good luck.
    I sent you an email but it came back.

    Mike
  • ralph.townsend1
    ralph.townsend1 Member Posts: 359 Member

    Heart
    Ralph,
    Are you exercising? This is important. I just have one stent and am sure more are coming. Problem is with the PCa. You get the treatments, and the side effects and do not exercise. When they put my stent in they put me in physical therapy. Are you eligible for this? It is just a suggestion.
    Good luck.
    I sent you an email but it came back.

    Mike

    Exercise
    I was until the summer. The good thing is I have loss about 15 pounds sent Oct. 2011. I'm not exercising right now, but staying very active and eating better. I sent you the correct email address. Between the lupron and Zytiga I get very tired and hot flash to death.
  • hopeful and optimistic
    hopeful and optimistic Member Posts: 2,339 Member

    Exercise
    I was until the summer. The good thing is I have loss about 15 pounds sent Oct. 2011. I'm not exercising right now, but staying very active and eating better. I sent you the correct email address. Between the lupron and Zytiga I get very tired and hot flash to death.

    Great that you are eating better
    There are various posts at this site about diet. Basically a heart health diet is good for the heart(there are studies done that eating a veggie diet, avoiding stress, and exercising will reverse conditions of heart disease, fight diabetics, cancer, and is good for pretty much everything else. There is a Dr. Ornish who several years ago wrote a book "reversing heart disease" that talks to this. During the last few years he has been doing research to determine the effects on PSA from patients using his life style regiment. This has shown decreases in PSA among a small sample of patients .

    There is a dvd FORKSoverKNIVES that discusses life style changes. Some of us have at this site have seen this video and have made positive changes resulting from information gained from the video.

    There is a book, called "The China Study" by T. Collin Campbell which the above dvd is based on which in my opinion is the bible of eating properly.

    I for one have made life style changes based on the above. My blood numbers are better, cholesterol, etc, my weight is down,have lot's of energy, etc, etc. I feel that I am a warrior fight this beast. Others at this site have also made life style change and have seen positive results; two that I know of from their posts, and who are a lot smarter than me, are Swingshift Worker and Kongo.

    Enjoy the moments of life
  • Samsungtech1
    Samsungtech1 Member Posts: 351

    Great that you are eating better
    There are various posts at this site about diet. Basically a heart health diet is good for the heart(there are studies done that eating a veggie diet, avoiding stress, and exercising will reverse conditions of heart disease, fight diabetics, cancer, and is good for pretty much everything else. There is a Dr. Ornish who several years ago wrote a book "reversing heart disease" that talks to this. During the last few years he has been doing research to determine the effects on PSA from patients using his life style regiment. This has shown decreases in PSA among a small sample of patients .

    There is a dvd FORKSoverKNIVES that discusses life style changes. Some of us have at this site have seen this video and have made positive changes resulting from information gained from the video.

    There is a book, called "The China Study" by T. Collin Campbell which the above dvd is based on which in my opinion is the bible of eating properly.

    I for one have made life style changes based on the above. My blood numbers are better, cholesterol, etc, my weight is down,have lot's of energy, etc, etc. I feel that I am a warrior fight this beast. Others at this site have also made life style change and have seen positive results; two that I know of from their posts, and who are a lot smarter than me, are Swingshift Worker and Kongo.

    Enjoy the moments of life

    AgentOrange
    Unfortunately Ralphhas Ischemic heart disease. Agent Orange is a bad disease. There are over 14 different things you can get, and they can just keep coming. You do not need to just beat one disease they just keep coming. Heart healthy is good. No matter what it will definetly help. Thanks for the input.
  • ralph.townsend1
    ralph.townsend1 Member Posts: 359 Member

    AgentOrange
    Unfortunately Ralphhas Ischemic heart disease. Agent Orange is a bad disease. There are over 14 different things you can get, and they can just keep coming. You do not need to just beat one disease they just keep coming. Heart healthy is good. No matter what it will definetly help. Thanks for the input.

    The big problem
    Yes I have IHD and I wish I didn't have it, but Peripheral Neuropathy do to the diabeties II. The diabeties flared up because of the cancer medicine I was on last year. I can't walk further than 20 feet without burning pain and shocking pain in the legs. The arms and hands do the same thing. I see the Neuro-Oncology doctor's at MD Anderson and along with a Clinical Dietitian. Since Oct. 2011 I have lost 15 pounds and was walking in May 2012 until the PN came back. My diabetes is under control with medicine for now. I don't think the Zytiga is causing this new problem with PN.
  • VascodaGama
    VascodaGama Member Posts: 3,638 Member

    The big problem
    Yes I have IHD and I wish I didn't have it, but Peripheral Neuropathy do to the diabeties II. The diabeties flared up because of the cancer medicine I was on last year. I can't walk further than 20 feet without burning pain and shocking pain in the legs. The arms and hands do the same thing. I see the Neuro-Oncology doctor's at MD Anderson and along with a Clinical Dietitian. Since Oct. 2011 I have lost 15 pounds and was walking in May 2012 until the PN came back. My diabetes is under control with medicine for now. I don't think the Zytiga is causing this new problem with PN.

    Can you share your latest results on the treatment?
    Ralph

    I wonder if you got any results from your last check up on heart health. Your comments above on symptoms are worrisome. Zytiga main effects concern hhypertension, hypokalemia, and fluid retention and such could be influencing some of those symptoms. Chest pain and fast heartbeat may signal an “overheat” from the drug. Lupron may also be causing you weakness, or cramping when walking. In any case the best way to counter the effects is by exercising, if you manage to do it.

    I hope that you are now feeling better and that your doctor has given you good advice on what to do. Proper nutrition is important when taking drugs like Zytiga. I hope the lost in weight is under due “management”.
    You could discuss with the doctor about any possibility in taking Zytiga intermittently. It would give you time to recuperate from the drug’s side effects.

    Wishing you well.
    VGama
  • ralph.townsend1
    ralph.townsend1 Member Posts: 359 Member

    Can you share your latest results on the treatment?
    Ralph

    I wonder if you got any results from your last check up on heart health. Your comments above on symptoms are worrisome. Zytiga main effects concern hhypertension, hypokalemia, and fluid retention and such could be influencing some of those symptoms. Chest pain and fast heartbeat may signal an “overheat” from the drug. Lupron may also be causing you weakness, or cramping when walking. In any case the best way to counter the effects is by exercising, if you manage to do it.

    I hope that you are now feeling better and that your doctor has given you good advice on what to do. Proper nutrition is important when taking drugs like Zytiga. I hope the lost in weight is under due “management”.
    You could discuss with the doctor about any possibility in taking Zytiga intermittently. It would give you time to recuperate from the drug’s side effects.

    Wishing you well.
    VGama

    radiation side effect
    Back last year I had a Colonoscopy 11/2011, because of bleeding on and off. They discover that i had permament nerve damage to the rectal area call radiation proctitis. The doctor said i would probably never have complete control. VA also ran test last year and came back with 60% disablity for Bowel Incontinence due to radiation proctitis associated with Prostate Cancer. I'm now 400% disability with VA, but only 100% Permanent and Total disability.

    I get to look it my blood test from MD Anderson. I looks like all the number's are going to the RED. They are not in margin, but the doctor's seem to be ok with them. VGama I think that the Zytiga is working fine, but i do agree that the Lupron is apart of the problem, I'm will Email the doctor about going off lupron. My next shot is in Sept 19,2012. I will let y'all know about my stress test which is monday. Father and Grandfather both die from aneurysm of the heart, but both were a lot old than me. They will be checking for that also.

    On a funny note is that VA has me rated with all these condition's, but will not give me my rating for depression and Hypertenion. Do they know that I'm on the edge. How can they say it is not service connected?
  • Samsungtech1
    Samsungtech1 Member Posts: 351

    radiation side effect
    Back last year I had a Colonoscopy 11/2011, because of bleeding on and off. They discover that i had permament nerve damage to the rectal area call radiation proctitis. The doctor said i would probably never have complete control. VA also ran test last year and came back with 60% disablity for Bowel Incontinence due to radiation proctitis associated with Prostate Cancer. I'm now 400% disability with VA, but only 100% Permanent and Total disability.

    I get to look it my blood test from MD Anderson. I looks like all the number's are going to the RED. They are not in margin, but the doctor's seem to be ok with them. VGama I think that the Zytiga is working fine, but i do agree that the Lupron is apart of the problem, I'm will Email the doctor about going off lupron. My next shot is in Sept 19,2012. I will let y'all know about my stress test which is monday. Father and Grandfather both die from aneurysm of the heart, but both were a lot old than me. They will be checking for that also.

    On a funny note is that VA has me rated with all these condition's, but will not give me my rating for depression and Hypertenion. Do they know that I'm on the edge. How can they say it is not service connected?

    Ratings
    Ralph,
    I know they increase disabiliy for loss of organs, but once you reach 100 percent how much higher can you go? Buddy of mine has been waiting two years for them to declare him 100 per cent finally gave it to him. What is above 100 per cent?

    Mike
  • Samsungtech1
    Samsungtech1 Member Posts: 351

    radiation side effect
    Back last year I had a Colonoscopy 11/2011, because of bleeding on and off. They discover that i had permament nerve damage to the rectal area call radiation proctitis. The doctor said i would probably never have complete control. VA also ran test last year and came back with 60% disablity for Bowel Incontinence due to radiation proctitis associated with Prostate Cancer. I'm now 400% disability with VA, but only 100% Permanent and Total disability.

    I get to look it my blood test from MD Anderson. I looks like all the number's are going to the RED. They are not in margin, but the doctor's seem to be ok with them. VGama I think that the Zytiga is working fine, but i do agree that the Lupron is apart of the problem, I'm will Email the doctor about going off lupron. My next shot is in Sept 19,2012. I will let y'all know about my stress test which is monday. Father and Grandfather both die from aneurysm of the heart, but both were a lot old than me. They will be checking for that also.

    On a funny note is that VA has me rated with all these condition's, but will not give me my rating for depression and Hypertenion. Do they know that I'm on the edge. How can they say it is not service connected?

    Ratings
    Ralph,
    I know they increase disabiliy for loss of organs, but once you reach 100 percent how much higher can you go? Buddy of mine has been waiting two years for them to declare him 100 per cent finally gave it to him. What is above 100 per cent?

    Mike
  • ralph.townsend1
    ralph.townsend1 Member Posts: 359 Member

    Ratings
    Ralph,
    I know they increase disabiliy for loss of organs, but once you reach 100 percent how much higher can you go? Buddy of mine has been waiting two years for them to declare him 100 per cent finally gave it to him. What is above 100 per cent?

    Mike

    Nothing, Mike
    Its means nothing, once your 100% P&T permanent and total disability the other percentage mean nothing. You can be 100% and not P&T.I'm

    100% prostate cancer
    100% lymph node cancer
    20% diabetesII
    10% heart disease
    60% peripheral Neurophathy left leg
    40% peripheral Neurophathy right leg
    10% peripheral neurophathy right and left arms
    60% bowel incontinence
    _____+ SMC loss of organ and home bound!
    that equals = 100% P&T and some of the condition's have got worst!

    Vgama, if I could solve the problem with the Perpheral Neurophathy, I think I could get back to full time of exercise. About 20 to 30 feet is my max right now, and if don't take my lyrica of 300 mg twice a day my body go into a rage. The specialist at MD Anderson they are trying to keep me on a good diet.

    As you can see, that It's hard to care about the PC. I'm tired, y'all stay strong and God bless!!!!
  • Samsungtech1
    Samsungtech1 Member Posts: 351

    Nothing, Mike
    Its means nothing, once your 100% P&T permanent and total disability the other percentage mean nothing. You can be 100% and not P&T.I'm

    100% prostate cancer
    100% lymph node cancer
    20% diabetesII
    10% heart disease
    60% peripheral Neurophathy left leg
    40% peripheral Neurophathy right leg
    10% peripheral neurophathy right and left arms
    60% bowel incontinence
    _____+ SMC loss of organ and home bound!
    that equals = 100% P&T and some of the condition's have got worst!

    Vgama, if I could solve the problem with the Perpheral Neurophathy, I think I could get back to full time of exercise. About 20 to 30 feet is my max right now, and if don't take my lyrica of 300 mg twice a day my body go into a rage. The specialist at MD Anderson they are trying to keep me on a good diet.

    As you can see, that It's hard to care about the PC. I'm tired, y'all stay strong and God bless!!!!

    Ratings
    Ralph,
    I get 30 per cent for PTSD, it really does not make a difference. Like you said 100 is 100. I am sorry the neuropathy is causing you so much trouble. Hopefully they can give you some help. I have a friend from VN and he is in a wheelchair from this. Keep the faith brother, you are in my thoughts.

    Mike
  • Samsungtech1
    Samsungtech1 Member Posts: 351

    Ratings
    Ralph,
    I get 30 per cent for PTSD, it really does not make a difference. Like you said 100 is 100. I am sorry the neuropathy is causing you so much trouble. Hopefully they can give you some help. I have a friend from VN and he is in a wheelchair from this. Keep the faith brother, you are in my thoughts.

    Mike

    Heart
    Ralph,
    You know there were probably times when you thought you might not live another minute. Hard to explain that feeling, but we got past that. This is the same thing except we are older and have alot more aches and pains. Think about what you felt then. What it felt like afterwards. You have never been so alive. Channel that feeling and use it to your benefit. Keep positive brother.

    Mike
  • VascodaGama
    VascodaGama Member Posts: 3,638 Member

    Heart
    Ralph,
    You know there were probably times when you thought you might not live another minute. Hard to explain that feeling, but we got past that. This is the same thing except we are older and have alot more aches and pains. Think about what you felt then. What it felt like afterwards. You have never been so alive. Channel that feeling and use it to your benefit. Keep positive brother.

    Mike

    Ralph; Thanks for the details
    Ralph, My elder brother.

    I and many comrades following your posts are grateful for the info you have been passing on. Though I never experienced the symptoms you got or even been close to someone with your status, I do understand how desperate the condition may be.
    I sincerely wish you the strength needed to fight your diagnosis.

    Lupron is known for mood changes and depression. It may be affecting you very much. My experience with Eligard (leuprolide acetate) in the initial stages was depressive at times and such cause me to cry. I knew about such side effect and so tried hard to overcome those depressing feelings.

    I hope your doctor takes your wish into consideration and lets you out of Lupron for a period. In fact Zytiga does not require the patient to be in chemo castration. Hypogonadism may be causing many of your symptoms. However, participants in the trial may be obliged to take both drugs.
    Take a copy of this video of Dr. Myers with regards to hormonal treatment, to your doctor if you think it good;
    http://askdrmyers.wordpress.com/2011/10/05/male-hypogonadism-pca/

    You are a fighter and I know you can overcome this harsh moment of your care. Keep it up, please.

    Thanks for the previous message regarding the colonoscopy.
    God bless you.
    VG
  • ralph.townsend1
    ralph.townsend1 Member Posts: 359 Member

    Ralph; Thanks for the details
    Ralph, My elder brother.

    I and many comrades following your posts are grateful for the info you have been passing on. Though I never experienced the symptoms you got or even been close to someone with your status, I do understand how desperate the condition may be.
    I sincerely wish you the strength needed to fight your diagnosis.

    Lupron is known for mood changes and depression. It may be affecting you very much. My experience with Eligard (leuprolide acetate) in the initial stages was depressive at times and such cause me to cry. I knew about such side effect and so tried hard to overcome those depressing feelings.

    I hope your doctor takes your wish into consideration and lets you out of Lupron for a period. In fact Zytiga does not require the patient to be in chemo castration. Hypogonadism may be causing many of your symptoms. However, participants in the trial may be obliged to take both drugs.
    Take a copy of this video of Dr. Myers with regards to hormonal treatment, to your doctor if you think it good;
    http://askdrmyers.wordpress.com/2011/10/05/male-hypogonadism-pca/

    You are a fighter and I know you can overcome this harsh moment of your care. Keep it up, please.

    Thanks for the previous message regarding the colonoscopy.
    God bless you.
    VG

    Heart Attack #3
    Well I been out of action since the first of August. Mid july I started having chest pains and other thing that is apart of having a heart attack like stomach, jaw, and back/shoulder pain. August the 6th I went and did a stress test and other test with no result- things were cool accept the pain. Two days later have pretty bad chest pains and now I get some Nitro. Three days later the next attack and off to ER. Stent number 3 August 17 2012. Continue the Zytiga and the PSA 0.3.

    The last month real tired, but feeling better now :}
  • Samsungtech1
    Samsungtech1 Member Posts: 351

    Heart Attack #3
    Well I been out of action since the first of August. Mid july I started having chest pains and other thing that is apart of having a heart attack like stomach, jaw, and back/shoulder pain. August the 6th I went and did a stress test and other test with no result- things were cool accept the pain. Two days later have pretty bad chest pains and now I get some Nitro. Three days later the next attack and off to ER. Stent number 3 August 17 2012. Continue the Zytiga and the PSA 0.3.

    The last month real tired, but feeling better now :}

    #3
    Ralph, bro

    I am so sorry. I quit a couple of treatments because of side effects. My oncologists tells me I will probably die of heart attack before cancer can kill me. My heart has been hurting for a few weeks. Tired of going to doctors to hear them say take your pills. Anyhow brother I am really saddened bythis news. If the lupron is messing with you quit it. You do not have to ask, just tell them. See what happens after awhile. You feel better, go for it. Those Dr's are guessing as much as picking numbers for the lottery.
    We both suffer from the same things. Mine is to the organs, but what difference does it make. If you really feel like it is the Lupron, and you sound like your not doing well, cut it out. Do not just do what they tell you. If that stuff is taking your energy then you need to cut it out and start getting your energy back. The less you move the more all these things win.
    Please brother fight. Doctors are ok, but you are the only one who knows what is going on. You have to go with your judgment. Listen to your body and it will talk to you. if you feel the Lupron is causing these problems stop taking it for a few months. See if you improve.

    Mike
  • Kongo
    Kongo Member Posts: 1,166 Member

    Heart Attack #3
    Well I been out of action since the first of August. Mid july I started having chest pains and other thing that is apart of having a heart attack like stomach, jaw, and back/shoulder pain. August the 6th I went and did a stress test and other test with no result- things were cool accept the pain. Two days later have pretty bad chest pains and now I get some Nitro. Three days later the next attack and off to ER. Stent number 3 August 17 2012. Continue the Zytiga and the PSA 0.3.

    The last month real tired, but feeling better now :}

    Hang in there
    As one Vietnam vet to another...hang in there Ralph. I know you're going through a tough time. We've both see worse. Keep your head down and your gun up. We all have more battles ahead of us and I know you will do great. Thinking of you.

    K
  • VascodaGama
    VascodaGama Member Posts: 3,638 Member
    Kongo said:

    Hang in there
    As one Vietnam vet to another...hang in there Ralph. I know you're going through a tough time. We've both see worse. Keep your head down and your gun up. We all have more battles ahead of us and I know you will do great. Thinking of you.

    K

    Take a break
    Ralph

    I am sorry to hear about the heart attack. I agree with Mike, give up with Lupron if such gives you the confidence of improvement. I wonder what your doctor has recommended. In any case you can stay out of agonists without causing any negative effect in the treatment. Zytiga and Lupron work differently and independently.
    Zytiga avoids cells from manufacturing androgens. Lupron avoids signalling at the pituitary that controls the manufacture of testosterone at the testes.

    As a veteran you have lots of experience in confronting difficult situations and now you need to become the one in control.
    Do not give up but take a break.

    Sending you the “force”.
    Best wishes for an improvement.

    VG
  • ralph.townsend1
    ralph.townsend1 Member Posts: 359 Member

    Take a break
    Ralph

    I am sorry to hear about the heart attack. I agree with Mike, give up with Lupron if such gives you the confidence of improvement. I wonder what your doctor has recommended. In any case you can stay out of agonists without causing any negative effect in the treatment. Zytiga and Lupron work differently and independently.
    Zytiga avoids cells from manufacturing androgens. Lupron avoids signalling at the pituitary that controls the manufacture of testosterone at the testes.

    As a veteran you have lots of experience in confronting difficult situations and now you need to become the one in control.
    Do not give up but take a break.

    Sending you the “force”.
    Best wishes for an improvement.

    VG

    Thanks
    Thanks Mike, Kongo, and VG,

    I put in a call and Email to my MD Anderson doctor's about quiting Lupron and staying Zytiga for now. I got out late Saturday from the hospital and last night I started having after shock to the heart area. Took a nitro and went away, will call doctor today. He is one of the best in Dallas. What I can't understand is the stress test showed negative to any probrems. Every stress test and all the other test has never shown any thing. No more stress test and maybe no more heart doctor?

    Oh the good news they added a new medicine called Plavix???? I wonder what it causes. Life is as a old Engineer told me. Everything has a cause and effect! Lupron, Zytiga, Lyica, ETC!
  • VascodaGama
    VascodaGama Member Posts: 3,638 Member

    Thanks
    Thanks Mike, Kongo, and VG,

    I put in a call and Email to my MD Anderson doctor's about quiting Lupron and staying Zytiga for now. I got out late Saturday from the hospital and last night I started having after shock to the heart area. Took a nitro and went away, will call doctor today. He is one of the best in Dallas. What I can't understand is the stress test showed negative to any probrems. Every stress test and all the other test has never shown any thing. No more stress test and maybe no more heart doctor?

    Oh the good news they added a new medicine called Plavix???? I wonder what it causes. Life is as a old Engineer told me. Everything has a cause and effect! Lupron, Zytiga, Lyica, ETC!

    Plavix
    Ralph
    If you mean Plavix (clopidogrel) this is a drug to prevent blood clots after a heart attack.
    Just read this link for the side effects;
    http://www.drugs.com/plavix.html

    However, not to alarm you, I think it better to inform the doctor controlling Zytiga because it may interact with Prednisone.

    Wishing you recover the soonest.
  • ralph.townsend1
    ralph.townsend1 Member Posts: 359 Member

    Plavix
    Ralph
    If you mean Plavix (clopidogrel) this is a drug to prevent blood clots after a heart attack.
    Just read this link for the side effects;
    http://www.drugs.com/plavix.html

    However, not to alarm you, I think it better to inform the doctor controlling Zytiga because it may interact with Prednisone.

    Wishing you recover the soonest.

    Food for Cancer
    My doctor at MDACC said NO WAY on quiting the lupron. Because of the Lupron shuting off the food to the cancer. The Zytiga would not work alone and I would see a increase in the psa and my tumors. MDACC said the heart condition was not associated with the Zytiga or Lupron. The Diabetes II even if it is under control, still he points the finger at it!