side affects etc.

KPM
KPM Member Posts: 1 *
in Prostate Cancer #1

I am a 66 year old who was treated for prostrate cancer, went through Brakey Therapy was clear for 6 years and then my PSA went up and it was discovered that my cancer metastasized in my tailbone. I went through Radiation now for the last year I am on 1000 mg of Zytiga, 10 mg of prednisone and Lupron shots every 3 months. I get migraine headaches (nothing works) can't sleep, depressed a lot and feel like I have a hangover everyday, 0 libido and a loss of body strength, any suggestions because my quality of life sucks

Comments

  • Josephg
    Josephg Member Posts: 460 Member
    #2

    I was bothered by hot flashes, which were quite prevalent, when I was on the same medication cocktail that you are on now. My Medical Oncologist recommended 150mg of Venlafaxine daily, and it was helpful to me with the hot flashes, as well as improving my daily outlook on life. You may want to discuss with your medical professional.

    Another proven remedy to improve your quality of life is physical exercise. I recognize that right now, that is about the last thing the you really want to do, as the meds make it difficult push yourself in that direction. Try taking short walks daily, and if you can make this happen, your quality of life will improve somewhat.

    I wish you the best of outcomes on your PCa journey.

  • BrendaHenry
    BrendaHenry Member Posts: 15 Member
    #3

    I talk to my oncologist and to other doctors about my quality of life and the symptoms that are occurring. Sometimes I get some very good ideas from them, but it always helps to talk to someone else about what I'm going through. I make sure that I'm keeping my electrolytes in balance and I try to stay active. To me, active could mean as little as moving around my home and doing small things, whatever I have the strength to do because I'm also on oxygen. I try to get outside often, and I keep those lines of communication open with members of my family. Yesterday my pulmonologist told me not to try to do too much but to do a little at a time, and when I'm tired to take a break and rest. I'm 68 years old with lung cancer. I'm beginning to accept that some things have changed and that I probably should start setting the bar a little lower for myself. After all, things have changed in my life and I have to adapt to the changes.

  • Old Salt
    Old Salt Member Posts: 1,530 Member
    #4

    Yes, exercise, like josephg wrote. Join a facility or do it on your own. Set goals. Take enjoyment in reaching a goal.

    Perhaps a local prostate cancer support group might be helpful. You can also chat on this forum with others in similar circumstances.

    I see that you are on a complex drug cocktail. I have read, but do not know the specifics, that there are different ways to take prednisone. Maybe a lower dose (5 mg/day?) or a different time of the day; do discuss this with your doctor, obviously.

  • Clevelandguy
    Clevelandguy Member Posts: 1,206 Member
    edited December 11 #5

    Hi,

    Have you done any scans lately to see if your cancer is gone? If your cancer is not gone you can do multiple dosages of Proton therapy where other types of radiation have failed or maxed out due to dosage restriction. The ADT drug cocktails are nasty, will not kill the cancer but weaken it and slow down it’s growth. Sometimes the cancer learns to get around the need for testosterone and still grow making ADT drugs of little use. In my humble non medical opinion, your quality of life is important. I would look for other options to deal with your cancer other than ADT if that is possible and your quality of life is that poor. Good luck…….

    Dave 3+4

  • BrendaHenry
    BrendaHenry Member Posts: 15 Member
    #6
    https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1719470#Comment_1719470

    I think this is good advice. 🙂♥️

  • BrendaHenry
    BrendaHenry Member Posts: 15 Member
    #7

    A person who is thinking can accomplish so much more than a person who has given up. Don't grow stagnant. Stay alert and stay alive. Find something good in everyday and be thankful. There is always some good.

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