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Docetaxel Chemo – the highs and the lows

User
Posted 27 Mar 2017 at 11:34

its great to hear that everything is going the right way, I'm half way through my Chemo at the moment and PSA has dropped dramatically down to 19 from 247!!!!  Docetaxel is working well, although i feel shite at the moment  next one due next week.


 


 Keep the faith 


 


 Baldyman

User
Posted 27 Mar 2017 at 16:35

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member


its great to hear that everything is going the right way, I'm half way through my Chemo at the moment and PSA has dropped dramatically down to 19 from 247!!!!  Docetaxel is working well, although i feel s***e at the moment  next one due next week.


 


 Keep the faith 


 


 Baldyman



 


Great to see the Docetaxel is working.


 


Your PSA is dropping like a stone.


 


Good on you


 


Dave

"Incurable cancer does not mean it is untreatable and does not mean it is terminal either"
User
Posted 02 Apr 2017 at 17:40

Infusion 7 Day 13.

Checking in to see how you are David?

All very good with me

No side effects at all now. This cycle has been one of the best so far

Regards


Dave

"Incurable cancer does not mean it is untreatable and does not mean it is terminal either"
User
Posted 03 Apr 2017 at 05:21

Infusion 7 Day 14


Not at my best at the moment. The peripheral neuropathy is about the same. The finger and toe nails have deteriorated. Two finger nails are troubling me, one has become infected, I'm treating it with magnesium sulphate paste but I'm off to see my GP about it today.


So some more MK to cheer me up. These two are about farming and farmers, Hill Farmer's Blues followed by Yon Two Crows:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvEWq01cg6g


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aiD5Iib80Q


 

Edited by member 03 Apr 2017 at 05:23  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 06 Apr 2017 at 11:28

Infusion 7 Day 17

Checking in to see how our fellow Chemo users are doing.

Hoping you are doing much better than when you last posted David and your finger nails and peripheral neuropathy are getting better.

It is always a mental relief for me when I get past the 7 to 14 day mark as I am mindful that in theory my bodies resistance to infection should be improving and the last week is normally plain sailing. My next infusion is on Tuesday 11th April.

I have noticed a couple of things. My nails are getting darker at the tips, my teeth are getting more sensitive and if I get up quickly from a chair I can feel a bit dizzy sometimes for about 5 seconds, then it clears. I am not sure if anyone else has this?

Medical team seem to think it is par for the course with the drugs and should improve once the Chemo over with.

Apart from that, plain sailing as we go.

Regards

Dave

"Incurable cancer does not mean it is untreatable and does not mean it is terminal either"
User
Posted 06 Apr 2017 at 12:38
Hi all
Graham has had to go into hospital after infusions 3 and 4 due to high temperature and very low blood count. Saw the prof on Tuesday and just having infusion 5 as I type this. They have given him some injections to take away to self administer at home to try to combat the low blood count going forward. His right leg has swollen from ankle to above the knee, this is a new thing, they checked for blood clot but thankfully this was negative, prof not worried and said it was quite common side effect of the chemo. Graham asked if he would be a candidate for 10 cycles but prof said no, 6 is enough. Graham is early chemo so maybe this makes a difference in the number of cycles.
Apart from this and feeling exhausted from around day 4 to a few days before next infusion he is ok and in good spirits.
Just as an aside and an observation from me really: when he has the high dosages of steroids just before and after the infusion he goes complete hyper, talks non stop and is really restless, on the good side I can get loads and loads of man jobs done around the house if I get the timing rightπŸ˜€
Best wishes to you all
Yvonne.
User
Posted 07 Apr 2017 at 21:08

Infusion 7 Day 18


Another lesson learnt. Last Saturday one of my fingers had become infected. As instructed I contacted the Chemo Ward at the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital and spoke to a Chemo nurse. I described what the finger looked like, she didn't seem too bothered and suggested I treat it with magnesium sulphate paste. By Monday the infection had spread so I went to my GP. He didn't say it but he was obviously not impressed by what the Chemo nurse had advised. He said this infection could cause Neutropenic Sepsis and put me straight onto a 7 day course of Auntie B's. He also said magnesium sulphate paste was about as much use as a chocolate teapot.


And the lesson? Don't assume the Chemo nurses are infallible.


The Auntie B's have worked their magic and I'm a lot happier. The peripheral neuropathy isn't much changed and I'll be talking to my Onco about it next Tuesday.


Today's Radio MK from your ColU DJ. They are both about racing cars.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eugF5hHWA1U


 


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=praUaqWWLyk


 


 

User
Posted 07 Apr 2017 at 22:33

Great to see you are on the mend David.

Tuesday is the next big day.

All the best.

Dave

"Incurable cancer does not mean it is untreatable and does not mean it is terminal either"
User
Posted 09 Apr 2017 at 21:45
Blooming heck CO why didn't you ring me I could have told you the magnesium sulphate wouldn't work that's what I use on my dogs for a sore footπŸ˜„
Infections need Aunty Bs make that your new Mantra.
Keep going my friend you are nearly there.
BFN
JulieX
NEVER LAUGH AT A LIVE DRAGON
User
Posted 11 Apr 2017 at 17:32

Infusion 8 Day 1

Infusion 8 completed today.

PSA back down again, this time 1.1 and Testosterone < 0.45, so heading in the right direction again, but must admit I was hoping they would be lower as I am concerned the PSA will rise again once the Chemo over with, but at least the Zoladex still seems to be doing the job?

Listening music of choice for my 1 hour walk today,

Supertramp : Breakfast In America.

How did your infusion go today David. I hope all is good with you?

All the best

Dave

"Incurable cancer does not mean it is untreatable and does not mean it is terminal either"
User
Posted 11 Apr 2017 at 19:33

Infusion 8 Day 1


PSA up from 3.12 to 3.38 and all other bloods results were good.


I talked this over with my lovely Onco plus my current experiences with peripheral neuropathy, finger & toe nails and mild oedema. She saw no reason not to continue with the full chemo doses and authorised infusions 8 and 9. I meet with her again on the day of infusion 10 which is scheduled to be the last one.


Am I worried about any of the above? Nope. Worry is a useless emotion, it does no good, it just makes things worse. Therefore, I choose not to tolerate it.


Infusion 8 completed without any problems.


Today's MK.


A song about the Boys from the Blackstuff:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QA1g33J5NjA


And the US Presidential handover, there are a few words here that Mr Trump should listen to:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1axx2FJUTg


 

Edited by member 13 Apr 2017 at 06:56  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 11 Apr 2017 at 23:52

What a star you are David! Keep grooving on down...


Hugs


Eleanor


PS not sure Trump is worth any more thought than your toe nails - and probably a great deal less.

User
Posted 12 Apr 2017 at 07:06
Talking of Trump check this out

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=SzcjexXZ6yg
User
Posted 12 Apr 2017 at 23:34

Hi,  I have just seen your post re temperatures-  luckily I have an ear thermometer which takes the temperature in a couple of seconds.  I used to take it 3 or more times a day. One evening it was 38.4 so I phoned the oncology section and they said 'call an ambulance immediately'.  When I got to the hospital I was rushed through A&E and had intravenous antibiotics etc. I had to stay in for 5 days with neutropenic sepsis!  That was after the third Docetaxel session of 6.


I have now finished the 6 chemo sessions (about 7 weeks ago and have just finished with the steroids) but am having a lot of trouble with my nails, both finger and toe. I have had infections under 4 of them already; 2 courses of antibiotics and have lost one fingernail and it looks as if I will lose the two big toenails at least, most of the others have blood blisters under them!  I expect they will grow back in time! Also the nerves in the finger tips feel very sensitive but I think they are slowly returning to normal.  My ankles have been swollen so I am on water tablets but they don't seem to have sorted the swelling.


I still get tired very quickly- I thought I would feel stronger more quickly.  I can walk a couple of miles or cycle 8 miles but only if it is fairly level.


At least the hormones have reduced the PSA from 519.0 to 5.48- the first time it has been within the limits of 0.1 to 6.5 shown on the blood test sheet!


Best wishes, Gromit.

User
Posted 13 Apr 2017 at 06:00

Very good news on the PSA front Gromit

I trust the other issues will be sorted now you are complete with the Chemo

Regards

Dave

"Incurable cancer does not mean it is untreatable and does not mean it is terminal either"
User
Posted 17 Apr 2017 at 10:35

Infusion 8 Day 7


Nothing different this cycle. The usual battle with The Basturds, crapiness as expected, peripheral neuropathy always a bit more of a problem at the start of the cycle than it is at the end and the nails remain a challenge (my lovely Onco came up with a new medical term when she saw my nails in that she described them as 'skanky', presumably from the Latin 'immunda' http://community.prostatecanceruk.org/editors/tiny_mce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-smile.gif). I've got a good tip though for anyone suffering from nails becoming detached from the nail bed: Corn Wraps. These are designed to protect your toes when you have a corn but they work brilliantly on the fingers in that they protect the nail from catching, stubbing, etc, and make the nail feel more comfortable by closing the gap between the nail and nail bed. The only downside is you look like a complete dickhead walking around with Corn Wraps on your fingers but, hey, a little dickheadishness is no deterrent to me. 


And so to today's MK. Three reflective songs.


An old ship making it's last journey, So far from the Clyde:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWObmq1RZxg


No introduction needed, Remembrance Day:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cb3go4v_7no


Another tribute to the WWI dead, Piper to the End:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bLUdfykrQM


 

Edited by member 23 May 2017 at 14:08  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 18 Apr 2017 at 08:07

Still plenty of options David.

Long way still to go.

All the best.

Dave

"Incurable cancer does not mean it is untreatable and does not mean it is terminal either"
User
Posted 24 Apr 2017 at 20:44

Infusion 8 Day 14


I was chatting with a Croquet playing friend this weekend about my PCa. He said he was glad that I still had my 'sang-froid'.


Which brought this to mind.


 


3 Frenchmen and an Englishman are having a drink together in a cafe in Paris.


Englishman: You have some wonderful phrases in the French language. I've always wondered what sang-froid means.


1st Frenchman: I will explain.


The husband he comes home unexpectedly at lunchtime. He unlocks the front door. He goes into the lounge.


He hears noises from the bedroom upstairs. He listens for a few moments and then quietly goes out of the front door, locks the door and goes back to work.


That is sang-froid.


2nd Frenchman: Non, non, non! That is not sang-froid, that is savoir faire. I will explain the meaning of sang-froid.


The husband he comes home unexpectedly at lunchtime. He unlocks the front door. He goes into the lounge.


He hears noises from the bedroom upstairs. He goes up the stairs. He opens the bedroom door. He sees the wife in bed with the lover.


He quietly closes the bedroom door. He goes down the stairs. He goes through the lounge and then quietly goes out of the front door, locks the door and goes back to work.


That is sang-froid.


3rd Frenchman: Non, non, non! That is not sang-froid, that is laissez-faire. I will explain the meaning of sang-froid.


The husband he comes home unexpectedly at lunchtime. He unlocks the front door. He goes into the lounge.


He hears noises from the bedroom upstairs. He goes up the stairs. He opens the bedroom door. He sees the wife in bed with the lover.


He watches for a few moments and then says to the lover: continuer!


Now, if the lover can continuer, then that is sang-froid.


 


Today's MK.


A song about Napoleon, Done With Bonaparte:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-ClOcxsDDY


And, The Scaffolder's Wife:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blC-scRu99A


 

User
Posted 24 Apr 2017 at 20:55

ha ha ha

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard
User
Posted 24 Apr 2017 at 21:42

I like his music a great deal, still smiling about your story. Charlton seem to be doing a bit better now, so my life is good too πŸ˜…

User
Posted 24 Apr 2017 at 21:51

You are unexpectedly cosmopolitan for a Colchester supporter young David!


E


x

User
Posted 24 Apr 2017 at 22:00
Another take on sang froid

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=YDY3T_cpNJ8
User
Posted 02 May 2017 at 20:47

Infusion 9 Day 1


PSA up from 3.38 to 4.98. My readings whilst on chemo have formed an inverse normal curve. Unfortunately it looks like the recent rise in readings are moving up at a faster velocity than they moved down. My guess, from consulting the graph I have drawn, is that my next PSA reading in three weeks time will be in the region of 8.5. There will be much to discuss with my lovely Onco.


I think my hopes of having a break in treatment until the end of the summer are looking very over optimistic.


Infusion 9 completed without any problems.


Today's MK.


A song about shoes:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5jiKCKAJjQ


And a song about the writer, Beryl Bainbridge:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vczr6WNmvtw


 

User
Posted 02 May 2017 at 23:21

Oh that's a bugger David...Really sorry that the likelihood of a break in treatment is receding.


Only cheering aspect is that all these infusions are improving my knowledge of MK no end; an unexpected and entirely delightful side effect of having an OH with PCa. And of discovering you!


Cheers


Eleanor


x

User
Posted 03 May 2017 at 16:23

Good to hear your update David,

I have now left the Chemo bus after 8 cycles. My Onco says I could do with a rest from treatment for the time being. I see him again in 6 weeks time for a PSA update (presentlly < 1.0) and as he tells me he has plenty of treatments up his sleeve I am not complaining.

You asked me what further treatments he mentioned. This time I made a note, so in no particular order here they are:


Cabazitaxel

Mitoxantrone

Zytiga / Aberaeron

Enzalutamide / Xtandi

Immunotherapy drugs

Well they seem enough to be getting on with , so hopefully, when they are exhausted there will be something new that comes along

All the best of wishes to you David

Regards


Dave

"Incurable cancer does not mean it is untreatable and does not mean it is terminal either"
User
Posted 03 May 2017 at 18:06

Infusion 9 Day 2


I have to admit I was feeling a bit sorry for myself yesterday. It wasn't the result I was hoping for. However, I've had a good rub down with an oily rag and the old dog is back, woofing, wagging his tail and chilling out, just like Oddball:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5cL-h3Pj1o


 

User
Posted 03 May 2017 at 18:12

Glad you've got your mojo back!!

We can't control the winds - but we can adjust our sails
User
Posted 06 May 2017 at 10:37

Infusion 9 Day 5


Nothing different this cycle, just the usual side effects.


This thread is now drawing to it's close with a maximum of one more infusion due. Therefore, I think it's time to close down the MK songs. If I've created a love for MK in you, there is a really excellent Sky Arts documentary about the man here:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3SgyZSYz4Y


Today's MK is a love song. A love song to a maker of musical instruments, John Monteleone:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFKGtCfc6cQ


I'll post one more MK song, this will be my favourite of all time. Laters.


 


 

Edited by member 06 May 2017 at 10:38  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 07 May 2017 at 10:09


David,

I Look forward to to you starting the post Chemo thread and the continuing journey.

Regards

Dave





"Incurable cancer does not mean it is untreatable and does not mean it is terminal either"
User
Posted 10 May 2017 at 18:54

A few developments yesterday and today. A slightly elevated temperature and a general 'off' feeling led David to call the hospital as per general instructions. Blood tests indicated an infection and antibiotics were administered via drip. A chest x-ray indicated an infection in the left lung so they have kept him in to administer further antibiotics and monitor progress. The decision to do this wasn't made till well after 5.00 pm so almost all the evening food had gone http://community.prostatecanceruk.org/editors/tiny_mce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-surprised.gif! However, they managed to find him a bit of  lancashire hotpot http://community.prostatecanceruk.org/editors/tiny_mce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-surprised.gif!


Hopefully he'll be out in 2 - 3 days.


Linda


 

User
Posted 10 May 2017 at 21:49
Hi Linda,
Thanks for the update let's hope the Aunty Bs kick in quickly and he can come home to some home cooked food very soon.
BFN
Julie X
NEVER LAUGH AT A LIVE DRAGON
User
Posted 10 May 2017 at 22:25
Originally Posted by: Online Community Member
Hi Linda,
Thanks for the update let's hope the Aunty Bs kick in quickly and he can come home to some home cooked food very soon.
BFN
Julie X


And some real ale!
User
Posted 11 May 2017 at 01:45

Oh no! To get to round 9 in one piece and then this! Keep us updated x

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard
User
Posted 11 May 2017 at 09:30

Not sure about draught real ale as we'll probably have to avoid pubs etc for a few days after he gets home. So, unless I can get Otter Brewery to deliver a small barrel, it'll have to be from a bottle.


I'm about to visit the hospital and will be taking the laptop in with me, so he'll probably post updates himself.


 


Linda

User
Posted 11 May 2017 at 09:34

Please pass on best wishes to David, chemo can be a b**tch. He is in the best place of course and I'm sure will bounce back quickly. I did not have a great chemo experience early last year, but the crap passed and onwards and upwards.

"And Rocky said, doc it's only a scratch. And I'll be better, I'll be better doc as soon as I am able"
User
Posted 11 May 2017 at 10:44

Oh No,

Please pass on my very best wishes to David.

And it was all going along so well

Regards

Dave

"Incurable cancer does not mean it is untreatable and does not mean it is terminal either"
User
Posted 11 May 2017 at 12:44
Hi Linda
My oh had to go in twice with the same thing and it was David that reassured me we were not making a fuss when I was worried. Please send my regards
Yvonne (Mountain stream)
User
Posted 11 May 2017 at 13:31

Infusion 9 Day 10


So I'm sitting here in my chair in my own room in The Yarty Ward at the Royal Devon & Exeter hospital. The Lancashire hotpot last night was really rather good and the Fish pie I've just had for lunch was tasty although the brussel sprouts were put on at Christmas. The RD&E has been looking after me for nearly four years now. I've had contact with Oncology, MRI/CT/Nuclear Medicine departments, the Dental service, Radiology, A&E and now have been admitted to a ward. In every area the people I've come across have been cheerful towards me as a patient and always explained exactly what they are doing and why. They are all fan-f'ing-tastic and I'm making it my business now to tell them how good they are.


I was an IT Project Manager and managed teams of up to 20 people. I know just what can be achieved by a happy, motivated team who understand the common goal. There's nowt I can teach the RD&E.


As Linda has said I'm on IV Aunty B's and will hopefully be restored to full working order within the next day or two.

Edited by member 11 May 2017 at 13:35  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 11 May 2017 at 20:39

I hope things continue to improve and you are released soon.  I'll have an Otter Ale for you!


Cheers, Gromit.

User
Posted 11 May 2017 at 21:17
Looking forward to full working order .πŸ˜„
BFN
Julie X
NEVER LAUGH AT A LIVE DRAGON
User
Posted 11 May 2017 at 21:19

Hi Colin,


Glad to hear positive thinking


 


Barry

User
Posted 12 May 2017 at 14:43

Infusion 9 Day 11


I have a diagnosis of pneumonia. The antibiotics will continue. A consultant will be seeing me tomorrow. So it's stay in for now, depending how things go, the consultant may decide to release me with oral antibiotics. A further chest X-Ray in 6 weeks time. I asked about the 10th docetaxel infusion due on Tuesday week (which I am now very very reluctant to have) and the doctor thinks this is best discussed tomorrow with the consultant. So at least now we know what's going on.

User
Posted 12 May 2017 at 16:14

Good to see you are in safe hands David,

In hindsight I am glad my Onco bailed me out after Infusion 8, although I was happy to carry on, but enough is enough David.

All the best for a speedy recovery.

Regards

Dave

"Incurable cancer does not mean it is untreatable and does not mean it is terminal either"
User
Posted 12 May 2017 at 16:14

Really sorry about the pneumonia :-( but good to hear that they are really on top of it. I'm not surprised you are nervous about the 10th cycle - hope you get to have a useful discussion about it with the consultant. As you have managed 9 I wonder what the 'real' extra benefits are of having one more.

User
Posted 12 May 2017 at 16:54

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member


As you have managed 9 I wonder what the 'real' extra benefits are of having one more.



On the nose sallyyy, right on the nose. However, I worship my Onco and have complete trust in her. I will discuss it fully with her and know if she is in favour of Infusion 10 taking place she will have and will explain some powerful reasons for doing so.

User
Posted 12 May 2017 at 19:01

It's funny isn't it - a friend of mine has just spent 2 weeks in hospital after her chemo caused a pulmonary embolism but the onco is insisting that she should continue with the 6th and final cycle. Not sure I would be beating down doors to have number 10 in your position ColU :-(

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard
User
Posted 12 May 2017 at 19:32

My Onco is definitely a pragmatist. I'll lay odds of 20 to 1 right now that, without any prompting/questioning from me, she will say Infusion 10 is out of the window. We'll see. However, I will always remember I have the right to say no but I still bet with Dr S that I'll never have to say that.

User
Posted 12 May 2017 at 19:47

And so to my favorite MK song. The title track from his first solo album.


Soppy alert!


Whenever I listen to this song it makes my heart leap. When I hear it I think of Mrs_ColU. You see, she is my Golden Heart:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dO_KA9EHJA0


She was swinging by the bangles in a main street store
A while before we met
The most dangerous angels that you ever saw
She spied her amulet


And she took a loop of leather for around her neck
And that was then the start
The most dangerous lady on her quarter deck
She found her Golden Heart
You found your Golden Heart


Then we swirled around each other and the thread was spun
to some Arcadian band
I would stop it from swinging like a pendulum
Just to hold time in my hand


And you shot me with a cannonball of history
And long forgotten art
I'd be turning it over as our words ran free
I'd hold your Golden Heart
I'd hold your Golden Heart


Nothing in the world prepared me for your heart, your heart
Nothing in the world that I love more your heart, your heart
Your Golden Heart


And every time I'm thinking of you from a distant shore
And all the time I sleep
I will have a reminder that my baby wore
A part of you to keep


And I'll send you all my promises across the sea
And while we are apart
I will carry the wonder that you gave to me
I'll wear your Golden Heart
I'll wear your Golden Heart


Nothing in the world prepared me for your heart, your heart
Nothing in the world that I love more your heart, your heart
Your Golden Heart

Edited by member 12 May 2017 at 19:52  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 13 May 2017 at 08:13

What can I say? I'm hoping you'll be out soon.

User
Posted 13 May 2017 at 14:00

Infusion 9 Day 12


My lovely Onco, Dr S, has been to see me. She said the neutros were still down at 0.6 so I would be staying in and continuing the AV Antibiotics until Monday when she will review the situation and see me again then.


I asked about Infusion 10. She said if the neutros were still not right by Monday she would cancel it. If they were right she might suggest going ahead but with a reduced dose. I didn't question this, that can wait to Tuesday week when I have a consultation with her.


I asked her the most important question of all re beer (Mrs_ColU brought me a bottle of Abbott Ale when she visited this morning). I said I'd have it at least 2 hours after and at least 2 hours before the 3rd and 4th IV's today. She said that's OK. She wanted to know whether I was going to have it to celebrate something special. I said no and also said "boys like beer". She said she wondered whether I intended to have it whist watching the Eurovision Song Contest. I said I'd rather have a frontal lobotomy than watch that. In fact I'd need a frontal lobotomy to watch that.

Edited by member 13 May 2017 at 20:50  | Reason: Not specified

 
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