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Choosing additional treatment options

User
Posted 02 Mar 2025 at 10:38

Hello all, I’m new to the community due to my recent diagnosis. I’ve looked at the community and I’m hoping some of you may be able to help with your experiences and advice in helping me choose my next treatment option.


The background -


I had a PSA of 21 and following the usual scans and biopsies I was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer T3b, Gleason 5/4. It has spread to a vertebra, one lymph node, and possibly in my pelvis.  I was put on standard ADT hormone therapy mid December. Currently trying to choose between -


- Enzolutamide - my main concern is the possible increased risk of bone thinning and muscle weakness including the heart. And if and when it stops working, the further treatment options are reduced, and then if chemotherapy is suggested I may not be as fit for it as I am now. I’m 70 by the way but other than this diagnosis, reasonably fit.


- Chemotherapy - a shorter sharp burst of treatment, possible side effects that may be hard. But ok with that, except worry about the risk of life threatening infections. The oncologist has advised I avoid crowds.


- Triplet therapy - only suggested after I asked. A message from the oncologist says it has more side effects, and a call with him is scheduled for this Thursday 6th.


Look forward to anything you can help with.


 


Norman

User
Posted 02 Mar 2025 at 15:42

Hi Norman my husband has advanced prostate cancer Gleason 4+4 spread to pelvic bones. We had the same dilemma. Decided as he’s 65 and just diagnosed so quite well, he would have the chemo and keep the enzo in the armoury for later when needed. The oncologist also said clinical trials show the chemo after diagnosis can add a further 2 years. My husband coped really well with the chemo and to date has not had a single cold or infection. He started it in Sept and finished in Dec. He is now stable, the psa undetectable, the bone tumours shrunk a bit so for now apart from the 3 monthly hormone injections and 3 monthly PSA testing we can now live a new normal life for now. He’ll see the oncologist every 6 months. 


With a decision like this we are all different with different considerations so this is just my account of our experience. I hope it helps. 

User
Posted 02 Mar 2025 at 13:39

Hi Norman, I cannot say anything about triplet treatment, myself I was offered chemo but my body didn't like it and as we lived in the sticks had to drop back to just hormone treatment, then 4 years ago started Enza and never looked back, yes there are side effects and its dauting thinking which of the side effects are worse for your case, all I can say when you talk to your oncologist ask as many questions as you need to help with the decisions, my own story is when one treatment doesn't have the right result they have many more to help you, by all means read my Bio Cheers DaveH

Edited by member 02 Mar 2025 at 13:41  | Reason: spelling

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User
Posted 02 Mar 2025 at 13:39

Hi Norman, I cannot say anything about triplet treatment, myself I was offered chemo but my body didn't like it and as we lived in the sticks had to drop back to just hormone treatment, then 4 years ago started Enza and never looked back, yes there are side effects and its dauting thinking which of the side effects are worse for your case, all I can say when you talk to your oncologist ask as many questions as you need to help with the decisions, my own story is when one treatment doesn't have the right result they have many more to help you, by all means read my Bio Cheers DaveH

Edited by member 02 Mar 2025 at 13:41  | Reason: spelling

User
Posted 02 Mar 2025 at 15:42

Hi Norman my husband has advanced prostate cancer Gleason 4+4 spread to pelvic bones. We had the same dilemma. Decided as he’s 65 and just diagnosed so quite well, he would have the chemo and keep the enzo in the armoury for later when needed. The oncologist also said clinical trials show the chemo after diagnosis can add a further 2 years. My husband coped really well with the chemo and to date has not had a single cold or infection. He started it in Sept and finished in Dec. He is now stable, the psa undetectable, the bone tumours shrunk a bit so for now apart from the 3 monthly hormone injections and 3 monthly PSA testing we can now live a new normal life for now. He’ll see the oncologist every 6 months. 


With a decision like this we are all different with different considerations so this is just my account of our experience. I hope it helps. 

 
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