There is an ongoing conversation in an Advanced Prostate Cancer support group which we participate in where there has been a discussion about some individuals’ experience in dealing with liver metastases (Mets). The main take away from this conversation is that if you do develop liver metastases you should ask your doctor about adding Carboplatin to Taxotere Chemotherapy.
One individual said they were diagnosed with 20+ liver Mets in September 2017 and immediately began Docetaxel Chemotherapy with Carboplatin added to the mix. They reported that so far (April 2018) their liver Mets seem to be under control even though they are on a chemo break. They also reported that their PSA is responding to a re-challenge with Xtandi (which had failed) after just six cycles of chemotherapy plus Carboplatin.
This individual is clearly a CANCER THRIVER as they went on to say, “We were given some grim statistics, which we asked for, after liver mets diagnosis, but I am not a statistic!”
Another individual reported that her husband was diagnosed in October 2015, as his doctor said "more tumor than liver". He is a Gleason 9, and his PSA was 1260. He was immediately given chemotherapy with Doxetaxel and Carboplatin in combination. She reports that his tumors have shrunk and he is doing very well!
She also shared that he started Xtandi in December 2016. She said, “Honestly, I understand you must have the carboplatin if you have liver Mets. He also has bone Mets. He had a scan in January and it showed continued regression and no new Mets. My husband has a genius for a doctor. I just wanted to encourage you, since my husband is doing great and feels good!”
She also added some great wisdom when she said, “Be proactive in this journey, your life depends on it. Oh, and yes, the Xtandi makes you tired, but be sure to take it at bedtime”.
Joel T. Nowak, MA, MSW wrote this Post. Joel is the CEO/Executive Director of Cancer ABCs. He is a Cancer Thriver diagnosed with five primary cancers - Thyroid, Metastatic Prostate, Renal, Melanoma, and the rare cancer Appendiceal cancer.
