What's it like taking abiraterone for advanced prostate cancer?

Starting abiraterone for advanced prostate cancer can feel overwhelming, and it's completely natural to want to hear from others who've walked this path. This community has many members with experience taking abiraterone alongside prednisone who understand the importance of those regular monitoring appointments and can share practical insights about managing daily life on this treatment regimen.

I am taking the the same medicines. My blood pressure is a little high. I have fatigue once and awhile. It is worth it to have a great outlook. s

Good Day to you Dennis... Thank You for reaching out... Dennis, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Prostate Cancer at the end of 2024... My unfortunate story is way too long to express here, but I will tell you this...Initially, my PSA Level was at 2473 ! Shortly afterwards, I started Therapy Treatment with Abiraterone, Lupron Injection every 3 Months and Steroids, along with several other medications due to the complexity of my medical conditions... Obviously, we are all unique, so the actual side effects can vary from person to person. There is an adjustment period, and it can be very stressful to deal with initially, however, the benefits outweigh the side effects in my personal opinion... Like I stated, we are all unique, so I can only speak for myself... Whatever Medications you are taking along with the Abiraterone, it's Very Important to be very diligent about taking your Meds at the same time everyday accordingly... And Always Make Sure you take your Abiraterone on an Empty Stomach with Plenty of WATER ! ... I personally keep a journal of my daily activities AND record the time I take my medications, because I know the importance of this practice... I also practice 24 Hour Fasting 3 Days a week, it doesn't have to be 3 consecutive days, it depends on my weekly schedules... I understand it's not for everyone, but it seems to be beneficial for me, for both health and spiritual purposes... I also Meditate and Pray as part of my daily rituals and I do light exercises... So, it's been over a year now, and my PSA levels have been consistently improving, it's now down to 54, which is still very high, but the Therapy is still working for me, Thank God 🙏 - it just takes time... And please don't get me wrong, I am not trying to convey that this whole process is a walk in the Park by all means... I still have my good days, and not so good days, but overall, I Feel Very Blessed and I just take it one day at a time.... I hope this helps you... Have a Blessed Day and God Bless You Dennis 🙏🕊️🙏. ...

I was on Lupron for 3 years, 2 years of which I also took Abiraterone. Two months after starting this regimen, I began 45 days of radiation treatments. Distinguishing effects from any one treatment was difficult. Afternoon fatigue was pronounced a week or so after radiation began. I had the usual ADT effects- loss of libido, ED, gynecomastia, loss of body hair. As for mild cognitive impairment, I’d say none, but you’d have to talk to my wife for confirmation. As for weight gain, my predilection for sweets might explain my weight, but I can’t say treatment changed my weight. Once treatment stopped, some things returned to my pre-treatment state, save for ED/libido and shrinkage. I’d trade nothing for the life extension this aggressive treatment gave me for my metastatic cancer. I’m feeling well while also feeling 78, and am at peace, leaning heavily on my faith. Testing PSA every 3 months since diagnosis, I remain <.1, and am grateful for my treatment. That said, I have a different view of the doctor who followed USPSTF guidance not to screen for prostate cancer in 2012, and other primary care physicians who followed that guidance for the next 7 years, when a young physician assistant told me I wasn’t leaving the exam room unless I got tested. I know the history of over diagnosis and over treatment, but I also know that 10-20% of men will be found with aggressive cancer that results in death. I also know that in 7 years following the 2012 guidance not to screen, the rate of men diagnosed with incurable prostate cancer rose steadily, such that guidance on testing shifted to a “shared decision.” Moreover, the cost of treating aggressive cancer, such as mine is 10x what it likely would have been if caught earlier. To put that in perspective, my cancer treatment could, with current treatment approaches, reach 3/4 of a million dollars. So you know, there are others on this site with similar experience.

Well stated TDH ! God Bless You and Peace Be With You 🙏🕊️🙏