I had chemo on the first two cancer's I had, it done the job. the third time I was told that the type I had, squamous cell carcinoma, malignant tonsil, wouldn't respond to chemo. So I think it depends on the type of cancer. My father had prostate cancer, never had chemo, just hormone shots and some other meds by mouth. He had it for 12 years, in the later years his psa shot through the roof, stayed like that for about 3 years, it finally spread to his bladder and further. He was 84 and didn't want to have anything done.
I wish you the best!!!

One more thing I forgot, don't get caught up in reading everything on the internet, and start worrying that it's all coming to an end. I done that this last time too. According to what I read, I shouldn't be here now. Turns out, it wasn't all that bad. Listen to what your docs have to say, each case is different, alot depends on you and your attitude. Stay positive, don't let it get your down!!

I take a hormone block pill and did not seem to do a lot this first month but dr. thought it was worth another month as it did take a teeny turn down...if not more chemo....chemo has worked well before but this last time it wasn't working...so will do a different combo...

Hi mgm, I just posted in the blog section on my experience with chemo so far (I am about 1/2 way done). I have breast cancer and may be on a different chemo protocol than you, but you may still find the info in the blog useful.

I'm about as positive as a person as you'll find - you know that empty glass, well it's not empty it's a container full of possibilities. BUT, this is definitely new territory and when after 5 months of hormone therapy and the numbers going down for 4 to have them going up is disconcerting to say the least. AND when the doc says "there are always trials we can get into" I feel like we're paving new ground. Dad died of this **** and really never shared his experience with any of his offspring. So needless to say I get a bit anxious, possitive, but anxious.

I like to keep myself informed in life. For some strange reason I didn't do any research when I got diagnosed. I decided to wait and not worry myself. As time went by I realized it is a very different experience for everyone. I definitely went through my trials with the chemo but the positive outlook was all I needed to get through the worst. The best advice I got from a friend was that I would be the best advocate for myself during trying times. Keep looking up!

With me, my path was surgery, then chemo and the CAB. Chemo was not as bad as you might think. No nausea, just made me tired, particularly on the third day after treatment.

The chemo did what it was supposed to do-knocked my PSA levels to under .008. Has some hair loss, but recovered quickly.

Think you should do well and wish you success.

My chemo was for cervical, scattered tumors....it was very weird...I had no, make that NO side effects except the hair loss. I never felt sick, weak, nothing. But it worked only for awhile, my CA125 scores went way down but then kept shooting up. I am now on an anti-horomone pill and then it it doesn't work I will do another type of chemo...Good luck....

I just had my 9th RCVP treatment - I'm on the 6th month and it hasn't been that bad for me. Ask your Dr, nurses, and any other health care providers as many questions as you think of. I always write down my questions and concerns between visits. My Dr expects me to have a list every time I see her and I do. It's my life, my body, and I want to be as informed as I can be. Drummerboy suggested that you not believe everything that you read on web sites. I was all over the internet at first and all it did was to scare me more in the beginning. I have found a support group that meets every other week and I believe it will be very helpful. Have you went to Am Cancer's site? I found it helpful and I know it is a very different journey with different highes and lows for each one of us. I'll keep you in my prayers.