Starting Apalutamide

[cfrees1]

Just got back from the doc and my PSA has inched up to 0.93 from 0.64 3 months ago while on Casodex and Lupron. We have decided to replace the Casodex with Apalutamide. I know this drug is pretty new, but if any of you have thoughts, suggestions, experiences to share I'm all ears. I'm expecting just more of the same as far as side effects. But it certainly seems like this drug was given with more caution, and warnings. I'm just hoping it can forestall any metastasis.

[tkalaf]

I took Apalutamide for 3 months as part of a clinical trial I joined. Being that I took other ADT (pill) medicines daily as well, along with an ADT (monthly injection), it's hard to distinguish to what effect Apalutamide had.

In brief, the trial evaluates Apalutamide usage in combination with other ADT medicines. If you have interest to know more on my path, my postings are here: healthunlocked.com/user/tkalaf

Good Luck, and Best of Health to you!!

[mcp1941]

I've been on Erleada for almost 3 months now and PSA has gone down from 4.0 to 0.6. Hoping the next test shows OSA undetectable. One major side effect: high blood pressure. Working with my cardiologist to get BP back to normal. Will see him on Monday. With Erleada working so good I don't want to alter dosing.

[cfrees1 in reply to mcp1941]

That's very good to know. I am already suffering from high BP with Lupron and have an appt with my GP next month to see what we can do about that. Undoubtedly, losing weight will be part of the plan so I'll try to get a jump start on that. Are you taking Lupron with the Apalutamide? How about nausea?

[mcp1941 in reply to cfrees1]

I have been on Eligard for a little more than a year and continuing it with Erleada. Been on BP meds for many years with very good control. Erleada threw a monkey wrench into that. I get occasional feelings of nausea that last about five minutes. seeing my MO in a few hours and will review side effects. I am also overweight but with these drugs it is very difficult to shed any pounds. 21 years since DXd.

[cfrees1 in reply to mcp1941]

21 years?! Wow! I have been hoping for 9 1/2 so that I can withdraw from my 401K without penalty at 59 1/2. LOL It seems when we hear "Stage 4" we immediately think 3-5 years. I am burning through treatments though, so am not too happy about that. It seems like I only get about a year on each before failure.

[mcp1941 in reply to cfrees1]

I was incredibly fortunate in finding the urologist that saved my life. He was a leader in seed implant plus EBRT. With a PSA of 95 no one suggested RP. He could not save himself, he passed on due to kidney cancer 5 years after my treatment. I went for a second opinion at a leading NYC cancer center and told me to go home and make the best of my remaining time. I went 14 years with PSA bouncing around a little, sometime going undetectable. The last 7 years beating back a raising PSA.