Hi Hankjam. A lot has happened since I last posted, so I will treat you to the condensed version.
My oncologist paused the Apalutamide because of joint pain and later extended this. Joint pain is a common side effect. With me, the side effects took about 4 weeks to kick in. I also experienced bleeding gums and dizziness, neither of which is a known side effect. My dentist was puzzled by my inflamed gums but gave me a new cleaning regime and the bleeding ceased very soon afterwards. My dizziness was more of a puzzle, and I was given an ECG, which came back as abnormal. A 24-hour heart monitor followed that was equally disappointing. I am still being seen by the cardiologist, and new medication and even a pacemaker are currently being discussed.
I saw a rheumatologist, and she remarked that she was beginning to see other men in her clinic on Apalutamide with similar joint pain. She gave me a steroid injection in my backside, and most of my joint pain in my hands and lower legs ceased. This was about six weeks ago. It has since begun to return.
I have talked with my oncologist on the phone and will be seeing her after Christmas. The Apalutamide was doing a very good job and had quickly reduced my PSA from 9.8 to 1.2 at its lowest point. Since pausing the Apalutamide it has shot back up and is nudging 10 once more. The plan is to restart the Apalutamide at a lower dose. I was taking 4 x 60mg tabs daily and will soon be taking 3. I will be receiving regular steroid jabs to combat the joint pain.
I know that not everyone on Apalutamide experiences side effects, and the drug is clearly very effective. I hope it will be plain sailing for you. I would be interested to learn how you get on. Good luck with your ongoing treatment.