Brother just diagnosed

Thank you once again Eddie for replying to me reading all these reply’s just makes this journey so much easier you don’t feel as alone it’s helped me so much and I truly thank you and all your advise will help us do much 

thank you

BG

Your welcome BG, we're all happy to help, 

Eddie xx 

Hi 

just an update on my brother and I’m wondering if anyone can give me any advise as to the treatment he’s been offered .

my brother has been today for his first appointment with his oncologist he seems very dispondant at the moment as not lot of treatment options given to him . She has told him his cancer is advanced it’s in his pelvis and multiple lymph nodes by his spine but as far as they can see not spread any where away from here . He’s on the HT got his second one yesterday and she has told him chemo . Now my brother expressed concerns about chemo side effects etc and she has said he can go on Apalutamide which is like chemo which he has gone for . His partner is of the oppinion he should have gone for the chemo first . We are in a bit of a daze as she has said this is the only treatment for him . Does any one know if this drug or are on it ? Any help would be so appreciated we are all feeling like has he opted for the right thing he said his oncologist was very straight faced never really had anything good to say and it’s really upset us all . 

BG 

Hello Bg65 

I am so sorry that you appear to have received a shabby service from the oncologist. You are aware that you can seek a second opinion if you are not happy. this may take some time but here's a link on how to do this:

Getting A Second Opinion

Apalutamide is not chemotherapy although some NHS documents describe it as such. It's a second generation androgen deprivation therapy. It works well in lowering the PSA and stops the cancer in it's tracks although isn't a cure. Here's a link for you:

APALUTAMIDE - NHS

You will see there are plenty of side effects although you don't all get them. It does recommend taking Calcium and Vitamin D tablets and if he's not already on these you should ask his GP for a prescription.

I had a rummage through the old threads and found these which may or may not help:

 Apalutamide - A bit of a drama! 

 Apalutamide 

 update on my prostate / bone cancer Treatment (Apalutamide tablets) 

I hope the above helps and enables you to understand how your brother's treatment may affect him.

I know you won't name the hospital oncology department on the thread (we can't name and shame). Can I ask you to either private message  (my message box is open you don't need a friend request) me with the name or let me know the area of the Country you live in please. 

Best wishes - Brian.

Hi Brian

thank you so much for your reply it’s so helpfull 

this is really silly but how would I private message I’m terrible with technology 

thank you 

BG

It’s ok Brian I managed it

Hello Bg65 

Thank you for your message - something  - i have no idea why made me think you were "up north".

So I am not too far away from you and I am under a specialist Cancer Hospital in the Manchester Area "The Christie" you may of heard of them - they do nothing else but cancer. They are amazing there and I have had nothing short of brilliant treatment. - I was thinking of a specialist if you were going for a second opinion. (There is also Clatterbridge).

I have sent you a friend request which will enable me to reply to you by private message in the future.

I hope the above helps - if you need anything else just ask.

Best wishes - Brian.

Hi BG, I'm in a similar position to your brother and have been put on Enzalutamide, I did ask about many alternative treatments, including Apalutamide, and was told its not for advanced prostate cancer, just early cancer or cancer that has become resistant to hormone therapy HT. HT can cause hyperglycemia, Apalutamide especially so make sure your brother is on bone supplements, I'm on bisphosphonates,"alendronic Acid," Brian,s advice should be considered.

Eddie 

Hi Eddie 

I googled that and it said same as you I’ve just messaged his partner as I think she might have got it wrong and it could be the one your on just waiting for her reply . Both their heads all over the place so just waiting for her reply 

thank you for messaging me back I will let you know if she’s given me wrong one

BG

Hi Eddie 

she said it says that one as it’s a second generation one or something this is with chemo too apparently so he either takes these then chemo or chemo first then the tablets it’s just so confusing as to if he’s getting the right treatment but thanknyou for all your help 

BG