KYfarmerDocumentation indicates possible blurred vision and "floaters". Has anyone experienced this?
Responses (1)
judithlee1215 Nov 2011
I just started taking this drug last week. So far I don't have any vison problems. How long have you been on it? I have State 4 lung cancer. Was diagnosed in April of this year. I am 75 yrs old. I am nervous about all of the potential side effects. Are you experiencing any? Any interest in talking on the phone?
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I am a 66 year old male, diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer three weeks ago. I have no symptoms, just had a routine chest xray during a physical. I met the criteria for taking Xalkori, and am starting tomorrow. Some of the side effects are cause to be concerned, but it's better than the previous treatments. My doctor doesn't seem too worried about any of the side effects listed with the drug.
Hi... I am a 61 year old female who was diagnosed with lung cancer in June. Had radiation and chemo, three surgeries, but discovered the tumor and lymph node were inoperable. Began Xalkori last Wednesday, and I've had side effects similar to previous chemo use. I do have the flashing lights vision problem, but it lasts only a minute or two. I think things will settle down as my body adjusts. I do believe this medication will work!
I've been on the drug for three weeks now. The vision problem only occurs in the morning - going from dark to light. It is not a major problem. The most troubling side effect I've experienced so far is "bowel discomfort". I'm afraid I'm becoming addicted to laxitives. I've had some stomache cramps, but taking the pill with food seems to help prevent that. I know the directions say "with or without food", but you learn what works for you. Good luck with your treatment. Being positive is also good medicine.
I agree, KYfarmer, that the vision situation occurred in the morning. Today, though, I had no flashing lights. I, too, have stomach discomfort, but mine is cramping and diarrhea. I may buy stock in Immodium. I guess we have to see what the side effects are for each of us and work through them. I am hoping "things" will settle down eventually. Stay positive... best wishes are being sent to you.
I was diagnosed with stage 4 non small cell lung cancer on 12-2-11. I have been on Xalkori since about 1-9-12. When I got my CT scan on 2-21-12 it showed that all of my tumors had shrunk a lot. I just got a chest xray a few days ago and it showed that there are no new tumors but the current ones are the same size. I have also noticed that the flashes of light are not what they used to be. Could it be that my Xalkori is not working as well as it used to ? Is that why the flashes of light are no where as strong or as long lasting (they used to last a few minutes) as they used to be ? My CEA on 2-21-12 was 21. My CEA on 4-25-12 was 32 which got my Oncologist a little concerned. He said that the rest of my blood work was fine. My CEA before starting on Xalkori was 93. The next blood test showed it at 43 and the 2-21-12 blood test showed it at 21. I get my next blood test at the end of May and I get one at the end of June as well.
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I get my next CT scan at the end of June and I meet with my Oncologist on July 3rd to talk about all of this stuff. The flashes of light going from dark to light in the morning are the only side effects that I have had and now those side effects are almost nothing. I feel fine except it seems that my breathing becomes more difficult by the end of the day. I have noticed that either sleeping or laying down and relaxing can bring my breathing back to normal. My breathing is at it's best when I wake up in the morning. I have noticed in the last few weeks that drinking can make me cough. Eating food does not but drinking water does make me do some coughing for some reason. My next two blood tests and the next CT scan will be very interesting. My Oncologist has very little experience with patients with Xalkori. He says that only 5% of all cancer patients have the ALK mutation and can take the Xalkori. I can tell all of you that I am not the type who will wait for his cancer to be all over my body and large. If my CEA keeps going up and the June 2012 CT scan show my tumors are getting bigger then I will go see Dr. Gonzalez in New York. I have read two of his books and he has a lot of success with his Enzyme treatment. Taking 17 pills - ten times per day plus eating a special diet and doing coffee enimas and making masticated carrot juice a few times a day is a challenging protocol. But hopefully one does not have to be on it the rest of their life to become cancer free and stay that way. Do you have an update for us KYfarmer ? How about you janifus331 ? I welcome health updates or comments from anybody reading this message. Take care everybody.
Janifus, have you told your ONC about the Flashes? Have you seen a eye Dr? They usually like to check for torn Retina with the Flashes of light! It could also be Photophobia also. Most noticeable in the twilight hours. I have this side affect and it did freak me out at first but after discussing it with the ONC's on the Grace Website they assured me it is a common side affect with this Drug. But I would get your eyes checked to be safe!