I have stage 4 renal cell cancer w/ mets to the bones. My oncologist recommends Xgeva & had me start taking calcium & vitamin D supplements a few weeks ago. I take my chemo in pill form daily & luckily I don't experience any side effects. If I do experience side effects from Xgeva approx how long does it take to happen?
Responses (4)
nucproff
8 Dec 2011
Stage 4 renal cell carcinoma, curious about have you had a nephrectomy? Bone mets is a direct result of the renal cell carcinoma obviously not incapsulated carcinoma, and that does explain why no kidney removal surgery could be accomplished, it was too late for that since carcinoma has affected the bone causing you have bone mets.
Its good you have started on the calcium-D, as bone loss happens due to malabsorption of Vit-D. Lack of calcium-D could potential cause hypocalcium, low calcium levels, with Xgeva comes the potential for the above mentioned--hypocalcium, it is what is known as a monoclonal
antibody, used in the prevention of skeletal related events (the ability of the body to make osteclasts(blood cells)--build new bone) in patients with bone mets from a solid tumor (renal cell ca).
knitannie
22 Dec 2011
I have stage4 bone cancer now spreading to liver and lungs. This was my first Xgeva yesterday and so far so good. Nothing I can't handle. Had it in my arm. Dont have a chemo pill thus far. I also had Quadramet the same time within a few hours. I started taking calcium and D a week ago. If I do experience any thing else as time goes by I will post. I truly believe in God and Prayers, so that does get me by.
jrzee
22 Dec 2011
I had my 1st injection of Xgeva on 12/14 & it was also injected into my arm, the bottom side of my arm in the flabby area. My lower arm & hand swelled up within hours of the injection & 2 days later I noticed a rash on the top of both hands which was gone by the 4th day as was the swelling. On a positive note for some reason my appetite increased the day after the injection & has not decreased. I don't have bone cancer, I have kidney cancer that has spread to some of my bones but it is still kidney cancer none the less & chemo treatment for kidney cancer is only available in the form of a pill. I appreciate you sharing your experience with me & I will also post updates after my next injection which is scheduled on 1/11.
Valued Customer
21 Apr 2014
I am taking Xgeva for Giant Cell bone tumors which had metastasized to my lungs. The first day I felt great and was excited but the second day was not a good one, hot flashes, nausea, fatigue, pain in back and neck just to name a few symptoms I had. I have had 3 shots weekly with one more 2 weeks after the third then every 28 days. I am hoping the symptoms will diminish over time but having no other recourse I will continue with the shots.
Sbnuss
21 Apr 2014
I am a breast cancer patient who has had spread to the bone. I have been on Xgeva for over a year and do not really have any side effects. The worst part for me is getting the injection each month. OUCH! Good Luck. I am not a medical professional, but as a professional patient my observations are that reactions to meds are so individual. Your doctors are hopefully your best resources and hopefully they ask you the right questions to help you get the most of your treatment with minimal side effects. Feel good.
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Thanks for responding. Yes I had a nephrectomy in Sept 09' and I have bone & pet scans performed every 3-4 months. I am currently taking Afinitor 10mg daily and I don't experience any side effects except for some fatigue at times & I had radiation treatments to 2 of my sites last year when the pain was intolerable. I have aches & pains but nothing to really complain about thank God. I am willing to try almost any treatment that will prolong my life as long as you said I am able to have quality life. I'm waiting to hear back from my ins co as to the co pay amount for this med. I found a foundation that will pay for all but the co pay amount so I'm hoping it's affordable.
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I do know the injection will be administered at my oncologists office & I really don't know much more since my ins co states ont thing, the foundation states another & my doctors office is just learning about the foundation & their involvement so if it's not affordable I guess I'll do without it & see what happens or should I say wait for it to happen. I am aware I'll never be cured so all I hope for is to maintain for as long as I can feeling the way I do now. Thanks again.
It was nice to see your response, and I do wish you all the best in the treatment area. Positive thinking can work a miracle, and the foundation you are speaking of will I am sure try every way possible to make this drug affordable for you. Most insurance companies today will pay, and if I am not mistaken, they--your insurance company are basically obligated to pay for the treatments if the treatment is not in a certain phase of development, or a trial type phase, FDA approved, and things like that. I do know it has been approved, that is why I included the number for you to call just in case of any adverse effects occur, or any effect troubling or you have a question about. It will be interesting if you would keep me up to date on your progress/prognosis as you go through this treatment.