Hello Brothers. I hope everyone is doing well and keeping their spirits up. I saw my Onc earlier and said my PSA continues to be stable at 0.2 so he was very pleased with it remaining low. I asked him if the Xgeva injections which strengthens the bones to prevent fractures, would be a lifetime. He said it maybe a two year period. He'll evaluate it on my 2nd year anniversary which will be March 2019. Has anyone been off xgeva or a drug similar to it as a result of a two year period?
Nick
Hello Nicnatno,
My oncologist wants me to stay on a maintenance dose of Xgeva (aka Prolia). One injection every six months. I have been taking Prolia (denosumab) for five years now with no noticeable side effects. I have talked to my medical oncologist several times about changing the dosage or even remaining on this drug. He just shakes his head. Looks like I am on it for the foreseeable future (perhaps forever).
I inquired about the duration if we can stretch the injections longer than every 6 weeks and he said my health insurance wont allow it.
I believe that preventive measures for osteoporosis to keep bones healthy, is a must. I wish I would have done this earlier. I had full osteoporosis and broke a lot of ribs before I realized I had osteoporosis. It took a good endocrinologist to help dig me out of that hole.
My case was severe because for 10 years, I was taking a lot of Gaviscon Extra Strength tablets for acid reflux caused by he stress of my job. I believe those tablets lowered my Vit D a lot, causing osteoporosis and other health issues. (I believe stress and low Vit D also caused my prostate cancer, but no way to prove it.) Switched to green drink supplements (Like Green Magma) to control acid, and went on high dose Vit D + weekly Fossamax.
Xgeva is justified and covered by most insurance as a Prolia ongoing injection every 6 months if you get checked for osteoporosis using that special x-ray that they do in womens health dept. If you show that you have risk for thinning bones (osteopenia). Prolia is justified and covered my most insurance. If you get a bone scan for cancer and find potential bone spot somewhere, you might be covered for the full monthly Xgeva dose.
Xgeva or Prolia It is better than weekly Fossamax pills. Xgeva has less risk of a random fracture when drugs cause bones too become brittle, which Fossamax can do. I had a fossamax fracture a long time ago. My PSA was zero, so it was the fossamax that did it. Good thing is that doctor still said it was a "possible" bone met which justified switching to Prolia and later Xgeva. It also justified my switch to Medicare disability for prostate cancer.
Always take a good dose of daily Vit D to support bone health.
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor and my comments are based on my experience, and does not represent medical advice.
Vitamin D and Calcium supplements are very important. If you are on Xgeva you calcium levels may begin to decrease, as my fathers did- to dangerous levels. Calcium carbonate supplements gave him many side effects mostly GI issues and is very poorly absorbed. We switched to calcium citrate and it’s absorbed much easier and better on the GI system.
Good luck hugs and prayers...
Hello Daddysdaughter, the xgeva injection is far more painful in the arm than the lupron injection to the belly. Please keep me posted on your Dad's progress.
Nick
I'm on Xgeva six months now once a month injection. I have no side effects from it my oncologist suggested I stay on it with no mention of stopping so I go by his treatments after all he's the one keeping me alive. I follow his advice to the letter so far so good PSA undetectable in less than one month all blood work normal. I was also given Zytiga , Prednisone, Eligard as my first line of treatments. Fight on. Brother. Never give up never surrender. Leo
That’s great! Keep us posted!
Hello leo, I will definitely follow his advice if he believes I should continue to be on it after he evauates me on my 2 year anniversary. Glad to hear you're doing well.
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