Elevated calcium

[MMMP]

Just got recent set of labs and my calcium was 10.9- the high side of the range- plus my 15-3 jumped up again. Looking for any thoughts about the rise- on xeloda and getting an Xgeva shot next week-

[kit5]

my 15-3 has risen on xeloda, but scans show no progression...i did find 2 more small lumps in my other breast, but my dr says that isn't what matters (easy for her to say!) and that the scans are the truth... i wouldn't worry about the calcium unless your dr is worried...it is still close to range...

[MMMP in reply to kit5]

Thanks for the information!! It’s a roller coaster ride-

[Hidden]

Hi!

Did you discuss the high calcium with your oncologist? If so, what did they say? Do you take calcium supplements? I take Adcal D3 tablets twice each day and whenever I have my Zometa infusions I have to skip a dose (unless I take it four hours prior to infusions) otherwise I would end up overdosing. Have you been told the same whenever it's time for your Xgeva injections? Hopefully your calcium levels will just go back to normal on their own, but if you are concerned I would raise the issue with your oncologist or oncology nurses.

Sophie x

[MMMP in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for the response- dietary calcium is totally different from blood calcium- yes my onc is watching it all very close- Last CT scan was no change nothing in liver or lungs!! Plan on keeping it that way!!!

[Hidden in reply to MMMP]

That's good! You must be pleased that you are stable with no progression. Your best bet is to mention it to your oncologist then if you are still concerned. I just remember my GP saying that I could come off the Adcal D3 if my blood calcium levels looked good (which they do) which is why I asked if you were taking supplements. I plan to continue with the supplements though.

[Rhwright12 in reply to Hidden]

Hi Soph! What’s this about when to take calcium? I always take my supplements before I walk out the door to go...it’s 10 minutes away...but that wouldn’t surprise me if your not supposed to take them that morning...I really don’t know where they find some of these people that work there. It’s kind of a revolving door with some of them...I was told last time to bring my own water and Tylenol last visit Incase they mess up my hydration and I get a headache again. Lol! SMH 🤦‍♀️ I have to go to work afterwards...so u do what u have to do...😀

[Hidden in reply to Rhwright12]

Hi Rhwright12,

Yes, that is what I was told. I don't want to risk an overdose of calcium, so I always just skip my morning dose of Adcal D3 whenever I am having a Zometa infusion, as I have always had it done in the morning so far. I think it was also mentioned in the information pack I received about Zometa. I would have to dig up the information in my folder to find out for sure. Any other time, I normally take it around 8:00am and 8:00pm, along with the rest of my medication.

[Dianne417]

Hi,MMMP! I wouldn't worry about your calcium level too much -- 10.9 is not off the charts. From what I remember from when I was still receiving Xgeva shots, the only time they wouldn't give them to me was when my calcium levels were too low, which only happened once. After that, they had me start eating Tums every day, which brought my calcium level back up nicely. (Actually, too much at first, and then I had to taper back in order to find the right maintenance dose.)

Sorry I can't comment on Xeloda, because that's a medication I've never taken.

All best,

Dianne

[lynzer]

I also have high calcium levels and my nurse told me that is why I get the xgeva injections....which I thought was strange bc it’s a bone strengthner..

[Praising in reply to lynzer]

I’m on xgevia and mine has gone up over 10

[lynzer]

Thanks! it does help!

[MMMP]

Makes perfect sense-thanks

[Snowcone16]

I have run 9.5-10.5

I take calcium supplements from

Costco. The dr recommended supplements while taking xgeva. I’ve just started to do 2 supplements every other day, 1 on even days. Previously I did 2 per day. Dr doesn’t seem too concerned about the calcium level.

[MMMP in reply to Snowcone16]

Yes my doctor said it’s part of the protocol for xgeva - they have to tell you to take calcium- he told me a couple of tums were okay- thanks for the info-

[Snowcone16]

Good to hear about xeloda. I have an appointment Tuesday to choose between xeloda and fulvestrant.