Roll Call: Anyone in the Phase III Trial of Bisphosphonates

Maya2

I'm taking strontium for bone density because I was unable to take any of the bisphosphonates. My bone density improved 5% to 7% in less than a year with no side effects. If you'd like to read some of the research, Google: "strontium bone density." You should see some of the articles I used to research the mineral.

I use Doctor's Best strontium which has been independently tested and found to contain what the label says.

Good luck, whatever method you choose. 

unklezwifeonty

I am still on the trial. I may have posted before. My onc twisted my arm to stay in.

weety

I am not in the trial, but I am getting zometa every 6 months for 2 years.  And my treatments started AFTER the SanAntonio results, so I guess there are still some oncs who think it is still worthwhile.

unklezwifeonty

Yes there are some that think it is worthwhile, some that think it is not. It will take more than 1 study to get everyone on same page.

sarahsewer

I am still on the ibandronate arm of the study and I should finish in November 2011. At my last 2 onc visits the onc said it was up to me whether or not to continue. An odd remark since I never brought up quitting.

I've developed joint pain and tested "mildly positive" for lupus and I see the rheumatologist later this month. I am hoping she tells me to STOP THIS INSTANT. I look forward to taking fewers meds.

chinablue

I am so so confused. I wonder if I should drop out of the Zometa arm of the clinical trial.  I seems that the most recent evidense shows it does not effect the chances of recurrance.  What are you ladies doing?

TexasRose

chinablue,

I am staying in the study on the advice of my onc. I asked him about the new results at my December infusion. He told me that he was in San Antonio for the conference. He said the new results make this study even more important because now we have two studies with very different results. Guess this one will be the tie breaker.   

sarahsewer

Does anyone on the ibandronate arm find themselves with chronically low WBCs? Someone mentioned to me that they thought it was a side effect of the ibandronate. The onc doesn't find it notable.

unklezwifeonty

Hi Sarah,

I'm on Zometa arm. My onc does not share any of my blood counts since the chemo was over. 

TexasRose

unklezwifeo,

How come they don't share your blood counts? I get a copy of mine at every visit. I just had Zometa last Tuesday. My WBC are well within the normal range.

Hood1980

Hi Ladies, I just wanted to let you know I have finished the clinical trial.  Took my last clodronate pills yesterday & had my bone scan today.  I thought it would conitue until Nov but it finished early beacuse they count a month as 28 days.  I'm hoping my joint pain is reduce after not taking these meds for awhile!    Also they didn't give me a "free" bone scan.  I had to go through my insurance and pay the co-pay/deductible portion.  Anyone else have to do this?

sarahsewer

Hood1980, by my calcualtion I should have finished already! I think I'll call the onc office to see. Otherwise I am done November 1 with ibandronate and I will do the happy dance after that.

Hood1980

I'm definitely doing the happy dance!  I don't have to take two huge pills first thing in the morning & wait an hour before I can have anything else!  It's wonderful not having to wait for that first cup of coffee or tea!  Some of my bone pain has diminished but I still have a lot of joint stiffnes, which is probably due to the tamoxifen putting me in menopause & everthing drying up including my joints! 

sarahsewer

I am done with the ibandronate! I am so very glad to be done!