Infusion for osteopenia - what to expect?

ready2bedone

I am scheduled next month for an infusion to prevent bone loss since I am on Letrozole and already have osteopenia. I've never had an infusion before of any kind, so I have no idea what to expect. Can anyone please tell me what this is like, how long it takes, what exactly they do, if I can drive home after, etc? Thanks in advance!

Hopeful82014

Dear Ready - I suspect you're scheduled for Zometa, right? If so, it's not really that big a deal, at least for most. There are some women on here who apparently had a tough time with it but for me it's a non-event.

My MO advised hydrating well for at least 24-hours before and after and taking an NSAID before hand - just in case. That means at least 8 glasses of water per day.

My first infusion I was at the site for about 2 hours but most of that was reviewing paper work with the nurse and waiting around to make sure I was fine afterwards. The infusion itself was 30 minutes. Subsequent treatments have been 15-20 minutes plus paperwork.

If you've ever been on a saline IV drip, you'll find it's very much like that, but probably briefer. You won't feel anything but maybe coolness as it runs into your vein and it shouldn't cause many (any) side effects. After the first time I was fine but the next afternoon/early evening felt chills and tired for no reason. (I climbed into a warm bath, then went to bed early with a good book and felt fine by the time I turned out the light. I've never had any reaction since then.) Some women may get headaches or chills but they're usually pretty transient.

If you've never had a saline drip you probably don't have a frame of reference for an infusion but it's similar to a blood draw. The nurse will place a VERY tiny needle in your vein for an IV - it's usually painless, much easier than a blood draw. Then they hook up the drip and in a couple of minutes it's slowly dripping into your vein. I find it completely painless. They will use hot packs if your veins are hard to access. Infusion nurses do LOTS of IV insertions and are generally incredibly good at it.

Most offices will provide a warm blanket - take them up on it, as the infusion can be chilling. Take a book or your phone or whatever and you should find that it all goes pretty quickly and easily.

As noted, some women have issues with Zometa. I hope you're one of the majority who do not. I hope this helps!

ready2bedone

Thanks so much Hopeful!! I've had many saline IVs so it's good to know it isn't much different from that. We live about an hour away - would I be okay to drive after or should I get hubby to take me? I can't take NSAIDs but I will be sure and take some Tylenol. I noticed they have me for 2 appts that day - one for the infusion and then another at the infusion center for an ultrasound a couple hours later. What would that be for? Can they tell that soon if it is absorbing?

Hopeful82014

Hi - Yes, since you're all too familiar w/saline drips you've got a good idea of what the Zometa infusion will be like. Do speak up if you start feeling funny in any way; they'll probably ask you repeatedly how you're doing, but if they don't, do let them know.

I always drive myself to and from the infusions, Ready, but it's only 10-15 minutes for me. You'd probably be o.k. but since it's your first time it might be a good idea to have a driver - just in case. I know that's a big time commitment to ask of anyone... Hopefully the next time you'd be comfortable by yourself.

I'm not really supposed to use NSAIDs, either, but Tylenol does nothing for me and aspirin is worse, so I 'save' Aleve for situations such as this. If Tylenol helps, go for it!

I've no idea what the ultrasound would be about; I've never had one after Zometa. That's something I'd clarify with your MO's office. How odd! Maybe it's one of those 'while you're here....' types of situations?

Good luck with it - and don't worry any more about it than you can help.

suemed8749

Hi Ready - I've had several infusions of Reclast (much like Zometa) for Osteopenia, and I agree with everything Hopeful said above. I had already had chemo and Herceptin infusions, so I knew what was involved, and I found these infusions to be uneventful. I drove myself with no trouble.

Good luck! The best news is that my bone density has improved and my oncologist's PA let me skip it this year!

Sunny_Girl

SueMed - good news that you responded so well to the infusion. I had my first one in Sept and go back in January. When did you have your scan that showed improvement? A year later?

Thanks much, Patty

peggy_j

Glad you're getting some answers. If you want more feedback, you could also check out the special forum area here on bone health, under "day to day matters."

https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/120