2 QUESTIONS

Shana, I will try to answer these questions, but not 100% sure:

1) I dont think there are any studies out to determine if using Zometa on the bones prevents it going to the lungs,liver,brain. I was told by my onc, that if BC was to metastasize it 70% of the time it will go to the bones first. So maybe stopping the cancer going to the bones first will help prevent further spread.

Good question. I never really asked. I was just happy to be taking anything to help reduce risk more. Zometa also has a long shelf life. So I was told if you are taking the infusions for 3 yrs,like most early stage woman will do, you still will get the benefit of Zomeat 10-15 yrs more.

As for the AI, in the beginning I forgot my Tamox every now and then. After a few months when the anti hormones are in your system, forgetting a day will not affect you. Its multiple days or weeks. If you forget?Just take it when you remember.

I don't think they really know for sure about Zometa. Maybe once the SWOG study is complete, they will know better.

I have read articles where Oncologists "think" it may have a general "anti-tumor" effect, other things I have read suggest having strong bones means the cancer cells don't get a chance to grip on, so to speak.

As for the AI's, I think it says in the package if you forget a dose, take it when you remember, unless it is time for your next dose, in which case just skip a day. I take mine with dinner - I have a little basket at my spot at the table, with my vitamins and my arimidex - easier for me to remember!

Shana have you read the initial studies they have done on Zometa? I know that the actual  researchers are really encouraged by what they see. They are very excited about its possibilties and really feel the first 2 studies are accurate but b-c of what has happened in the past they are doing a 3rd trial. (they thought stem cells transplants would transform bc and it turned out to kill a lot of women) so they are very careful.  It's most benificial in premenopusal women with er pos disease. But they feel it will cut down on bone mets by 37% I believe?! Most er women get mets to the bones first (atleast this is what I was told)

Shana,

Regarding the Arimidex (probably AI's in general)....I'm sure its best if we take our meds everyday, but I do skip a day everyone once in a while, sometimes intentional and sometimes not....my onc prefers that I not miss a day....regarding Zometa he has not suggested it for me yet....but I'm not sure that I could do it, as I don't think I could make myself go in the infusion room.  Onc does say there is benefits fo zometa, but since I'm on Actonel, he does not want to change things...for now okay by me.