Zometa

SWOG 0307 is a clinical trial run by South Western Oncology Group (SWOG). There are 3 arms - Zometa, Clodronate and Ibandorate although the Ibandorate arm is closed now.

Just fyi, I am the one that the oncologist gave the 2mg of Zometa instead of 4 mg.  Just went back to the onc and started a conversation with just wondered why I got 2 mg of Zometa instead of 4 mg.  Her face got really red and she said why don't we just start you on the 4 mg Zometa this year.  In other words, she made a mistake with the 2 mg Zometa.  Note to self, oncs make mistakes just like everyone else.  I did not make a big deal of the mistake.

I am going to ask each time now when they bring over that bag and have me check my name, etc. I'm going to verify it's 4mg. 

Indigestion and stomach problems are SEs.  I used Pepcid which is OTC or Zegerid which is by prescription.  Try to take the med for 3-4 days at least. Good luck.  Zometa has been shown to decrease mets by 36%.  Its worth it.

My symptoms did last about 2-3 weeks.  I believe that SE is on the Zometa website.  Yes, Pepcid really helped..

1) Yes, I asked that the infusion be done slowly over 30 minutes.  The nurse was agreeable to slowing the infusion.

2) Yes, the doctor checked for kidney or liver damage.  Mine has been excellent so far.

Good luck.  I really believe that the Zometa will help us to decrease the chance of bone mets.  Bone mets is the 65% of mets from breast cancer. 

You can PM me anytime or use my email at melissawalrond@comcast.net.

My onc ordered a CBC with a diff. and a ComMetab: which is total protein, albumn, total bilirubin, alkP, SGOT and SGPT.  Sorry about the spelling.  All of these check for liver and kidney function.

Aug, does she do that liver/kidney test stuff before you have the infusion?

they take my blood but I am not sure what they are testing for. I am going to ask.

The Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) is one of the primary kidney function tests they look for.  This is actually a calculation that uses your blood test results (ie BUN, Creatinine etc.) and determines your kidney filtration rate using a formula.  As long as the GFR is >60 it is considered normal.  Someone who has a pre-existing history of renal damage or a GFR <60 should have a discussion with their doc about whether the Zometa will cause further renal damage.  Generally speaking though, if you have healthy kidneys prior to treatment and continue to hydrate yourself well for several days around the infusions plus make sure the infusion is given over more than 15 minutes, your risk is very low of developing renal problems due to the Zometa.</p>

Here is an excerpt about the GFR:

Risk factors for kidney disease include diabetes, high blood pressure, family history, older age, ethnic group and smoking. For most patients, a GFR over 60 mL/min/1.73M² is adequate. But, if the GFR has significantly declined from a previous test result, this can be an early indicator of kidney disease requiring medical intervention. The sooner kidney dysfunction is diagnosed and treated, the greater odds of preserving remaining nephrons, and preventing the need for dialysis.

Zometa tip-At Duke they told me to take Zantak to battle the bone pain. I did-I took 2 extra strength typenol and zantak. It took all the pain away-I retook when the pain came back and then my fevor broke and I was fine.

yes the hearburn med-I spelled wrong sorry. Seems strange but they swore  by it and they were right on.

WE are planning to retire to the old country soon so I would like to know how to get Zometa from Canada. The USD 600 is cheaper than the airline ticket back to the US every six months.

Hi

Ladies Does anyone know what do we do to prevent ONJ when we take Zometa 2x a year.  When can we have dental work ?

HH

A friend just e-mailed me where to order Zometa from Canada for $295.

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