Zometa

Just wondering if anyone knows anything about whether it is safe to conceive after Zometa treatments? I came across a posting some where under a "Zometa" topic that a lady on this site heard from a OBGYN that Zometa stays in your bloodstream for up to 10 years and that it could cause extra bone growth in a developing fetus in the future. My onc has agreed to prescribe my Zometa as a preventative and I have learned from my insurance company that they will cover the cost. My onc said that it is better to start with Zometa sooner than later as a preventative. When I asked him if it was safe to consider conceiving later after the 6 treatments and the risk of harm to a developing fetus he said that the drug is out of the bloodsteam within 72 hours. I am not sure if I trust his answer. I want to make the best informed decision for myself and my husband. I am not even sure that we will be able to conceive in the future (due to chemical menopause) -atleast for now, while undergoing treatments, but I just want to be armed with acurrate information. At this stage I realize that any preventative measure I take for myself in avoiding reoccurence should be my number one priority. Guess it's hard knowing we were expecting our first child at the time of my diagnosis and have since miscarried. Would love to hear from anyone who might have more information.

Hmmm, I had read something else (in a medical article) that said the half-life of bisphosphonates was years and that is why they thought the benefits of having bisph. treatments lasted long after stopping the meds.  I wish I could remember where I had read it.  I remember it was an an article I took to my onc when trying to convincer her  to give me the zometa off-label.  I will look around for it. 

Maybe someone else will have more info for you, Frankie, before I find it. I'm so sorry you are in the position to have to let both the cancer and your want for children to factor into your decisions for treatment.  It is hard enough to be dealing with one at a time!  You are right in that you have to put avoiding your recurrence at the top of your priorities, but at the same time, you are HER2+ and herceptin has really changed the grim outlook on this type of cancer.  My onc basically told me that herceptin somewhat "levels the playing field" for HER2+ cancer and a stage IIIer has almost as good as a chance of being "cured" as a stage I gal does. 

These is informaiton on the Novatis site about pregnancy and taking Zometa.

Frankie - I would call AccessZometa and ask. Tel - 1-866-281-4765. If anyone knows, they will.

Thanks KerryMac I will call AcessZometa and ask them.

Does any one know what the % rate is for taking Zometa as a preventative to avoid reoccurence is? I think my onc said it would be a 3% aid in preventing a reoccurence. That to me seems to be a low percentage rate!

Frankie

I'm with Kim - 3% may not seem huge, but it is everything if you are in that 3%. Me, I'll risk it!

And remember, statistics are just that--statistics.  

Frankie, I haven't found that article yet, but still looking through all my paperwork.  I will check one last place it might be this evening when I get back from radiation.

I wouldn't rule out the possibility that the more frequent treatment (much higher cumulative dosage during the 1st year) being used in the clinical trial may enhance its effectiveness.

Claude1944, if you have federal BC/BS (as I do), then the 30% out-of-pocket is normal if you have not yet met your $5000 maximum out-of-pocket for the year.

When I got diagnosed last March, by the time I had had all those doctors appointments, tests/scans/MRIs, one port surgery, and one chemo, I had already reached the $5000!  It only took about 6 weeks!  The rest of 2009, I didn't pay for ANYthing, BC/BS covered it ALL!  It also helped that all my doctors and the hospital they work at are in the BC/BS network. 

I'm still getting Herceptin this year, and will have my reconstruction this year, as well as 2 Zometa treatments, and two 6-month scans....so I fully expect to reach the $5000 out-of-pocket AGAIN this year, but just not as quickly.

I've just resolved myself to setting aside $5000 each year for my health.  The good news is that it's tax-deductible once you get into those numbers!

Thanks leprechaun (for the link) KerryMac (contact info) and Lexislove for your insight!

Kim 40 -I also agree with your comment and with KerryMac's comment about wanting to do everything you possibility can to avoid a reoccurrence and that every effort is worth it (despite the %).

Weety911 -Thanks so much for trying to locate the article that you referred to. No problem!

I am in contact with a Oncologist from Princess Margaret Hospital that I went to high school with and who's mother is a very close friend of my mother. Anyway, she sent me an email with some info about Zometa pertaining to my Q. I tried to "cut & paste" the section on this thread. For what ever reason I had trouble cutting & pasting to this thread. Has anyone else experienced difficulties cutting & pasting??? Any hints how to go about it??? I will try again in case there is anybody else that might want more info about Zometa/conceiving (in the future).

Frankie

Just giving an update. I'm getting Zometa!  I was on the fence and it was my Naturopath who did the homework and thought it would be good for me!  Can you believe it?  My oncologist was non committal and only said she didn't think it would benefit me.  My Naturopath cited the stats Lexislove quoted above from the European study and said 1/3rd is pretty huge in a study like this one( 5years ).  So that's it!  I'm calling my onc tomorrow to get going on this.

Thanks Kerry, I was really wishy washy, but now I feel confident about it.  My onc stressed 3% and my naturo emphasized 1/3rd reduction.  Funny eh? 

Christine - you know, I've said it before, and I'll say it again - 3% is everything if you are in that 3%!

PersonallyI think it is more. Let us know when you get it set up. I'm due for #2 next month.

I have a copy of the european study and it says that it benefitted "Pre-menopausal" women...

gewizz,

It was done on pre menopausal woman. They are doing studies on post meno to see if it has the same effect.

Just google Zometa and Breast cancer and theres lots of info. Print out some findings and bring it back your onc. Keep trying. Persistance pays off.