No Zometa for Me...Yet

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NancyD
NancyD Member Posts: 3,562
edited June 2014 in Stage III Breast Cancer
I saw my onc today and got the results of my bone density scan from December. Not bad enough to diagnose osteopenia Frown. Now there's a strange mindset--I wanted to hear that I had enough degeneration of my bones so I could start getting Zometa or another bisphosphonate, but there was only the usual arthritic areas. Since he knows I'm looking at it as a bone met preventative measure, he mentioned an upcoming trial for another drug that I might be able to do. I don't know the details, but since I'm not eligible for insurance coverage of Zometa, this might be insteresting, at least until Arimidex does such a number on my bones that he can I can get my insurance to cover the bisphosphonate.
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  • KerryMac
    KerryMac Member Posts: 3,529
    edited February 2010

    That is funny, when I got my bone density back it was "perfect" and I said I wished I had some osteopenia so I could have Zometa! But she gave it to me anyway.

    Fingers crossed there is a trial you can get onto - there is that super Zometa, can't remember its name - is it for that?

    BTW - my onc said if I didn't get insurance to pay for my Zometa that an oral bisphosphonate would be just as good. So that is always an option if you want to be taking something. She said it just had more SE's (gastric stuff).

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  • JacquiAL
    JacquiAL Member Posts: 54
    edited February 2010

    KerryMac,

    Did you onc give the names of the oral bisphosphonates.  My onc plans to put me on an infusion of Zometa but I'm a little nervous about the infusion part.  I think I would handle a pill better.

    Thanks,

    Jacqui 

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  • KerryMac
    KerryMac Member Posts: 3,529
    edited February 2010

    The one she would have given me is Clodronate.Thee are others too, I think.

    Personally, I think the infusion is easier - with the oral one, not only do you have to remember to take it every day, but you have to take it in the morning, then not eat and stay upright for an hour. With the Zometa, you just get one easy infusion once every 6 months.

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  • Husband11
    Husband11 Member Posts: 2,264
    edited February 2010

    Would it help if Novartis assisted with the cost of the drug and infusions?  You may be eligible for financial assistance if your insurance doesn't cover it and you qualify financially.

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  • JacquiAL
    JacquiAL Member Posts: 54
    edited February 2010

    Kerry,

    Thanks for the information.

    Jacqui 

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  • NancyD
    NancyD Member Posts: 3,562
    edited February 2010

    He sems to like Reclast...mentioned that as what he'd put me on if I develop osteopenia.

    I will have to do some research to see what the upcoming trials are...I have very little info about the one he had in mind.

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  • cubsfan
    cubsfan Member Posts: 49
    edited February 2010

    Nancy,

    I often follow your posts as we have very similar stats.  I just made arrangements for Zometa infusion for my 3 month follow up in March.  I do know what you are saying because I wanted to "qualify" for te Zometa but didn't   I will be paying out of pocket.   The total is 900 which includes the medication  400 and the rest is the nurse infusing it and all the supplies as well as time spent in the chair.   I am using all my flex spending on it but I just want it so badly.   My breast surgeon feels that in the fairly near future it will be given to us stage 3'rs with our diagnosis.  Until then I guess i will just have to pay out of pocket. 

    Nancy

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  • Husband11
    Husband11 Member Posts: 2,264
    edited February 2010

    Reclast is zolodronic acid (Zometa)

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  • NancyD
    NancyD Member Posts: 3,562
    edited February 2010

    cubsfan, I'd pay out of my own pocket, too, if it were another point in my life. I have to move soon, and will be paying 3x to 4x what I'm paying now for rent or a mortgage. That, plus having a child in college, will stretch my budget to the max. There will be no extra money so I will just have to wait till it will be covered by my insurance.

    timothy...thanks.

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  • luv_gardening
    luv_gardening Member Posts: 1,393
    edited February 2010

    I'm 59 and found out recently I have osteoporosis.  I'm trying to avoid any bisphosphonates.  So far they don't seem to have any effect on progression for post-menopausal women though some studies are in progress.  I'm doing lots of exercise and will probably opt for tamoxifen while I try to build up my bones. 

    ONJ scares me as well as the oesophagal effects of the oral version.  Does Zometa really have a half life of 10 years?  They don't seem to know if the SE's continue to be a risk after the infusions stop.  Progression scares me even more but no point on taking the risk unless there is a clear advantage.

    So many confusing decisions.

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  • pupfoster1
    pupfoster1 Member Posts: 1,484
    edited February 2010

    Hi ladies,

    I went for round 2 of Taxol yesterday and KerryMac I did ask about Zometa.  Apparently my onc's office doesn't use it as the protocol with the Taxol but they do give it to some after chemo.  So I guess I'll have to wait until I'm done (end of March if all goes well!!! Hurray) and discuss it then.

    Hope all goes well for you Nancy!

    Sharon :)

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