zometa

After my infusion of zometa I had intense bone pain in my ankle and up the shin.  It went away quickly.  I was getting zometa because of osteopenia and a bad family history of osteoporosis.  Nothing to do with bone met.  I can't remember any other issues because the bone pain was so intense.  

I am getting Zometa once every 6 months for three years to help keep bone mets away. It is a new study that my MO told me about in January and I had my first infusion in February. I was told that I would have flu like symptoms and that was exactly what happened. I had the infusion on a Friday and woke up Saturday feeling awful. I regretted having the infusion, but after sleeping all day Saturday I was feeling better Sunday, but took it easy and slept off and on. I went back to work Monday feeling much better. I have decided that I will have them again since it was only a day or two, but I will make sure that I get them on a Friday so that I can sleep all weekend. Please let me know if you have any other questions. 

Drink lots of water before, during and after the drip. This helps.

I had my first infusion Febryary 28th. My bone pain was quite intense. It started from my ankles on up. I also felt like crap for awhile. I will be getting it every 6 months.

momof3-my doctor said she never heard anyone say it was less painful the second time. I will be watching for your post in August. I get my second one in September. 

I am having Zometa monthly and only the first infusion had major side effects.  After that not bad at all.  I pray it goes the same for you.  Blessings, Kathy

Thanks for starting this thread.  I have my first Zometa infusion tomorrow -- and I was looking for some accounts of the side effects.  I am getting the drug for the same reasons as Doxie -- osteopenia and family history of osteoporosis.  Tamoxifen is hard on bones, so this is to counteract that and to replace the Actonel that I was taking before BC.  Thanks for the tip on the water, Heidi.  I will start drinking like crazy.  I underestimated my anxiety level with returning to the chemo chair for an infusion....  Feeling a lot of trepidation.

I had a zometa iv monthly for almost three years and have recently gone to having it just once every three months.  It was something that barely affected me, perhaps a mild headache for a day or two.  

I learned to ask for the iv to be administered over 30 minutes and not 15 as it seemed the slower drip makes it more tolerable.  Some women ask for a drip even slower than that to help tolerate it better.

I believe it does help to keep well hydrated.

There are quite a few women on these boards who felt like the first zometa iv was roughest and then it got easier after that.  

I am glad it is going well for you TeamKim!  Don't forget to drink lots of water also. I did that and i am assuming that is what helped the yuck go away faster!!!!!

hi. I am surprised there are not more comments in this thread. I saw and endocrinologist that specializes in bine density loss and she is recommending zometa for me. I see my onc next week to hear what she has to say. I  42 with osteoporosis now- I lost 13% bone density  in one year and broke my wrist this winter. I am wondering if anyone was offered prolia or any other drug and why their onc chose zometa?  I am pretty afraid of the side effects and just hate to have to take another medicine. I am also on arimidex and had and oophorectomy as well as chemo so I have lots of things eating away at my bone density. I am also seeing a naturopathic doctor in a week so see what her recommendations are.  

Thanks  

Jrose 

Jrose & Karen, 

I got one Zometa infusion in April, planning on the twice a year, for 3 years. I had to push for it, take in articles to my MO. I do not have osteoporosis. I was sleepy & achy for 3 days, but no big deal. 

Compared to chemo, a cake walk..

Cindy, why not reschedule the infusion until you return from your trip?  If you have SEs you don't want to be in the air or away from home if you can help it.  Surely the infusion could be rescheduled. 

Tamoxifen is kinder to the bones.  Do you have a family history of stroke or blood clots that might prevent you from taking it?  All hormonals have SEs.  We're put in the position of choosing our poison and managing the SEs as best we can.  Hang in there! --Corky

Thanks Corky and Peace!

Corky  - Life was so simple...annual check ups and spend holidays with family...Than fly back to my retirement spot. Have been checking out teams in my area and will make the switch soon, but for now excuse to visit. Postponing flight a few days.

Peacestrength - yes, I will delay my flight home...hoping minimal SEs...was thinking of taking Benadryl and Tylenol prior to infusion.  Great that your naturopath is able to target your supplements to compliment your care.  

Headed out for supplements and eating my prunes!  Will be a tad careful pounding my bones and lifting weights...but goal is still 11,00-15,000 steps a day...love my FitBit 

You are the best!  Thank you so much

Cindy

i have been prescribed this also - but i said i had never even had a bone density test & don't want it if i don't need it...Onc said it's to build up my bones in case the Anastrozole takes a toll? and of course added that - tho not clinically proven - it's possible it decreases your chance of recurrence (the golden ticket to agreement) 

after reading this thread i am more skeptical than ever - she also said i should go to the dentist first - something to do with my jaw...definitely need to do more research

My MO says that it will add 3% against recurrence for me, but we will discuss more when I'm done with chemo in 2 weeks. I had a dental visit this week to get an all clear as there can be no looming  serious dental work.  Small 1-3% chance of bone necrosis in jaw.