Zometa - anyone else advised to take this??

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koala55
koala55 Member Posts: 5
edited April 2016 in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Hi,

I have completed all chemo and just have radiation to go but my oncologist suggested I could have Zometa to both improve bone density (I had osteoporosis in spine or hip before chemo) and that there is some studies that says it may prevent bone metastasis in the future. Just wondering if anyone else is taking this and what thoughts/side effects etc are. I believe this would have to be taken for at least 5 years.

With thanks,

Diagnosed October 2015; Grade 3; Stage 2/3; tumour 3 x 4 cm (at least 2 lymph nodes involved); 12 weeks carboplatin/taxol; breast conservation surgery and 25 lymph nodes removed; Pathological Complete Response of initial tumour and all lymph nodes; 4 x AC chemo completed; 18 radiology to begin soon.

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  • LM070917
    LM070917 Member Posts: 323
    edited April 2016
    Hey koala55,

    Yes I have just started getting Zometa. I had an infusion last week and will take it every 6 months to protect bone density whilst on hormone treatment- Arimidex and also to reduce recurrence. I had flu, , headache, achy muscles the day or two after the infusion, but they have all passed now and I am ok. Only thing that worries me slightly was the risk of jaw necrosis, but all the nurses and doctors I have spoken to tell me it's very rare and if you have good dental hygiene it shouldn't be a problem, also tell your dentist that you are on Zometa, because they shouldn't do any major dental work whilst on it, as it can cause infection and increase the risk of this jaw problem. Apparently jaw ache is the first sign of this, so if these problems develop, talk to you oncologist/dentist straight away. I'll also be on Zometa for 5 years which is consistent with my hormone therapy.
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  • koala55
    koala55 Member Posts: 5
    edited April 2016

    Hi

    Thanks for your reply. Alway so many decisions - so I take it this is to avoid the further risk of cancer to the bones. You are having this done in Australia which is where I will return in June. What state are you in as I know nothing yet of care back home. What is you age if you don't mind my asking. Mine is 60. I also read that the jaw necrosis is rare and will get a full dental check before I start if I decide to go that way. Were your bones compromised with the chemo. Mine were already not so good!

    Thnaks and best wishes.

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  • countryfrenchrose
    countryfrenchrose Member Posts: 48
    edited April 2016

    not sure but I read that there were to removethe finding that zometa decreased or prevented metastatic cancer. They are well compensated for the zometa infusions there have been congressional hearings on the false claims that are being perpetuated sad but the dental problems are real

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  • LM070917
    LM070917 Member Posts: 323
    edited April 2016
    Hey koala55, I'm in Western Australia. I have health insurance so have been going down the private route, since diagnosis medical care has been very good. I'm 35 years old, so was put on Zometa to prevent recurrence but also to protect my bones whilst on ALs.

    My bone density scan last showed slow degenerative results, which is to be expected for my age. Ive also started taking fish oil and vit d supplements and increased exercise to build bone density.
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