Anyone have Zometa infusions

[Ladydee123]

Hello. I am 63 and 7 months post mastectomy, and have been on anastrazole since January. My oncologist has suggested I have Zometa infusions every 6 months. I understand there are downsides to consider, including jaw problems. I welcome all insight

Thank you in advance!

[Iamagardener]

I am taking zometa; my doctor says I will have the infusion every 6 months for 3 years, then stop. I had any dental work done before started (I actually needed to bring dental clearance to my first infusion). Jaw problems are rare and they are associated with invasive dental procedures--implants, etc. If I need such dental work in the future we will stop the zometa for a while before, then resume after. FYI zometa also apparently helps with preventing circulating tumor cells (which may have broken off from the original tumor and are in the blood stream or lymphatic system) from lodging in the bone and "hiding out", then re-activating later as metastatic breast cancer. I have had no side effects from the infusions; I drink a lot of water before, during and after the infusion.

[Ladydee123 in reply to Iamagardener]

I had radiation. Did you? I am questioning why i need all these safeguards. And thank you for sharing.

[Iamagardener in reply to Ladydee123]

Yes I had radiation. I had a dexa-scan before treatment. I had already moved from osteopenia to osteoporosis before treatment and starting anastrozole. Aromatase inhibitors exacerbate bone loss, which is why my oncologist wanted me to start medication to protect against further deterioration and hopefully regain some bone density, in conjunction with a weight training program I am doing. The circulating tumor cells are not affected by radiation, since they have already left the tumor site and are circulating throughout the body. Apparently, for breast cancer, bones are one of the most common sites for metastases.

[Ladydee123 in reply to Iamagardener]

Thanks again. Just wondering if there are any alternatives

[Loobelou]

I have had 3 without a problem. Another recommendation is to have epsom salt baths each night for a few days pre infusion.

[Iamagardener in reply to Loobelou]

Hi I did not know about the epsom salts. I will try that before my next infusion.

[Ladydee123 in reply to Loobelou]

Thank you for your tip

[Jg1960]

My oncologist recommended Zometa, told me it was for bone loss but more so she recommended it because it would offer a 2% chance that the cancer would not metastasize in my bones. My research showed that there is a 1 to 3% chance it can cause necrosis of the jaw. I spoke with my dentist about it, he said he didn't see a need for me to have any teeth extracted or any major work done in the near future so I should be fine. I had a bone density done and I am at the high end of normal, so my bones are currently in great shape (I'm 62). I felt that the 1 to 3% chance or necrosis (for which there is no real treatment or cure) negated the 2% benefit . I am not doing the Zometa infusions.

[Ladydee123 in reply to Jg1960]

Thank you so much. This is very similar to my dilemma and I have reached the same conclusion. Thanks for sharing.