Scan showed what was thought to be bone Mets but were fractures

[DMC21268]

Hi I'm 3 years since Mets diagnosed. Started with Mets to lungs and several lymphnodes after 7 months of injections I was put on ibrance and letrozole for a year when I started to have bone pain and a lot of ht flashes my Dr switched me from letrozole to emestane . My scans now show NED on lungs and Mets on lymphnodes decreased by 80%. I was diagnosed with Mets 2 months after first diagnosed with BC. I now have osteoporosis which Dr's said most likely caused by estrogen blockers . I have deteriating bones throughout my body and after I get cleared from dentist I am supposed to start injection to strengthen my bones because since Jan . I've had 2 fractured ribs,fractured pelvic bone and fractured sacrum bone. The fractures were all thought to be bone Mets until I was given PET where cancer glows and then found out were fractures. Has anyone else have problems with osteoporosis after or during any treatment? Anyone else get zometa injection s to strengthen bones ?

[Justme153]

I get xgeva injections to strength my bones.

[Totheriver]

Yes I do have a couple of fractures in my spine and I do a zometa infusion every 3 months.

[Timtam56]

yes. I have had both fractured ribs and fractures in my spinal column. Was on I brand a Anastrozole for 5.5 years. No on Alpelesib/Piqray and all that time I’ve also had Denosumab/xgeva jabs monthly. I now realise, it’s what happens.

[Light74]

I was diagnosed with metastatic (to my bones) breast cancer nearly 8 years ago and had weekly Xgeva injections, then monthly, reduced to once every three months and now every 6 months. My bones are strong now! I have been on Ibrance and letrozole for nearly 8 years with NED.

I think letrozole causes the most side effects, but it is keeping me alive. How does anyone really know what the side effects are from when you start multiple medications at the same time?

I hope you get relief soon!

[Tantalon7211 in reply to Light74]

That’s great you’ve had good results for over 8 years. I am on Ibrance .75 just in for 3 cycles and anastrozole which I think is similar to Letrozole

They’ve suggested injections for bones - but need to get dental clearance because if possible jaw issues

Can you tell me if if you had any side effects from the bone injections - it’s great to hear your bones are strong - that’s amazing - and NED

Thank you

[Light74 in reply to Tantalon7211]

No side effects from Xgeva injections.

[Dragonfly2]

yes pathological fractures are the calling card of metastatic bone disease. I am now trying to heal a fractured iliac crest…and unexpected finding on the latest scan. It’s annoying and debilitating though not particularly painful..🙏🙏. Very frustrated that my long awaited summer is now being spent resting and not golfing. I’m back on Zometa infusions monthly with fulvestrant shots and Piqray since February . Hoping to avoid surgery 🙏🙏🙏. So many challenges. Feeling so fragile and vulnerable because I can’t move around. Hoping this return to Zometa will heal this ilium sooner. 🙏🙏🙏 wishing you success in your treatment…I am a big proponent of Zometa. It had worked so well 4 years ago…🙏🙏

[Tantalon7211 in reply to Dragonfly2]

It was good to read your reply - as I too have Mets to my iliac bone and had radiation there two years ago

It hurts to walk long- they have suggested bone injections I think it’s Zometa- do you have any side effects from it- they say possible jaw issues - it’s great it worked 4 years ago for you - i sm sure you will be and around soon and I hope the same too

[Dragonfly2 in reply to Tantalon7211]

Hello! I’ve resumed monthly Zometa infusions …3 rd one . In 2020 Zometa got me walking again when I was first diagnosed so I strongly believe in it! The infusion makes me feel tired for a day or so…but I know it’s temporary. My pain is manageable but increases with walking. Mostly it’s the hip abductor muscles, et al…. No jaw issues but be careful if you have teeth pulled or footwork done. Best wishes!

[Elle713 in reply to Dragonfly2]

Curious if your fractures lit up on PT scans and how they differentiate fractures from bone Mets?

[Dragonfly2 in reply to Elle713]

the bone scan only showed “uptake” which meant little since that’s where the cancer is. So no one suspected it at that time . It was the CAT scan that showed the fracture. A later xray confirmed it

[PlutosNose]

Hello!

I was diagnosed with S4—mainly in my spine and ribs—about 2 years ago .I had surgery on L3 vertebra (bone graft, Kyphoplasty & Arthrodesis), Radiation, & have been on ibrance and letrozole with Zometa infusions every 3 months since diagnosis.

I had Osteoporosis before the cancer was diagnosed—and it has gotten worse since the start of treatment, so I totally understand your concern. I have a good Physical therapist and do exercises to keep my bones as healthy as possible every day but I know that the Zometa treatments can only go on for 5 years & that’s pretty frightening. I made an appointment with a very good endocrinologist (who treats my husband for severe osteoporosis) just to get a second viewpoint on my weakening bones. I trust my oncologist but feel that another opinion would be helpful. My appointment is not until October (she is Very in demand!) but I’ll definitely let you know if she has any helpful information.

Best wishes to You…

[Saltandlight]

I’ve had three fractures in my spine and pelvis which are healing over time. I get Zometa injections every three months. Praying for your treatments and believing they will bring you relief! 🙏🏻