Do you ladies take a bone strengthener?

[Flower1513]

Mom’s oncologist would like her to take one. She doesn’t want to do it. She is currently on enhertu. What’s your thoughts on it. If you don’t mind sharing. Is it worth it? Do you feel bad on it? Is one better than the other? Anything natural that’s helped? Thanks so much ladies❤️.

[Yikes123]

I wonder why she is reluctant. I get fulvestrant injection every month for my bones.

[Flower1513 in reply to Yikes123]

I think she read side effects. Some said it can cause bad bone pain?

[Yikes123 in reply to Flower1513]

That’s not my experience. The shots themselves hurt. I use as heating pad when I get home. I am fine the next day

[HelenWi in reply to Yikes123]

Fulvestrant is not a bone strengthener, it’s a receptor degrader, it fights HR+ breast cancer. Did you mean to say Xgeva?

[BettyBoop3000]

I get quarterly Zometa infusions to strengthen bones. It is also said to have some anti-cancer properties. Since I now have osteopenia I do it to avoid fractures. The side effects only last 2 to 3 days. After that I’m fine.

[HelenWi]

I’ve been getting Xgeva injections from day 1. Recently I had a consultation with an orthopedic oncologist about another matter but asked about Xgeva, and she said I should keep getting it.

[Discocat]

I'm 3.5 years since diagnosis with extensive bone mets. I used to have Zometa IV infusion every month for the first 2 yrs. Now I have it every 3 months.I highly recommend...especially if she has bone mets...it helps to create a more hostile environment for tumour progression as well as strengthening the bones.

I only experienced bone aches with the first dose....it felt like flu pains.

The first time it's given it is administered more slowly...over 30mins period and you should take a couple of paracetamols and drink lots of water.

Follow up doses usually take 15 mins approximately.

I've remained stable with low markers and have full mobility...I also take Ibrance and Letrozole and have Zoladex implant monthly as I was not let at menopause at time of diagnosis.

[SKoter]

hello,

I get Zometa infusion every three month. I have not had any noticeable/severe side effects. I was told that Claritin (antihistamine) helps with side effects, particularly bone pain. The infusion itself takes 30 mins or so. The medication seems to be well tolerated and side effects are mild and transient, well, to me at least. I think that it’s worth a shot since your mum’s oncologist is recommending to do so. I also take vitamin D and calcium supplements at home. Hope your mum is doing well with enhurtu!

[Notofu4me]

I take Clodronate for bone strengthening. Bone healing has been noticed in my scans. I take 4 pills orally everyday. I have not had any side effects but it has some very specific dietary and hygiene requirements. No food an hour before or two hours after, not even toothpaste, or mouth wash. Food can reduce the drug's effectiveness. You must get your fillings, or extractions done before starting the drug, and you must maintain a high standard of dental hygiene. There is a risk of jaw necrosis if you slack off with brushing and flossing and you won't be able to get implants in your future. You have to go off the medication if you have any serious dental work such as a root canal for a short while (a month). I think the benefits of bone healing out weighs the bother of hygiene and diet. Clodronate is routinely given for osteoporosis patients.

[wendle3007]

I've had denosumab (Xgeva) injections every 4 weeks since April 2021. I also take calcium/vitamin D supplements. The only time I experience any pain is if the injection is administered too quickly. Even then the pain is only in my thighs, not very bad and goes after a few hours.

[kpgirl]

Yes! I have been receiving bisphosphonate infusions (Aredia) for 4 years now. The first 2 years, I received the infusion every 4 weeks and then - when the bones are well saturated - every 3 months. I always feel very tired after a few hours after my infusion and only felt achy after the very first one, but otherwise absolutely nothing negative. On the contrary, many of my bone metastases are now sclerotic, meaning the bone in that area has regenerated itself. You definitely want strong bones! Why is your mom worried about getting one?