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Zometa Infusions — your experience?

Breast Cancer | Last Active: Jul 13 11:59am | Replies (14)
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@mdr3

Hi -- I had Zometa infusions which started about 1 month after my last radiation session. I had Stage IIIb ILC, with a modified L mastectomy, 10/16 nodes removed and diseased. When the oncologist at DF said they were finding that Zometa was not only for bone strength, but possible tumor suppression, I went for it. First time I felt like I was hit by a truck. Further infusions had no side effects. It is extremely important (and they don't always tell you this) to be fully hydrated before and for days after the infusion. Makes all the difference. I had already had a full course of dose dense AC/Taxol chemo treatments, and 6 weeks of radiation so I wasn't about to turn anything down at that point. The chemo raised havoc with my teeth, and it was very difficult finding a dentist locally to treat a post Zometa patient because of the possible side effect of jaw necrosis. Finally I found a hospital related dental facility in Boston to do the extractions, suggest next steps for dental restoration and conduct surveillance visits for necrosis. I am now 74 (was 69 at diagnosis). Even with all this stuff with the teeth, I don't think I would have said "no" even if I knew all the complications with Zometa. It is definitely a risk/benefit decision. I am also on an AI (total # of years prescribed: 10). General health, exercise and diet are key to success with any treatment, but I think esp. with Zometa

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Replies to "Hi -- I had Zometa infusions which started about 1 month after my last radiation session...."
windyshores | @windyshores | Jul 7 5:22am

@mdr3 thanks for the tip on using a hospital-related dentist.

I started Reclast well after my aromatase inhibitors but will share this: I am sensitive to meds so my doctor did a test dose of 1mg Reclast, with one hour IV hydration beforehand and the Reclast was infused extremely slowly, over one hour's time. I hydrated day before, day of and day after as well, and took tylenol. I still had a fever for 5 days. I will do another low dose in 3 months and then try to go up to 2 or3 mg. I do this kind of ramping up with many meds.

@mdr3 I was going to do 10 years of letrozole but at year 5 I did a Breast Cancer Index that told me that although I was "high risk" (5.2% with cutoff 4.7%) there was on further benefit to extended hormonal treatment. It was a yes or no on benefit. They have since changed their risk assessment score though. I was told at one point that 7 years was as good as 10 but my bones were getting worse (no Reclast due to afiib at that time) so I stopped at 5.

I get that you want to do the maximum treatment possible and admire your fortitude!

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