Experience with Zometa infusion?

I have been on Zometa infusions monthly for almost 2 years now. I have stage 4 metastatic Prostate Cancer (PC) in the bone only (spine, ribs, one hips and femurs). Zometa push calcium back into your bones to strengthen them and prevent bone future fractures. Everyone reacts differently to medication. My symptoms after infusion sometimes are bone and muscle soreness (not pain). I am due for my second Dexascan and if all is good (no additional thinning) my infusions will be spread out quarterly. There are some studies that Zometa prevents future metastases - but my Oncologist said that there is no real evidence that Zometa actually does that. It is for bone support. Sounds like your husband is Oligometastic. Radiation is difficult and everyone has to make their own decisions - for myself I choose to carpet bomb the cancer up front. I did not want to give it any chance to come back stronger.

Hi @catbuddy, in addition to the helpful post from @wooldridgec, I'm tagging fellow members like @foamhand @kjbushur @heal623 @healer74 @baxterlee77 who have experience with Zometa (zoledronic acid) and can share as well.

With respect to your radiation questions, you might check out these related discussions:
- Is SBRT with proton beam now a gold standard for prostate cancer?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/sbrt-with-proton-beam/
- Can Proton Beam Therapy be used when prostate cancer has spread?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/proton-beam-therapy/
More proton beam discussions: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/prostate-cancer/?search=Proton%20beam&index=discussions

- Anyone have stereotactic body radiation therapy (CyberKnife)?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/cyberknife-procedure/
- Proton Therapy or Cyberknife without ADT for Gleason 8?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/proton-therapy-or-cyberknife-without-adt-for-gleason-8/

Thanks so much — very helpful.

Hi. Stage 4 Prostate Cancer. Taking Eligard and Zitega. Going to get infusion of Zometa on Dec 2nd. Can anyone share their knowledge of these three together. Never had an infusion before. Hope you people have good things to say about Zometa and or infusion process. Thank you!

I'm not sure here, I also have stage 4, in the bones. I take zytiga pills, I get firmagon shot, and I get Xgeva every 3 months. They are different from yours but I think they do the same. Someone else can weigh in. As for the Xgeva, that gave me some problems in the beginning but getting used to it. As for it being an infusion, no it's a shot in the arm for me. I wish you well on your journey. Best to all.

I just started getting Zometa infusions. I was on Fosamax for six years and it’s time to move on to something else. I was on Lupron (Same as Eligard) for seven years and Zytiga for 2 1/2 years and there’s no conflict between that and Zometa.

My oncologist put me on Zometa instead of Xgeva because it has a lower chance of getting osteonecrosis, which damages your jaw bone tissue.

You want to be on a bone strengthener because Eligard and Zytiga can cause osteoporosis, something those drugs prevent from happening.

I attended a seminar a couple of months ago where a doctor spent about 15 minutes, talking about osteoporosis and the issues with taking these drugs. He was emphatic about the fact that people should be on bone strengtheners.

I feel happy for you guys that last for years. They tell me that I have approximately a year and a half, maybe 2 years. All I am searching for is, a good quality of life (ride my Harley and what not) for as long as I can. Please don't say you are sorry cause that's not what I am looking for. I am looking for people's experiences so maybe I can find another 1/2 year maybe. Thank you for telling me your experiences with Zometa. I mean this when I wish you all the luck in the world. May your heart enjoy some peace.