I had breast cancer 2 years ago and a Bone Marrow Transplant in April of 2024. I had the bone density test taken one year after the previous. I have been on an AI which limits estrogen production. My cancer diagnosis was Estrogen positive. I had my ovaries and fallopian tubes removed too. All of this did make a few numbers on my bone scan move from the low osteopenia diagnosis a year ago. MY BMT medical team gave the OK to the medical oncologist for the Zometa one month ago. I have had one treatment. No side effects of note for me, and no results on if it works until time passes.
For your wife, the reason will have to do with her diagnosis. If she has had treatments, is Estrogen positive, has had a bone scan showing the starts of osteopenia, then i see why they want her to get the treatment.
Some others will post that may have been in her shoes. That is the beauty of Mayo Clinic Connect.

Most breast cancer patients do Reclast or Zometa (both are zoledronic acid) along with aromatase inhibitors. These meds help prevent the bone loss that comes with aromatase inhibitors and loss of estrogen. They are also, I have been told, possibly protective in terms of preventing recurrence/spread, and there are some studies out on that. If you wife is losing bone density, the doctor may be prescribing Zometa to address that.

Before making this decision please research thoroughly the side effects and how it actually works. There are some discussions in this forum where members talk about side effects. Search for those. Also research ways to strengthen bones without medications. Zometa was recommended to me but I refused and had to sign a document saying so. That was 3 years ago and it is still being recommended! Education ourselves every step of the way is exhausting but absolutely necessary.
Best wishes.

I had my lumpectomy in February 2022 followed by 15 radiation sessions. At the time, I was considered osteopenia. Had first Zometa infusion August 2022 with no apparent side effects. Second infusion in Feb 2023 and not a good experience. Within a week, had severe leg pain on the infusion side and it was pretty debilitating for about 6 months. Would never do it again. However, last bone density scan from 9/2024 shows me in the normal range and no longer osteopenia so that is the silver lining in my experience. Goood luck.

If you mean Zometa, I do. Here's my opinion.................I went for the infusions as it is supposed to help keep your bones strong. However, in doing that it has affected my jaw and all my teeth have moved. And it causes your teeth to ache in the process. I am now looking into Invisalign and not really looking forward to it. My teeth were straight until all this. If I had to do it again, I would not!!!

I have stage 1 breast cancer triple positive and am on Zoladex, and Anastrizole. Recent DEXA showed osteoporosis. Doctor is recommending Zometa. Please advise of side effects or what I need to ask my oncologist.

Thank you

I was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer a year ago, 12 yrs after my initial BC. In addition to my oral meds treatment I started Zometa 1x per 3 months, due for my 3rd on Dec. 27.
The 1st treatment hit me after 48 hrs., excruciating pain in my legs and could not walk for almost 3 days. Did my own research and found out if I drink extra water (8 to 10 glasses a day) starting 7 days prior to and 7 days following the IV treatment as well as doubling the water in the IV, the difference was night and day and I had little to no side effect!!!
So I'm drinking LOTS of water this week and the next😉

I have read that 40% experience an "acute phase reaction" with fgver and malaise with the first infusion but it tends not to happen with the next infusion.

Hydrate well (IV hydration can help), ask for an hour long infusion (vs 15 minutes). If kidney disease is present it is good to do a lower dose (more frequently).

Most people I know do fine. I am on Reclast and doing fine. Fractures from AI's effect on bones are painful and disabling in my case. I wanted to do Reclast but my doctor did not want to do it due to my other health issues.

Thank you all for taking the time to share your experiences and thoughts on this subject. The information is very helpful and we are much more comfortable making a decision knowing what you have experienced and the knowledge you have gained in the process. We had no idea that there would be this many caring people willing to take the time and effort to post here.

That may be my answer.
I have drunk 80-100 ounces of water every day since early May of 2024. Might that be what has helped me limit side effects.