Zometa infusion & breast cancer

Not breast cancer but my brother has perfectly healthy 60 year old bones and just received two compression fractures for his troubles helping a neighbor, when he fell backward and landed on his bottom. He is now in terrible pain, a back brace, and using a walker. If I can avoid this I will! If this drug might be helping my cancer, that is just a bonus.
@tygerrag2 did you decide to try the zometa?

There are several studies that indicate it can reduce late distant recurrence by about 26% or more.

I just finished chemotherapy last week and still need 6 weeks of radiation. I was wondering who has started Zometa, how do you feel and how long after the end of chemotherapy did you start.

I did letrozole for 5 years but my endocrinologist did not want to do Reclast (same drug as Zometa; Zometa is used at higher doses for stage 4 I believe) due to some other health issues I have. I lost a lot of bone density and fractured three lumbar vertebrae. Painful and disabling.

I have now done two years of Tymlos and bone density looks better than before cancer. I have to do Reclast to "lock in" my gains. They are doing a 20% dose with IV hydration to see how my kidneys do. Be aware that these meds can potentially affect kidneys so have kidney testing done first.

OK, I am a fan of Zometa (suggested to me by Dana Farber) -- had to come "home" and educate my oncologist. I started a month after my last radiation treatment (which was 6 weeks long). I had Stage IIIc ILC. Willing to do anything that hints at tumor suppression in the bones (in addition to bone strengthening). Due for a 2 yr ck on bone density, but last ck bone density had improved. I do need to say, however, dental work is tricky having been on Zometa. I can't get a dentist to do any restorative work because of the jaw necrosis possible side effect (and that includes a consultation at Tufts) I had three years of Zometa (the current standard of care according to DF), infusions 6 mos. apart (through my PortaCath). The effects of Zometa (whether they be bad or good) are supposed to last a very long time. Haven't read up on the current medical papers on Zometa, but I'm sure you can find some updated info.

@pbnew
Thanks for your message. I had breast cancer but they caught it very early and I had a lumpectomy and radiation. I am on letrozole for 4 more years and the side effect is osteoporosis. I am 61 and just had a dexa scan - t score shows -2.8 lumbar. I have never broken a bone in my life. Going to keep my bones strong with proper diet and exercise.
I think I am also going to say no to Zometa.

Diagnosed 4/23 idc, grade 2, lumpectomy, chemo (oncotype +) and radiation. Had already had dexa scan before it all started showing osteopenia in left hip. Started Anastrazole and he did another dexa 6 months later, 1 yr after first, still osteopenia. Recommended Prolia and I declined - didn’t feel it was necessary at that level, he okayed and would do another scan in a year. At the visit before that year, he discussed Zometa because of the bone strengthening but also because it helps decrease mets to bone. Recommended I see dentist before we considered it. Was already there because the chemo messed up my mouth a lot coupled with the ai therapy, I had bad periodontal disease/some bleeding and was getting the 3rd crown for broken teeth. He said wouldn’t do the med until that cleared up (which is just now happening - last visit no “4s” and no blood YAY!). But then did the dexa and it came out normal. I guess the strength training, walking, calcium + other supplements worked. Also consider that he took me off Anastrazole because of side effects and started exemestane. But now the problem was that without the osteopenia, insurance won’t take care of the Zometa because primary use is for the osteopenia, not bone mets. So currently, just on supplements and exemestane. Not sure if I’m happy (not having to take another med with severe side effects) or stressed (don’t get the secondary protection).

I had triple Negative stage 2. After all my treatment was done I was on Zom eta for 3 years.
Drink water before your infusion helps. After the first infusion I felt like I had the flu. The next infusions I was fine. I am 72 now and just had a bone scan and my bones are good. I wanted to due these infusions to help keep the cancer from returning as well as strengthen my bones. Make sure all dental work is done before treatment. I had no problems and still don't. My treatment started at age 67.
Thinking of you and sending a hug.

If I had it to do over again, I would definitely skip the Zometa. My teeth have now all shifited and my jaw cracks when I open and close it. Had to go to the dentist last week and get a tooth pulled due to an abscess. I thought Zometa was supposed to help your bones. What a mess!!!