@louisewalters Thank you for this additional information. Because my breast cancer was grade 3 so considered aggressive, my oncologist may also want to use frequent Zometa infusions as a preventive measure. BUT....as you note, Zometa carries its own side effects and it's my understanding these increase with frequent use. It's a tough path going forward. I'm trying to find a balance between risk and over-treatment.

Wish oncologists would test to see if cancer cells develop in bone tissue at an early stage. Liquid biopsies might show circulating cancer cells but my oncologist here does not recommend their use with early stage breast cancer. The problem is that even if you found such cells, would you treat differently? And the answer given is no.

But I beg to differ because I think should such cells be found, even if the treatment remains the same, more surveillance (e.g., CTs, PET Scans) could be done. On the other hand, I am certainly no clinician and admit this is all complicated and certainly outside my wheelhouse.

I think there are studies looking at the effectiveness of these liquid biopsies in metastatic breast cancer. Possible use in early breast cancer is down the road.

I'm going to see what my endocrinologist says about recommendations for Zometa infusion scheduling.

Based on your description, it sounds as if the treatments are the same in Canada and US if you have a diagnosis of estrogen positive Breast cancer and are on an aromatase inhibitor.

Hope things go well for you!! Best wishes for good health!