Zometa infusions to help prevent bone loss from cancer treatments

I will add my experience to discussion.

When first diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer in 2018, they did a bone density test, I was diagnosed with osteopenia.

I had lumpectomy, radiation and chemo, then AIs. While on AIs I had Zometa every 6 months. I did feel little sick after Zometa. Sort of like a mild flu the next day. I just made sure I did not plan anything on days after infusions.

Due to side effects of AI, I stopped last year. The oncologist order another bone density test and no change from one in 2018, good news. Was it because of Zometa, maybe. No way to know for sure. I do take a calcium and D3 supplement daily. But I did that prior to breast cancer,

Had discussion with oncologist about need for Zometa if not taking AIs, he told me it had minor benefit but my chance of reoccurrence of breast cancer after radiation and chemo is low. I told him I will think about.

My oncologist finished his fellowship and is no longer at Mayo Rochester and I forgot to ask my new oncologist about. I have my yearly imaging tests in few months and will ask then about pros and cons of continuing Zometa.

Laurie

I will add my experience to discussion.

When first diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer in 2018, they did a bone density test, I was diagnosed with osteopenia.

I had lumpectomy, radiation and chemo, then AIs. While on AIs I had Zometa every 6 months. I did feel little sick after Zometa. Sort of like a mild flu the next day. I just made sure I did not plan anything on days after infusions.

Due to side effects of AI, I stopped last year. The oncologist order another bone density test and no change from one in 2018, good news. Was it because of Zometa, maybe. No way to know for sure. I do take a calcium and D3 supplement daily. But I did that prior to breast cancer,

Had discussion with oncologist about need for Zometa if not taking AIs, he told me it had minor benefit but my chance of reoccurrence of breast cancer after radiation and chemo is low. I told him I will think about.

My oncologist finished his fellowship and is no longer at Mayo Rochester and I forgot to ask my new oncologist about. I have my yearly imaging tests in few months and will ask then about pros and cons of continuing Zometa.

Laurie

I just spit coffee across the room. Lol. Sorry.
I take natures bounty brand just because my pharmacist recommended it, and I love my local pharmacy. Calcium 600+D is the dose my doctor recommended, you should ask your doctor as the recommended dose could be different for you. I had not heard about the vitamin K but that does not mean it isn’t valid. I live in the Pacific Northwest so my doctor has added a vitamin D prescription once a month. I guess I don't get enough sunlight. I am definitely less afraid of these infusions than I am of breaking more bones and having them not heal well.

@auntieoakley : Thank you for the brand/dosage information. I will try this for now until I discuss with my oncologist. Can’t hurt, for sure. I miss my annual visit with my son in Portland. Love the Pacific Northwest, have been all over Oregon, good part of Washington, and Northern California. It’s a dilemma, isn’t it? On one hand you need sunscreen by the gallon, not just in the summer, on the other hand you might want an artificial light source the remainder of the year to keep your mood and spirits up.

@laurie: thank you for the very specific information regarding AI, and Zometa. Each individual post, with different individual results/causes for taking Zometa, gives me/us a better idea of what this medication can or cannot do, how it impacts you, and so on. Clinical trials and general treatment protocols only go so far.... the people undertaking the treatment are the ones who deal with the side effects/effectiveness.

what is AI?

@vsunshine18 : AI is the abbreviation for Aromatase Inhibitors, a group of medications that suppress Estrogen in the body. Estrogen-receptive cancer cells are deprived of their main source of growth/energy, vastly reducing the chance of this particular type cancer coming back.

Thank you.

I will be starting Zometa on Sept. 3rd (every 6 month thereafter). I have taken anastrozole for 6 months. My doctor recommended Zometa because it is suppose to help with stopping breast cancer spread to the bone. I wish I had more info to share.