Connect
Zometa infusions to help prevent bone loss from cancer treatments
Has anyone had Zometa infusions to help combat the effects of aromatase inhibitors (bone loss). I have osteoporosis of my spine and osteopenia of the hip and am told I need this to prevent future fractures.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group.
Connect
I asked my oncologist thevsame question and his answer was essentially whatever the amount of estrogen I am still producing, it was enough to support an estrogen positive tumor. Not the answer I wanted to hear and not even the complete story as estrogen blockers don't reduce the risk to 0% but it was thought-provoking.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsYes. He said in addition to bone building, it also helps with metastasis to bones. They give Prolia to patients with bone cancer. It’s a notch better than Reclast which does the same. Last bone density I was osteopenia instead of osteoporosis which was 2 years ago. My insurance only covers the scan whenever you need it if it’s osteoporosis haha, so I couldn’t have an annual one! This one in May, we’ll see if I am out of that too. Prolia can have side effects but I don’t know since the anastozole can have similar effects. I hope they let me weigh in!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsThank you. Yes, very thought provoking …
When I insisted to have my estrogen level checked my 1st oncologist was flippant about it but ordered the blood test. The result came back <10. 🤷🏼♀️ He said that was good! I believe he said ‘normal’ was like 35 My thinking is they prs robe Anastrazole as a One Size fits all. Someone that has Stage 4 cancer vs Stage 1. Same dose. 200lb person vs 130 lb person. Same dose. Does not seem right. And the oncologists don’t seem to be too concerned about the bone effects from Anastrazole. We must all remain diligent in advocating for our own health. Be Proactive. Question our doctors.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 Reactions@lcr2017 did you have bone cancer? or breast cancer? I’m interested in something that will actually Improve my bone density. I’ve only heard this med stop it from getting worse. I have a friend on Prolia. I’ll check with her. Thank you.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@omega20 wondering how you are doing on Prolia. I’m still following data regarding Prolia ‘building bones’. I just read another post regarding this. Hope you are doing fine.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionNo I had breast cancer but BC can spread to bones so the choice made sense since there was an underlying benefit “just in case”. With the double mastectomy, I only get an ultrasound which of my lymphs and an MRI every other year, so I wouldn’t probably know right away if there were a recurrence.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsI just went off the anastozole—it’s been 4 weeks. These past 10 months I have had terrible joint and muscle pain. I don’t know why it intensified since the pain was constant but manageable along with yoga the prior 4 years. My doctors have been very supportive telling me that I have put up with a lot, and both medications have been doing what they are meant to do. Can’t ask for more! In my head, it just remind myself that it always could have been much much worse, so who am I to complain? I have friends who are on Prolia just for osteoporosis with no issues, so maybe it’s the combo catching up with me.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsI asked about the anastrozole dosage as well and didn't get an answer. But from what I've read here and elsewhere some doctors are OK with patients taking a lesser dose or less frequently than daily. Maybe it's similar to the story of lumpectomies or radiation. First go with a mega approach like mastectomy or lots of radiation and, over time, experiment with a gentler protocol?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsThe only answer I got from my oncologist when asked about lesser dosage or every other day he said “oh I wouldn’t do that” but never gave a medical reason, actually no reason at all.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction