Zometa infusions to help prevent bone loss from cancer treatments

Is there a test to determine the amount of estrogen the body is producing. If it is almost nothing, Is there a need for Anastrozole? In my case, I lost 1 ovary in 1975 & the other in 1995. Estrogen is produced in ways besides the ovaries, but how much? I am 77 and far past menopause. Thank you.

@lcr2027. My oncologist told me Zometa was like Boniva on steroids. I’ve had 2 infusions without any side effects. Not even bruising if my arm. The actual infusion time is 30 minutes. My next bone density in later this year. Are you saying Ptolia improved your bone strength and bone density numbers?

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.

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.

Yes. 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!

I have read that Prolia actually builds bone whereas Zometa just helps to prevent further bone loss. I am not sure if this is accurate. It also seems that a simple injection every 6 months is much easier than the infusion.

@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.

@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.

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.

I 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?