@kilkennyfarmwife I am sorry for your troubles. Have you tried a different manufacturer for your anastrazole? Or tried Femara instead? You could also try alternate days. The difference between a 9% risk and a 4.5% risk seems significant to me, but I understand if that is not how you feel.

I am so grateful for aromatase inhibitors, because they allow us to avoid chemo. But I was lucky in finding Femara easy to tolerate. I switched to brand name Femara from generic anastrazole. In general I do well with TEVA if I have to take a generic.

I believe that Zometa can cause dental problems mostly in cancer patients who take very high doses, and also after several years of use. I am not sure about teeth falling out because jaw necrosis is what we usually hear about. Biphosphonates are useful with aromatase inhibitor treatment because those drugs cause bone loss. I believe that Reclast is gentler than Zometa. My doc even said a partial dose could be used, with Benadryl and tylenol beforehand, hydration and a slower infusion. You could also consider Fosamax orally if you don't have GERD.

Your mother's story is disturbing but 30 years ago they were giving biphosphonate drugs even for early osteopenia and did not yet know that extended use after 5-10 (I am not sure) years would cause brittler bones, and atypical fractures. You don't say how long your mother was on a biphosphonate. Can you tell us?

I have declined many drugs, including blood thinners. However, I have a kid on insulin for type 1 diabetes and an anti-convulsant for seizures. I am grateful to researchers and drug companies for these because without them she would not be alive.

I am on Tymlos now after cancer treatment. Once you have fractures, these bone-growing drugs provide hope. Was your mother ever offered Forteo? I am so sorry for her pain.