Zometa infusions to help prevent bone loss from cancer treatments

I had Zometa infusions for a short time but had to stop it (on advice of my current oncologist) due to the need to have a tooth extracted since it can cause necrosis of the jaw. I was able to wait for almost 5 months to have the extraction but need more serious dental work so am currently on Letrozole. Not too many side effects but pretty severe neuropathy in the hands!

Here’s some brief information from Mayo Clinic about whole body vibration:
- Is whole-body vibration a good way to lose weight and improve fitness? https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/expert-answers/whole-body-vibration/faq-20057958
Answer From Edward R. Laskowski, M.D.

It’s a short article, so I encourage you to read it all. But I’d like to highlight this excerpt:
“Some research shows that whole-body vibration, when performed correctly and under medical supervision when needed, can:
- Reduce back pain
- Improve strength and balance in older adults
- Reduce bone loss
… If you choose whole-body vibration, remember to do aerobic and strength training activities as well.
And because whole-body vibration can be harmful in some situations, check with your doctor before using it, especially if you're pregnant or have any health problems.”

Here’s another relevant article in plain language citing the promise of vibration therapy to help increase bone density. It echoes the Mayo Clinic article that while promising, research is early and ongoing and thus recommends its use under medical supervision to make sure it is right for you and monitoring to see if vibration therapy is beneficial for you.

- What Is Vibration Therapy? https://www.healthline.com/health/vibration-therapy

I had triple negative breast cancer stage 1, Nay 2021. I also have osteopenia in the hip and osteoporosis in the spine now.
I have a concern that any drug given to stimulate bone growth might also stimulate cancer cell growth and reoccurrence. Does anyone have these concerns also or information on the subject?

@drummergirl there was a black box warning on bone sarcomas with Forteo and Tymlos which as been lifted since not a single human has gotten bone cancer from these meds. I have been told that both bisphosphonates like Reclast and Fosamax, and Prolia, actually may have a protective effect. I don't know about Evenity but the only warning for that is cardiovascular. Reasonable question that I also asked about: I was actually most concerned about Prolia because it affects the immune system in some way that I don't totally understand! Docs thought that was also a reasonable question but there doesn't seem to be risk in any studies. I had a grade 3 stage 1 breast cancer and get your worries!

Prunes. Although the study was funded by a prune industry group.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35798020/

@callalloo Is the 30hz considered high or low? I am high risk for retinal detachment, so I might end up with the Osteoboost instead.

@drummergirl
Reading this a year after you wrote it. My oncologist recommended medication to treat osteoporosis since I was taking an aromatase inhibitor and had a relatively high FRAX score (although DEXA indicated osteopenia). I had hoped to take an anabolic to build bone and then follow with a bisphosophonate but 2 of the endocrinologists I saw both said a firm NO to anabolics. Their concern is the one you raise: an anabolic might stimulate cancer cell growth as well as bone growth.

I'm not sure that is based on solid research but did not want to risk the anabolic.

@prarysky thank you! Appreciate knowing what your two Drs said.
I am currently doing lots of weights and 30 minutes of exercise every day plus Fosamax, Algaecal powder, and New Chapter calcium. I don’t like this drug, but it seems that after the anabolic (with all their risks), you end up back on Fosamax or something similar. Will see if I can push back into osteopenia by my next DEXA.

@mccommenter, are you experiencing bone loss due to breast cancer treatments? Has Zometa been recommended for you?

@colleenyoung -I have mestastsis in the lymph nodes from a breast cancer I had 25 years ago. Age 72 - I refused Chemo due to my age - my oncologist put me on Anastrozole AI - in about 6 months the cancer size decreased - they did surgery (underarm) removed 24 nodes 11 were cancerous. Then I got 16 rounds of radiation. Went on Verzenio but unable to tolerate after a month. Still on Anastrozole - I am pushing oncologist to look at my immunity - NCL under 1000. The oncologist suggested Zometa infusions every 6 months to help prevent bone metastasis. Believe my oncologist are pretty sure my cancer well return. Had my first Zometa infusion last August - in FEB will take the 2nd. Asking for another MRI, blood test and bone density test also which will provide more info. Previously had the very start of osteopenia due my age - we will see if any movement on my bone density numbers.