Starting Zometa following Radiation Therapy to the jaw 3 years ago.

Zometa does have a risk of Osteonecrosis, but it is lower than Xgeva. I would still be concerned with your history.

You could go on Fosamax. It has a much lower chance of osteonecrosis. It’s a pill you take once a week. You do have to take it first thing in the morning and not eat anything for a half an hour and sit up real straight or stand up. I took it for over six years and it was no big deal. I took Zometa for two years after that. My oncologist wanted me on that because it has a lower chance of Osteonecrosis.

Reading more about these drugs it seems Zometa is preferred when bone mets are present as in my case. I will listen to what my MO's response is today and if not satisfied I'll ask for a second opinion from Fred Hutch.

@wn6ivj Definitely get the dental consult - they see these cases much more than the average oncologist.
I understand the reason(s) for bone management but are you already suffering from osteoporosis?
Or is it the ADT/pred that concerns them?
You probably won’t get anywhere with arguing because most MO’s/RO’s are set in their ways….
But Fortibone, along with Calcium and Magnesium supplements have been clinically shown to improve osteoporosis with little to no side effects…you simply dissolve it in your liquid of choice.
As Jeff points out, your history of jaw radiation combined with Zometa can really increases your chances of necrosis.
Also, dentistry is extremely limited once you are on it - NO extractions or any other invasive procedure is allowed.
Perhaps some other bone strengthener, such as Forteo can be used? Studies show that it also can cause osteonecrosis, but at an extremely low occurrence.
Best,
Phil

Never had a dexa scan so dont know if I have osteoporosis or osteopenia. But take daily fluoride treatment to delay/prevent osteonecrosis cause by radiation damage to my jaw. The more I read about the various "bone strengthing" drugs I understand why Zometa is the "go to" drug.