Zometa

Hi, 

I’ve just had my first zometa on Tuesday. I was good all day, went to bed and woke an hour later. Feel like I have been hit by a bus that then reversed over me. Couldn’t stand up without passing out yesterday. Sick. Fever and everything hurts so much. Today I’m slightly better. I was warned about it. Also saw a dentist before who had to remove a wisdom tooth before they would start. I said I wanted an implant but was told due to the amount of chemo that I have had, the chemo I’m on now and the zometa that I would never be able to have implants as all this stays in your body for years and the implants would never take. Sorry xxx

Hi

I have just had my first Zometa about 3 weeks ago. I was also worried about the jaw necrosis possibility. My hospital asked me to go and see my dentist and have a check up, and talk to him in order to get clearance to go ahead. I needed one filling done. They advise 8 weeks before/after infusion for any dental work. My dentist said that the main issue is healing after extractions and any work involving the bone, which I am guessing could include implants. As far as I understand it, extractions should not be done whilst on Zometa, anything else you would need to discuss with your Dentist as he will know about your individual case and any relevant dental issues you may have now or likely to arise over the time that you are on the infusions (often 3 years?). I was told that usually normal fillings can be done if not within 8 weeks of infusion date. This really just applies to infusions. I don't know about tablets. Is it infusions you have been offered?

I did feel grim for several days after the infusion (high temp, chills, aches and generally feeling rotten) but after a week I felt much better. Best of luck with everything

Hi Fiona

Thanks for that much appreciated. However I already had my implants prior and due to Covid 19  everything is suspended so I am still awaiting results from my mouth X ray and I need to have a mouth hygiene as well. 

I did speak to my own dentist as well and he assured me that they could manage any problems.

I am still waiting somewhat 6 weeks post radiotherapy for any response from the oncologist,it's a nightmare.

Regards Anna 

Hi

I have just seen your post so sorry for the delay in replying.

I work as a Receptionist in a dental practice and have some dental nurse experience all be it a while ago. Last year I had 4 extractions and bone grafting in readiness for implants this year. I too had insufficient bone so my boss decided that it was best to have bone grafting. I was then diagnosed with bc early this year. I have had two infusions of adjuvant zometa whilst having chemo. I spoke to my boss about my concerns and he reassured me that I can still go ahead with the implants after finishing chemo  but checking bone grafting and xrays. It would mean carefully deciding a date in between my infusions. With implants it is very important that you see a hygienist on a regular basis, clean them thoroughly and use inter dental brushes or floss especially made for implants. I cant stress this enough as if you dont look after them then they can fail which is not what you want when you have paid a considerable amount of money for them.

My boss stressed that in order to keep my oral hygiene good I must brush my teeth thoroughly 2-3 times a day, use a prescribed mouthwash twice a day and floss or use interdental  brushes daily. 

Hope this is helpful.

Linda x