Zometa - due first infusion, worried about side effects

Hi there, I had my first Zometa a few weeks ago. I coped very well with chemo and radiotherapy, so really expected this to be a breeze. I have to admit,  I was surprised about side effects.  On the plus side, they lasted no more than 12 hours, but it was just like the flu.  The infusion day itself was fine, but the next day I just felt rough, ended up having 2 daytime sleeps (very unlike me) and was just a bit achy.  The day after I was 100% fine again, so it was very short lived and very manageable, just a bit of a surprise.  Hope this helps x

Thanks so much, Irishgirl16. I think in my head I was imagining long-term problems but can manage a short-term bit of discomfort. Your post helped a lot. I think I just was reluctant to be plunged back into the zone as the last few months have been so normal.  With a fresh bit of perspective I can face it again. I hope you continue to feel well and  thank you again. 

I had zoledronic acid (generic name) in May with no side effects at all. They said to me that it can cause pain as it goes to repair any damage to bones (that's how they put it to me in simple terms!).

I also run and figured my bones were pretty strong from that so hopefully you won't notice it either.

As Irishgirl16 said, for some people it can also cause 'flu like symptoms, but don't last long.

I seem to remember feeling a tiny bit unwell a couple of weeks after the infusion, but it was very mild and didn't stop me doing anything. I only noticed it because of being so paranoid about covid but it was very short-lived. - an evening at most. They did say to me side effects could appear up to a couple of weeks later.

I'm due my next one in December and not at all concerned about it.

I felt a lot worse for my recent covid booster and 'flu vaccine!

Thank you, Beatthebreast, that’s also very helpful. I am a definite “read before you sign” person and whilst I’ve trusted my care so far I am just feeling so well again after all the other treatment has passed and I have regained my strength that I frightened myself a bit about the quality of life aspect. All treatments carry risk but you have both helped me gain a bit of perspective. You’re right that the combined combo of third Covid and flu vaccines was a bit unpleasant but again only for a day or so. I hope you’re enjoying your autumn running. Thanks again for your helpful reply. 

I was worried about the infusion before having it too, and like you, wondered about the benefits. I hadn't realised that it's not just a preventative for osteoporosis (I didn't think I needed this as I run and do other strength exercise), but it also prevents cancer coming back in your bones.

You probably already knew that, but once I knew of the cancer-reducing effect, I was all for it. 

I can't say I run far or fast thee days but I do enjoy the raised heartbeat and knowing I'm doing my bones good now I'm in a medial menopause. I am lucky that I also have other outdoor hobbies to enjoy too and it has been great enjoying them again.

I'm sure you know this, but make sure you tell them about the dental work. I had to have a root canal recently and the infusion couldn't be within 2 months of that. Luckily it was good timing, and I only have to delay my 2nd infusion by a few weeks.

I am aware of the cancer-fighting benefits too but was wary of how it might affect my sanity going forward if I couldn’t run etc. The Zometa has been delayed till now because of waiting for the ok from my dentist and I think that delay (though necessary and sensible) is part of the reason I didn’t just accept this as the next thing to be shoved in my arm. The whole idea of cannulas and the unknowable impact on my body hit me again. Cannulas in themselves are fine -I’m thankfully not needle-phobic but having had venous cording on my right arm (from chemo) and axilliary cording on my right (from surgery) I wasn’t keen to aggravate anything! Luckily the cannula for contrast dye for last week’s CT scan was put in at elbow level…and was fine. 

My sister also reminded me of the cancer-fighting properties and her perspective also helped. As she said, it would be daft to have done everything I’ve put up with so far (including the dental work) to then think a year down the line, I wish I’d had that infusion. I guess on balance that the likelihood is it will do more good than harm. 

*axilliary cording on my LEFT 

Yes I completely agree, I think it is worth doing to make sure we have done everything possible.  I was worried about the root canal, but that has turned out to be OK while on the zoledronic acid,

Hi  my profile has my timetable of treatment if you want to read feel free.

I was diagnosed with Her2+   After mastectomy ….So chemo ,Herceptin then zoledronic acid .

I am due no 5 in Dec . ( Christmas week )   No problems just a few flu like symptoms around the time of infusions .Some occasional bone pain . Like everyone else has said I think go for it . 
hopefully you have enough info to feel more relaxed about it .

Thank you, Margaret. All the replies have helped a lot. I’m back in the zone and feel much better about the prospect. I really appreciate you taking the time to share your experiences.