bone injections

Hi, I have bone strengthening injections once every 4 weeks and have no discernible side effects. I don't know which injections your oncologist wants you to have and maybe they do come with horrible side effects, but as I said I've been fine on the one I have.. I've been having them for nearly three years. I was told to go to the dentist before starting them and had a good chat with him about the side effect I assume you're referring to - the jaw problem. He told me under what circumstances there might be a problem and my oncologist has since said the same thing. 

I have bone mets and without bone strengthening I'd likely be in a wheelchair so there was no option in my mind. 

Talk to your oncologist, or anyone on your team, and get the information you need before deciding. Tell them you feel the side effects (if you get any)  cause more harm than good, and get them to to talk you through it. I'm afraid I feel that you have made a decision on your own without asking the people who have the expertise. Sorry if that offends, but there must be a reason why bone strenghening has been recommended. Have you had a Dexa (bone) scan? If your bones are not as strong as they should be it might be worth reconsidering

Good lucj

Hi they normally give you Zometa as an extra as it helps prevent bone mets, I have read that it also helps your immune system to recognise tumours. If you’re gonna be taking oestrogen blockers then you’re also at risk of osteoporosis so it helps prevent that. So as Kateandbiz said it’s best to discuss it with the oncologist and ask that they explain why you need it before refusing it.

x

Hi, I am not sure what you mean by bone injections, but I have a bone infusion, which is zoledronic acid (known as Zometa) every 6 months, my cancer is oestrogen positive, I take Letrozole tablets to stop the oestrogen but as a result there is a risk of bone weakness, so the Zometa strengthens the bones.  At least that's what I understand. I had my 2nd infusion last week and I had no side effects at all. After the first infusion I felt a bit flu-like the ne t day, but this was really mild and manageable. I just wanted to share as not everyone has a negative experience and in my view the positives were with the risk.  Good luck with your decision.

Hi Turner, I’ve just finished my chemo, (6 planned, but I only completed 4). I’m starting radiotherapy in a couple of weeks, thought I was due 15, but only need 5 (yay!). When I spoke to onco a week or two ago, he mentioned biphosphates to me and said I should speak to dentist too. The onco also said I needed a vitamin D blood test (all this was because of the hormone tablets I’d be taking, not the radiotherapy), blood test was all good! Dentist told me that the only issue with the “bone” tablets is “when a bone is exposed, for what ever reason; dentistry, compound fracture or other surgery” it can cause huge problems. I was told by onco that it was to reduce the risk of osteoporosis whilst taking hormone blockers; not necessarily for mets, but I believe it does protect against mets. I guess you have to weigh up the risks against the benefits. My dentist said that there’s no reason why you can’t start them later if you actually have reason to think you have osteoporosis. I’m going to say no to them for now, maybe reconsider if I have reason to. My onco did speak as though it was definitely my choice, almost like asking if I’d like sugar in my tea! I find it all a bit of a head f*** . Anyway, best of luck xxx

I think this must mean they want you to go on bisphosphonates, they are often given for 3 years to reduce the risk of metastatic cancer in your bones. The 6-monthly option, which I am on, is an intravenous infusion of Zoledronic acid (Zometa). There’s a rare side effect called jaw necrosis and the reason for getting your teeth checked is because it’s better to do anything invasive before you start. There’s also a daily tablet alternative. 

Hi Mazz

Thank you for the info. I had a triple negative breast cancer(ductle). Thankfully I caught it early so it was contained in one breast. I went through chemotherapy almost 4 months but I stopped beforehand as it caused a bit of numbness to my hands and feet. Lump did shrink to a minimum almost went. I had surgery on 11th April they took a margin and results were clear. I will be having radiotherapy soon and returning to work slowly in two weeks. I had a bone scan prior to chemo all was fine except I have a arthritis just very early stages. 
I also thought I was going to have 15 days and they said 5 and me too I was happy. 
I will be very careful with bone injection it is every 6 months for 3 years. 
I am just starting to feel like myself and I don’t want to go down with a medication with higher risks than chemo. 
I wish you all the best. 
Take care

Thank you for this information it is very helpful.

1. Thank you for the information much appreciated.

Thank you for your information and the advice. Prior to chemo I had a bone scan and it was fine except I had very early signs of arthritis. I will talk to to my oncologist and weigh my options. 

Thank you for sharing your journey I am 63. Yes we have to stay positive and keep on going. x