Zometa

Hi, I'm not an expert, but I am on Letrozole and Zometa. As I understand it, Letrozole basically weakens the bones (as it restricts oestrogen) and the zometa can help to strengthen the bones again, to counteract the Letrozole.  I think it also helps prevent spread to bones as well. The dexa scan is a baseline, so you get another one in some time in the future sn see how your bones have developed.  Hope this helps 

Thank you Irishgirl16 that makes sense. It's very difficult to take it all in when your discussing things. It's slowed down now and I have had time to think about it. I just want reassurance that I'm doing everything possible to stop reoccurrence. I hate taking these oestrogen suppressants but you've got to do everything possible. 

Take care

Marie 

As Irishgirl16 said, it is to help prevent osteoporosis but also has the double effect of helping to prevent cancer coming back in your bones, so it helps prevent recurrence.

I didn't have a bone scan and when I queried it, they said it was because I was already going to have the treatment anyway, so no point in bone scan. I'm mid-40s though, so not expected to have osteoporosis.

I was put into a medical menopause with zoladex implants, then exemestane on top and zoledronic acid every 6 months for 3 years.

Hi Beatthebreast 

How do you find the examestane ? I've already given up on anastrozole (after 3 weeks) it gave me carpel tunnel syndrome, it was very painful, among other aches and pains.  I thought about asking to try examestane.

I'm also going to.have the 6 monthly infusions.

Thanks xx

I find the exemestane generally OK. They say to give them 6 months for symptoms to settle. I have de quervains on both wrists but it has settled a bit now. I'm not sure you can really get away from aches and pains, I asked the pharmacist oncologist about it at last review and unfortunately, it is a big side effect. Mine have definitely settled though and no longer sore all the time, but just when I over extend them.

I still have hot flashes and night sweats but again, not sure if they'll go away completely while I'm on them but they have significantly settled.

I'm happy with exemestane, but you might want to give yours more time as 3 weeks isn't long for you to get used to them. I've been on them just over a year now. I have found some brands better than others, so now only get those. Some were awful, I noticed straight away and my GP and pharmacy have been brilliant about making sure I always get the brands I can tolerate better