At my Oncologist appointment after my radiotherapy treatment, I asked the question about Biphosphanates and the percentage of protection against bone cancer, mine is 3%. I am considering stopping taking them, has anyones else? Not sure what to do??
Hello Shelly55 Why are you considering stopping the bisphosphonates? Are you worried about any possible side effects? I've had 3 infusions so far and apart from feeling a bit fluey for a couple of days after the first one the other two have been fine. The way that it was explained to me is that if you are taking an aromatase inhibitor (eg letrozole, anastrozole, exemestane) these can reduce bone density, which could result in fractures, so the bisphosphonates will help with that and also lower the risk of cancer spreading to the bones.
Did you get your 3% figure from the NHS Predict tool? If so that figure refers to the added benefit to survival rate depending on the treatment given. From memory my percentage was only around 1% but I'm taking the bisphosphonates anyway as any increase in survival rates, even 1%, is to me a positive thing. It's down to personal choice though, so best of luck whatever you decide to do.
I am taking every percentage I can get to help stop recurrence. 3% is an additional 1 in every 30 or so people dying so when you think about it like that, I don't want to be that one person.
I would ask the same as others - why do you want to stop? If you're taking a daily pill, maybe you can ask about the twice-yearly infusion instead. That has given me very few side effects, the most notable for me is a dip in mood for a week or so.
Biphosphonates have the double effect of protecting your bones against osteoporosis as well as helping prevent cancer coming back in your bones.
Good luck with your decision, but if it were me, I'd keep going.
Thank you for responding, I was talking to an ex nurse who had had breast cancer and she had stoped taking them because of the low percentage of protection, hers was 5% so higher than both you and I. I think it’s also because of the risk of it causing other cancers such as stomach and oesophagus cancer. You make a very valid point and I thank you for your reply as it has made me re consider what I will do xx
