Bone infusions- zoldronic acid

Hi - I have had the exact same instructions ! So I booked a check up - and when I saw my dentist I told her the name of the infusion... and before I had finished my sentence she said 'right, ok'... she has this question asked frequently sadly. Had an X-ray - and they are looking for any potential infection signs - specifically the jaw bone as the infusion can change how the bone reacts to infection I believe.  If an extraction is needed then it would have to be done before chemo starts - infection risk. I was told I needed a filling - but no rush for that as it is not invasive treatment as such. 

I am sure your dentist will be equally familiar with this question. I think you can have check ups during treatment - but only routine ones - as (in my dentists words) your mouth can be sore so a trip to the dentist may not be what you need.

Take care

jo

x

Thanks Jo. I’m coming to the end of chemo, last session 4th Aug so not sure when to book in really. Now or wait until out the other side. 

Oh I see - I am at the beginning - starts next week. How have you found it? I am really anxious x

It has been ok. I have had 9 sessions of weekly paclitaxal and carboplatin and 3 three weekly sessions of EC. Last EC is 4th Aug. The main side effect with the first lot was constipation but did wear off after a few days. I have cold capped and lost very little hair on the weekly treatments however have lost a lot more on the EC after my second session but that is my fault for washing it too soon and brushing it. With EC I have felt achey and had nausea. 
I have still worked throughout and done school drop offs and pick ups every day. I’ve tried to keep to normality every day. 

It’s completely normal to feel anxious, it’s the unknown not knowing how you will feel but please be assured that it is doable. Keep a positive mindset and try and get up every day and do what you normally do. You will be just fine. Honestly if I can do it anyone can. I am the world’s worst worrier. I know it’s horrible not knowing how you will feel and what is going to happen. What drugs will you be on? How many sessions will you be having? 

Thank you - reassuring to hear you carried on as much as normal as possible. I will have 4 cycles every 3 weeks of Docetaxel - then EC, again 4 cycles but 2 weekly... then surgery, then radiotherapy... such a long slog ahead, hard to get your head around as I feel really well! I plan to try the cold cap - have so much hair, hopefully will work. I have read on the forum that cold gloves / socks help for avoiding neuropathy - did you use these?

I did think I got neuropathy, I had tingling itchy hands but it never got any worse so didn’t need the gloves but I believe they are effective. 

If you have lots of hair you will be just fine, minimal washing and brushing. 

I know it is a long slog, I had the mastectomy first and once chemo is finished I will need radiotherapy.