I’m have been taking Letrozole for five weeks now and was told by my oncologist that it is recommended that I have another treatment twice a year to help with the risks of getting osteoporosis.
I am having Letrozole too, I am 4 months in and ok on it. I think its press is worse than the effects, for some of us.
I am also getting the Zometa bisphosphenate every 6 months. I have had two doses and so far, so good.
As well as giving protection from osteoporosis, it gives additional protection from recurrence of BC in bones. My oncologist did an an NHS Predict test for me and this shows the survival curve(s) for surgery alone and the additive probability of being alive in 5, 10 & 15 years with each of the extra treatments i.e. chemo, trastuzumab, Letrozole & bisphosphenate.
I have 4 more of these Zometa to go and am glad to be getting them. All together, all these additional treatments increase my chances of 10 year survival substantially [from 58% with surgery only, to 79%] so for me it is a nobrainer to have the the whole lot. I am also having Pertuzumab with the Trastuzumab [11 more doses to go] which isn't factored into NHS Predict as it is too new. The onc said there will be an extra protective effect from that too, so fingers crossed.
Hi Phonzie I was diagnosed 3 years ago in august and have been taking Letrozole since October 2018 with very few problems thankfully. On the 6 July this year I had my last Zolendronate infusion (twice yearly) as recommended by my Oncologist again with no real problems. I’ve also been diagnosed with osteoporosis and my Oncologist called the Zolendronate a “win win drug” as it protects against recurrence and strengthens the bones. I wish you all the best with your treatment.
Hi, I hope you don't mind me jumping in, but since have also been recommended bisphosphonate infusions. I have been told to see the dentist before this, as it can impact the jaw. Does anyone know about this? Thanks
Yes that’s right you do need to see the dentist before you start treatment and have check ups every 6 months - it can cause osteonecrosis of the jaw but this is rare. You can’t have major dental treatment such as extractions but fillings are fine I’ve needed two! I was also prescribed Duraphat toothpaste on prescription which is very high in fluoride and been advised to continue with this. Good luck with your treatment
My best friend is a dentist [Consultant]. She told me that Bisphosphonates can make tooth extractions and bone healing after an extraction more difficult. They like everyone who is to have these drugs to have a dental check-up first and any necessary treatment done before the bisphosphonates. It is also advisable to have regular checkups and dental care and to try to prevent dental problems developing, so that hopefully extractions will not be needed in future. She said to always make sure that our dentist knows that we have a history of taking these meds.
