Biophosphonates

Hiya I was diagnosed with osteoporosis following and DEXA scan, as I was prescribed Anastrozole following a lumpectomy and RT, I too was really worried as initially my gp gave me alendtonic acid which you take weekly but can cause problems with oesophagus if you already have reflux which I do. I spoke to the ROS Osteoporosis Society, they have lots of information on their website, you can also speak to a nurse....so I got lots of information and I insisted on a referral to Osteoporosis Nurse at  local hospital.  She explained because of my medical history would never prescribe me with oral bisphosphonates (my gp had no such qualms)..but in discussion we decided on Zolendronic Acid which I get in annual infusion......I have had one so far.  Still a bit anxious, but decided when checking all the information I could that was the best for me. My prescription in for osteoporosis though...   But please contact the Osteoporosis Society and get all the info you can.  Good luck x

Thank you - I’ll do that x

Hi Rok , they have also suggested bisphosphanates for me. I am 57, post menopausal and diagnosed with grade 3 invasive ductal bc. I am ER and HER2 positive, so feels like everything possible is also being thrown at my cancer. 
My BCN advised good for bone quality and also research suggests reduces risk of recurrence, particularly in bones. 
I most likely will need some dental work done prior to starting, so I’m putting that off until I have finished all my chemotherapy/ radiotherapy and 6 months of Herceptin- which ever brand I’m given. Then 5-10 years on Letrozole
I’ve been advised 6 monthly Zoledronic acid infusion for 3 years. Like you with only a 2% improvement, I am definitely putting on the back boiler for now. I also have a horrible dental phobia, that has to be tackled before I start on it. 

Take care, hope your weekend is going ok x

Hi, I've just had mu 2nd Zoldronic acid infusion. Having very 6 months for 3-5 years. Recommended by oncologist as taking anastrozole which can effect bone density, but also to help with reacurrance of secondary breast cancer in bones

Was really scared by the amount of additional treatments recommended as I am high risk of reacurrance, but coming to terms with it now

Anastrozole 10 years

Abemaciclib 2 year

Zoldronic acid 3-5

Good luck, it's a lot to deal with x

I think I will concentrate on chemo and then think about it. One step at a time…

Can I ask what sort of breast cancer you have. I’m confused which types of bc are offered biophosphonates and why. Also I thought it was only for post menopausal women and I’m not. - (at least I don’t think I am unless my coil has masked all symptoms)

I am 74 and because my breast cancer was oestrogen positive (IDC) I was prescribed Hormone Therapy after treatment. The HT drugs can thin the bones. I think with some cancers they are also prescribed to help prevent cancer in the bones. I was already on biophosphates before my breast cancer and like you was freaked out by the risks, especially to my jaw. All I can say is that I have taken biophosphates for three years and have regular six monthly dental check-ups and nothing has changed drastically with my teeth in that time.