Oncologist thinks the risks of ZA outweigh the benefits

Hi, it would be interesting to hear why your oncologist thinks this. I wonder if it because of the ribociclib, which is a relatively new adjuvant treatment. It was not available in the early breast cancer setting when I was diagnosed and treated. Although ribociclib and zolendronic acid are two entirely different drugs, which do different things, maybe he knows something that we don’t. Xx 

I’ve not heard of this. I’ve done lots of research and it’s been found that Zoldronic acid is very effective in preventing recurrence in the bones. ZA alters the environment of the bone marrow so cancer cells cannot survive in there. 

The risks are osteocronosis of the jaw but having regular dental apps can keep on top of this and catch it early when it’s treatable. 

I’ve had one ZA infusion and felt pretty rubbish for a few days after which is normal. 

Can I just ask what “dose dense” chemo is? 

Hi Cloudier 

Thanks for replying.

He said that it was much more important to get started with Ribociclib,  but said that the risk of osteonecrosis from zoledronic acid was about the same as its risk reduction. 

I'm confused because I see that people have both and I want to do anything possible to reduce the risk of recurrence 

Hi Sparkle498uk Yes, I'd thought that id be approved for Zoledronic Acid as I've read how it reduces the risk of spreading to the bones.

I am scared that if I don't have it, then it spreads, I will feel that I could have taken more preventative measures.

I will ring his secretary, I think, after my tooth extraction next month, and ask to go ahead with it.

Dose dense chemo is when you have the infusions every 2 weeks, instead of 3.  I had 4 x Ec and 4 x paclitaxol, 1 session every 2 weeks.