Zoledronic Acid

Hi MRTWW in answer to your two questions.

1. Alendronic acid is a bisphosphonate, I don’t know if existing bone pain is eased but bisphosphonates can have bone pain as a side effect.  I am on risedronate sodium which is also a bisphosphonate but is slightly more gentle on the stomach.  I have been on this continuously for over 7 years.  After 5 years, bone density should be measured and monitored biannually.  My rheumatologist has told me I can stay on it for 10 years.  There are complications if you need dental treatment while on alendronic acid but they can be paused for extractions, but you must tell your dentist you are on bisphosphonate.

2, The Gleason score we often refer to is the sum of two numbers indicating the aggressiveness of your cancer.  It is produced after a biopsy when the tissue is examined in a lab.  

hope this helps, but please come back if you need anything more.

Many thanks for both you comments,

Hello MRTWW 

Well your Chemotherapy looks to be working well and Triplet Therapy is having great results since it was introduced a few years ago.

In answer to your two questions

* Zolendronic  Acid is in this group of acids - I was offered it and refused having read the various side effects - I can do without the possibility of these side effects thank you  - only a personal opinion mind, but I will continue life without the additional risks - but I am 70 not 46!

Alendronic Acid - NHS.

* As David (David2017 ) said above you should have received your Gleason Score - along with a TNM staging after your MRI/Biopsy. This link will help you understand these numbers and letter:

The Staging and Grading of Prostate Cancer.

I hope the above helps.

Just a reminder, I am sure you are aware at 46 with a cancer diagnosis you are entitled to free NHS Prescriptions.

Best wishes - Brian.

Thanks for your comments, and yes, I’ve got my card for free NHS prescriptions, which with all the meds I’m now on is definitely helping!

Unfortunately, some of the side effects on the list decided to make an appearance and I was admitted to hospital on Saturday, hence the slightly delayed response. I had a high temperature and, bizarrely, lost the use of my calf muscles, which made walking a bit of a challenge!

Thankfully, after plenty of drips of antibiotics, fluids and paracetamol, I’m now back home and on the mend. Usually, by around Wednesday I’ve recovered reasonably well from chemo, but I think this one may take a little longer.

I’m told this sort of reaction can happen after each cycle, so I may need to have a think about whether I can continue with it every four weeks. They’ve said there are things they can give me to help reduce the effects, so hopefully there’s a solution without me having to give up the chemo altogether.

Hope all is well with you.

Hi MRTWW if you get a side effect on one round it doesn’t necessarily mean you will get it on the next round.  Just take it as it comes.  Your oncologist may tinker with the strength of the dose to avoid problems.  It’s a bit of trial and error, so just go step by step.  I only managed 4 out of 6 rounds but my oncologist said it should be enough, that was 8 years ago!

Thanks David