Zometa - 3 or 5 years

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Hi everyone

I was diagnosed with TNBC in April 2022 and had a lumpectomy followed by chemotherapy (3 x EC, 12 x paclitaxel) and 10 sessions of radiotherapy. I was then put on Zometa every 6 months for 3 to 5 years.

I'm now coming to the end of 3 years and my original oncologist said that I would be on it for a minimum of 3 years but, that if I tolerated it (which I have), he would extend this to 5 years.

When I had my oncology appointment last year the new oncologist, the original has retired, said that modern thinking was that there was no need to be on Zometa for any longer than 3 years but, if I wanted to, I could stay on it for 5 years.

So my question is, how many years were you told that you would be on it for?

I do like the idea of stopping after 3 years but wondered what others thought.

Anne

latchbrook 6 months ago

Just 'bumping' my post back to the top of the list.

"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"

ricki 6 months ago

I also was told 3 to 5 years. However I have been told it is 3 years. My breast surgeon was clear that this was now what was recommended. He also said that if 5 years was better then it would be offered to me. Caution is the best and it is 3 years.

I hope this helps

ricki

latchbrook 6 months ago in reply to ricki

Thanks ricki

I'm certainly coming down on the side of 3 years, especially if there's no proven reason to carry on until 5 years.

"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"

Flora Chloris 6 months ago

I had exactly the same diagnosis and treatment April 2023. I’m currently on the 3rd infusion of Zoledronic Acid . My bones seem stronger-no aches. I don’t know if that is psychological or due to me doing weight bearing exercises or the Bisphosphonate? Anyway I’m hoping that things don’t reverse when I have to come off the Zoledronic acid. I also have osteoporosis so I like the idea that it is strengthening my bones. I have read that some people with osteoporosis have it for much longer. Has anyone explained the science of 3 years versus 5 or more to you? I’d like to know.

Thanks

latchbrook 6 months ago in reply to Flora Chloris

No, the oncologist didn't mention why 3 years is thought to be enough, but I presume there's been a study following people for 3 and 5 years and no additional benefit was seen for those that had it for 5 years as opposed to those who only had it for 3.

"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"

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Zometa - 3 or 5 years