Zometa side effects
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Hi, I'm new to this forum. Diagnosed in July 2023 with Stage 1 grade 2 IDC HER+ right breast. Surgery was delayed when it was found that I had a low blood platelet issue during pre op bloodwork.
Finally got a lumpectomy in January for a 1.3cm tumor but had to return 2 weeks later for reexcision because the BS did not get a clean superior margin. Clean on the 2nd surgery. Lymph node negative. Right now dealing with delayed wound healing due to being on steroids to get my platelets up a 2nd time in 2 weeks for surgery and on an antibiotic.
Thankfully I have a low Onc score of 17. My risk of recurrence is low according to the radiation oncologist- 7.3% if I do nothing further, 2.2 % if just radiation, 5.3 % if no radiation and just keep taking Anastrazole which I've been on since August and tolerating well or 1.6 % if I do radiation and Anastrazole. I'm struggling to decide whether to skip radiation or do the accelerated partial breast radiation which is every other day for 5 days. My MO recommended Zometa infusions to prevent bone loss and reduce risk of BC recurrence but I'm very worried about the side effects of that and any other biophosphonate. I'm 71 and have osteopenia. I dont want osteoporosis but are the benefits worth the risks?
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@jerseygirl1215. As we mentioned in your other post, these are indeed a very difficult decisions to make. There are many things you need to weigh - the risks are there, but so is the potential value. We always support getting a second professional opinion if you are on the fence about a treatment or treatments. Sometimes this can help to sway you in one direction or another. Do you have a specialist you see for your osteopenia? Perhaps a conversation with them regarding the biophosphonates?
Hopefully more chime in here!
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I've been getting Zometa q 3 months for my bone mets for the last 4 years, and this last time was the worst! Total body joint aches, muscle pains, fatigue, GI upset (diarrhea, bloating, gas, burping). It's been 10 days and I feel it still! Usually, it's been easy. I'll have to ask if they did anything different this time, like maybe a shorter infusion time because it seemed quick. I don't usually take ibuprofen and tylenol but I've been taking daily. Getting better. Just thought I would share my experience.
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Thank you for this information. It's interesting for sure. I've only had 2 infusions so far, spread over 45 min and they were both awful.
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I had my first Zometa shot yesterday, given over a 25 minute IV. I was pretty tired and a little nauseous when I got home. I drank plenty of water. Took Tylenol last night and slept fine. Today I feel crushing fatigue and bone pain and other aches and pains that I am able to keep under control with Tylenol Extra Strength. I managed to walk the dog. But even chemo didn't knock me out this much. I'm just reporting this so that people know they might be out of commission for at least a couple of days.
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