On Anastrozole. Should I start Zometa? Had one Bone met that's gone! Tamoxifen instead?
HISTORY
I just started this MBC journey 7 months ago. I had one small bone met in upper sternum and some possible mets to soft tissue in mediastinum and lymph nodes in same area. Only the sternum was biopsied. ER+ (90%), PR+ (30%), HER2+. I started on HP protocal and anastrozole the end of July 2024. No chemo. End of September 2024: NED on PET/CT. I took a 3 month holiday from treatment. End of December 2024: low SUV in soft tissue in mediastinum. Nothing else. Although we don't know for certain that the area in the soft tissue is cancer (never did biopsy), doctors think it best to restart anastrozole and HP protocol. So I did, on January 7th.
CONCERNS
Since I currently have NO bone mets, my MO is not pushing Zometa yet. However, the anastrozole can cause bone loss, so I'm sure in the near future she will want to start the Zometa. I have been doing research on Zometa and found that only one or no bone mets may indicate not starting Zometa, especially right away. But, once again, anastrozole and bone loss may indicate starting is in the future.
QUESTIONS
Has anyone waited to start it, say 9-12 months after starting HP protocol?
And if so, has anyone gotten infusions only every 6 months instead of 3?
Has anyone gone on tamoxifen instead? I know it isn't as effective in post-menopausal women, but is much better for your bones. I was on it for 5 years with my first run-in with this beast.
I am trying SO hard to avoid as many drugs and their side effects as possible. Anyone else out there that delayed Zometa treatment and had good results and fewer side effects?
Any information or thoughts on this topic would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Pam