Arimidex And Zometa

I am a new member. I'm a six year breast cancer survivor, I took Tamoxifen for five years, and have been on Arimidex for just over 1 year now. My oncologist told me that I must now take Zometa every 3 months. because Arimidex causes osteoporosis. I didn't have a bone density test.

I've so far had one treatment of this 15 minute injection, the side effects were lots of pain, which after 2 weeks i'm still experiencing, plus upset stomach and loss of appetite. I've been told that I have to have this treatment for the rest of my life, which, I think is a hard pill to swallow.

Is anyone here on Arimidex and receiving this kind of treatment, or have been told that they must have it?

God bless.

I was on Arimidex  two years ago.  Like you I suffered greatly and was constantly bleating on this line about it and the swollen hands and two size larger feet.  Pain all over in the muscles and bones. I was a mess.  This went on for about six months and then my ocologist changed me to Aromasin.  Initially I felt nNo more pain or feeling my muscles in my legs wanted to burst out.o improvement and then suddenly after about six months it was over.  . I am still swollen but no pain or discomfort.  Take an advil or something to take the edge off the pain maybe?

Good luck,

 Delia

I'm on Femara and take Zometa infusions.  Originally I was taking them every 4 months, now it is every 6.  I am fortunate enough not to have any lasting side effects from either medication.  Zometa is an IV form of Fosamax which like other new osteoporosis drugs on the market are taken orally, anywhere from every week or every month.  I believe there is a new one that can be taken less than that.  These are oral forms and if tolerated they are the first choice of treatment for osteoporosis.  Have you tried them?  I was on Fosamax but due to GERD (gasto distress symptoms) I could no longer take that.  I knew I had osteoporosis after a dexascan diagnosed it.  It is true the aromitase drugs deplete bone so your bone density should definetly be monitored.  Do you take calcium supplements?  And Vit. D supplements because calcium needs D to absorb?  Only if the oral form and supplements are not controlling your bone should you have to be on Zometa if indeed it is only being given to treat your osteoporosis that you do not know if you have?  I would first ask for a dexascan, a simple test that will tell you what your bone status is.  Based on that information you can discuss all options.  You definitely should be on calcium supplements and D.  Having Zometa every 3 months is rather aggressive also particulary if there isn't a documented problem.  Zometa is also used for bone spread as it stabalizes bone and recent published reports shows a positive effect on postmenapausal women with early BC as well which they were unaware of and further research is going on to determine if this is a course of treatment for some early BC.  But again, if it is not well tolerated you should discuss your options as there are some and demand a bone density so you know your bone status.

Thanks so much for your replies to my message.

The Arimidex did not cause any pain for me, it was the zometa that caused the pain. I am going to try to get them to do the bone density test before I go back to see my oncologist. I really do think that it should have been done before I started on the Zometa.  I'm really going to check out all of my options before I take another dose.

God bless.

Violet

I am currentky on Arimidex. I have been on it for a little over a year.  I have had two bone scans done, one at the beginning of my treatment and I recently had another one.  I have had bone loss and I am currently taking Actonel for that.  The Arimidex does cause me to have bone pain and joint pain as well as hot flashes, but they are tolerable.

I take Arimidex and I have not been told that I have to have the Zometa injection. I do take Actonel for my bones. I don't like the Arimidex but I take it because I feel like it will help prevent the cancer from coming back.

 

I have been on a monthly IV of Zometa since May of 2007.  At that time I was on chemo, but since November I have been off chemo but take a daily pill of Femara.

 The first time (and possibly) second time you get Zometa, you can have a terrible reaction.  My first dosage I was very sick to my stomach and couldn't get out of bed for a couple of days after.  I also ran a high temperature.  But after about 2 treatments, I do fine with it.  I think it builds up in your system over time.  Now I know that about 2 days after treatment, I may be sore and achy -- but a Tylenol Arthritis and a nap usually takes care of it.   

 I hope that you find a solution to your pain.