Zometa Outcome

Hi Everyone,

I can't stop saying how helpful this site has been to me!

In a few weeks I have to let my Dr. know if I'm ready to start zometa treatment for evident lesions at my chest sternum. The pain I have is bearable; however, after some private comments to me I'm beginning to understand the necessity to atleast think strongly about taking this next step.

I understand the jaw complications and my dentist has given the ok since my teeth and oral make-up are fine. What I would like to know is the real deal on side effects:

-Can I expect my hair falling out?

-Getting bloated in the face?

I know about the flu-like symptoms, but just want to know what else any of you may have experienced.

Thank you much

Yolanda

 From Anna,

Hi Yolanda, Don't know if I told you this yet or not.  Due to taking Zometa and other bone stregtheners Dad had to have all of his left lower teeth removed and part of his jaw bone.  It was not a pleasant recovery.  His dentist wouldn't admit that was what caused his problem because of law suits pending on this. He started out with pain in his jaw.  He had 2 root canal's done that we now know didn't need to be done cause they didn't help anything.  This is not a surgery Dad would recommend. He also kept infection in the jawbone.  Bottom line the jawbone died.  His cancer Dr. says he will not put Dad back on the Zometa.

Your friend,

Anna

On 7/1/2009 Survivoryes wrote:

Hi Everyone,

I can't stop saying how helpful this site has been to me!

In a few weeks I have to let my Dr. know if I'm ready to start zometa treatment for evident lesions at my chest sternum. The pain I have is bearable; however, after some private comments to me I'm beginning to understand the necessity to atleast think strongly about taking this next step.

I understand the jaw complications and my dentist has given the ok since my teeth and oral make-up are fine. What I would like to know is the real deal on side effects:

-Can I expect my hair falling out?

-Getting bloated in the face?

I know about the flu-like symptoms, but just want to know what else any of you may have experienced.

 

Thank you much

Yolanda

Thank you Texas and Anna,

That's what I found ... that whole jaw complication, but from what I understand this is when you may have existing issues (orally) which is why they advise any dental work to be done prior to treatment.

This is why I've been going back and forth on deciding if or not to be bothered with this. I'm in my late 30's and there's so many other things to think taking this every month. This seems like a balancing act either way- like indeed will no longer be the same due to MM. Thank you for your input 

Hi,

My oncologist won't prescribe Zometa in my case because I have TMJ which showed up in my bone scan.  I would recommend that everyone who has not had a bone scan have an x ray of the jaw before starting to use this drug.  I did not remember that I had TMJ because it has not been an issue since I was a teen.  Back then they weren't sure if I had it or not because it was a new diagnosis.

 SassyLeo

My understanding is that the ONJ issue is related to long term use of the drug. More than two years. I used Aredia for 2 years and have had no problems at all. The infusion time is longer with Aredia. Maybe thats why more docs dont use it. I have had MM for 6 years and the first thing they started me on was Aredia. At this point I still have no known bone involvement.

All the best with your decision

Mike

Yolanda,

For most people, the side effects from zometa are very minor - mostly achiness for a day or two.  ONJ is the big one to watch out for but it effects relatively few people and usually only after prolonged use. 

Keep in mind that zometa is a treatment to help with rebuilding bone, not a treatment for mm itself.  There have been several studies done to try to prove or disprove zometa's anti-mm effects and none have been conclusive. 

Zometa has been a big help for me.  Hope you respond well to it.

Janet

On 7/1/2009 Survivoryes wrote:

Hi Everyone,

I can't stop saying how helpful this site has been to me!

In a few weeks I have to let my Dr. know if I'm ready to start zometa treatment for evident lesions at my chest sternum. The pain I have is bearable; however, after some private comments to me I'm beginning to understand the necessity to atleast think strongly about taking this next step.

I understand the jaw complications and my dentist has given the ok since my teeth and oral make-up are fine. What I would like to know is the real deal on side effects:

-Can I expect my hair falling out?

-Getting bloated in the face?

I know about the flu-like symptoms, but just want to know what else any of you may have experienced.

 

Thank you much

Yolanda

I have been on Zomeda for several years, with no side effects. However, I have multiple myeloma I don't know if the type of cancer has any relationship to the side effects ........ Stu

Thank you all,

Yes, I know this isn't a cure for MM- unfortunately. I wish it were that simple. Perhaps I'll ask about the Aridia option as well- even though my physician didn't advise. This is very scary, especially getting I.V shots every month. I hate needles. I've had 2 bone Marrow Biopsies, but still- you know how that is, not everyone is good administering injections.

Thanks again. I have a few more weeks to figure this out.

On 7/2/2009 Survivoryes wrote:

Thank you all,

Yes, I know this isn't a cure for MM- unfortunately. I wish it were that simple. Perhaps I'll ask about the Aridia option as well- even though my physician didn't advise. This is very scary, especially getting I.V shots every month. I hate needles. I've had 2 bone Marrow Biopsies, but still- you know how that is, not everyone is good administering injections.

Thanks again. I have a few more weeks to figure this out.

Hello Survivoreyes .... we stopped the zomeda about 2 years ago for Aridia and I get it quarterly. They take bone marrow every 6 months or so depending on my Igg level. Thank God my oncologyst is pretty aggrssive and doesn't like leaving me on drugs like rev for a prolonged period of time. The last treatment appears to be the best, in Jan the MM returned we used a protocol of Valcade with Doxil, out of the cycle it was week 1 day 1 was valcade, week 1 day 2 valcade with Doxil, week 2 days 1 and 2 were just valcade. 4 months of this the MM was a non-detect. Now I get checked every 6 weeks. I also have a port, no injections.

I ahve been dealing with this for 9 years ...... don't give up.

          Stu