Zoledronic acid

Hello, I have been prescribed bisphosphonates both to strengthen my bones (because Letrozole will weaken them) and to help prevent the cancer (primary breast cancer) from spreading to my bones as I am post-menopausal. Despite a lot of research I cannot find any statistics regarding this. The treatment has some pretty horrible side effects but without knowing the benefits I can't weigh up whether or not to go ahead with the treatment. Lots of articles say it 'may' prevent spread to bones. I really want to know the chances of it spreading to my bones with or without the Zoledronic acid and also the chances of getting osteoporosis without this drug. Can anyone help by sharing any knowledge on this?

Thanks, Pumps

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  • Hello Pumps ,welcome to the group . I had double mastectomies and lymph clearance on left breast .I finished chemo in March of this year , felt pretty good through it all . Been told that I am clear now ,but on 3 years of bisphosphonates,every six months and on Letrezole for 10 years . Felt ok after my first bisphosphonate infusion , no side effects .Next one in October . Letrezole has increased night and day sweats and bone and muscle discomfort,but it’s manageable.I am going to carry on taking this ,but obviously your decision if you do, good luck and happy to discuss things ,R xx

  • Thanks for replying, I'm pleased to hear you didn't have side effects from bisphosphonate infusion. Did you manage to get any information about how much the bisphosphonates improve the chances of it not spreading to the bones? My Macmillan nurse told me it was only 3% improvement on not having it - I really can't contemplate it on that basis. The side effects like necrosis of the jaw  and spontaneous femur fracture sound horrendous.

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  • Thanks for replying, I'm pleased to hear you didn't have side effects from bisphosphonate infusion. Did you manage to get any information about how much the bisphosphonates improve the chances of it not spreading to the bones? My Macmillan nurse told me it was only 3% improvement on not having it - I really can't contemplate it on that basis. The side effects like necrosis of the jaw  and spontaneous femur fracture sound horrendous.

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