Hi
I was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in the Lymph Glands in February 2023, they could not find the primary source. i received 6 rounds of chemo, Surgery end of August 2023 (left clearance of Lymph glands) and 3 weeks of radiotherapy, i am currently on anti-cancer targeted therapy called Phesgo, administered into my thigh every 3 weeks, this will continue up until Sept this year. I recently visited my Oncologist for a one off appointment as i have been struggling with itching/stinging sensations in both arms since last November and my phesgo was paused over the past 6 weeks just to see if this sensation improved but it didn't, and i am now back on the phesgo, and still experiencing these neurophathy symptoms, i have been prescribed amitriptyline to help as i have difficulty sleeping, so giving them a try but nothing seems to work, and i've tried all the creams available, but it is under the skin and not on the surface.
During my visit i was offered Bone treatment called Zometa, to be administered intravenously every 6 months for 3 years, which i signed up to. It is to strenghthen bones and can reduce the risk of cancer returning. However, since my appointment i have been researching this drug and there is a rare side effect called Osteoncrosis of the Jaw (ONJ), and apparently the risk is higher for those having received chemo, Radiotherapy and steroids, all of these i have had. I read that ONJ is a nasty condition which can affect the jaw bone, teeth and sinuses and there is no cure as the jaw bone can deteriate. i am really worried of getting this condition as i have had bad experiences with tooth extraction, where a dry socket left me in pain for weeks and took so long to heal, and also had a bad mouth infection just months before i was diagnosed with cancer. Is anyone currently receiving Zometa or have received it, as some feedback would be helpful. I feel i should have asked more questions, and i am normally prepared to ask, but on this occasion i didn't expect to be offered any additional treatment as it was never mentioned as part of my treatment plan previously.
