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Has anyone been offered biphosphonates for breast cancer?

jarri
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Hi

My oncologist is trying to get me to consider taking biphosphonates to prevent long term risk of breast cancer occurring in my bones. But my cancers were detected early, and were only grade 1-2. And in the next district to mine, it's not routinely offered. Does anyone have any experience of being offered it for grade 1-2?

THanks

 

  • Hello Jarri
    We have some information about bisphosphonates and cancer on our website here. I can see from the forum that [@Silverdays]‍ has recently mentioned that she is on bisphosphonates and that [@Marlyn]‍ has also previously mentioned this too. Hopefully as I've tagged them into my reply they may pop along to say Hello! and share their experiences with you. 

    If you'd like to talk things throug hwith one of our nurses then they;re available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 0808 800 4040 and you're welcome to call them. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator

  • Offline

    Hello'

    just seen I've been tagged ref bisphosphonates. I'm on sodium clondronate, 2 tablets every morning. I was offered the infusion ( every 6 months) but wanted to try the pills first....so far so good...been on thém a few months now. 

    I was grade 2 , the bisphosphonates give me 3% bonus, not huge but worth it, I'm also osteopenia, plus I'm on anastrozole which can cause bone weakness....so for me a no brainer.

    wouldnt hurt to give them a go, see how you get on? X

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Jenn

    Hello Jenn

    Thanks for getting back. My breast cancer is primary, it was detected early, there were 2 cancers grade 1 and 2, size 8 mm. Both successfully removed with no evidence of cancer cells in the margins. I only have one kidney, I'm 67 and there's a possible 1% increase in survival rate but of course this statistic is for the populatino included in trials, which probably isn't me. There is no subgroup analysis of people with one kidney, the possible negative effects on kidneys are well documented but there is no information on relative risk compared to possible benefit. I  cannot understand why my onocologist would recommend biphosphonates  to people with one kidney, when balanced against possible benefits. I'm a health care professional, I do health research and I teach students and professional health workers how to do systematic reviews and metaanalysis. I've looked at the systematic reviews and NICE guidelines but I can't find any published information for my circumstances. Is there any unpublished information on this?

    Many thanks

    Janet

  • Offline

    Hi, 

    Yes, I was Grade 2 and had Zoledronic Acid- Bisphoshophantes on my first chemo and will be having it on my 3rd chemo but not every time. A friend of mine suffered bone loss through cancer so I thought it was a benefit. I am also on a one a day calcium tablet. I did have a bone scan before chemo but that was clear.

    Hope that helps

    Silver 

     

  • Offline in reply to Silverdays

    Just seen the post about you having one kidney, I have no medical knowledge so would not know how Bisphoshophantes would affect that. I am sure you will discuss with your oncologist the treatment to benefit you.

    wishing you the best outcome,

    Silver 

     

     

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