Cancer Research UK main site
  • Replies 2 replies
  • Views 276 views
  • Users 0 members are here

Bisphosponates

Nolabear
Offline

I am 8 weeks after diagnosis with grade 2 Invasive ductal carcinoma. ( I’m 70 years old ) I’ve had the tumour removed from my left breast and 15 nodes removed . The first node was cancerous . I’ve  had a seroma in my armpit and needed it drained twice . On the 3rd visit it was thought I had an infection. I have just finished a course of antibiotics. It’s still swollen but is no worse, thank goodness. 

I have been prescribed Letrozole to take for 10 years and oral bisphosponates  for 3 years. I’ve not started taking them yet as I wanted to finish the antibiotics first. 

My Oncanyte result came back showing low so no chemotherapy offered or deemed necessary. 

i have my first preparation appointment to prepare for the radiotherapy treatment on 8th September possibly starting some time in October . It will be given over 5 days. 

I am still in shock as it has been a whirlwind diagnosis as the lump was picked up on a routine breast screening mammogram. Thank goodness for this programme! 

I have followed all advice given but I am really struggling with the advice regarding the bisphosponates. The side effects sound quite horrific. Whilst I know not everybody has all the side effects I don’t know whether I want to risk it and I cannot find evidence that the benefits are worth it. Not all cancer consultants go down thIs route . 

Has anybody got any advice please or have experience of taking them. 

I have to say all professionals I’ve seen up to now have been so kind and patient and I am very grateful to them . I’m scared and anxious but I know I will give it my best shot. I wish I felt like ‘me’ but I feel like a total stranger to the person I was 8 weeks ago. 

I wish everybody the best of luck in this ‘journey’ none of us want to go on.

Take care

NolaBear 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Offline

    Hello NolaBear,

    I am so sorry you have had a cancer diagnosis. It does shake the very essence of you. It changes us, and as you so rightly say, makes us feel a very different person. Its even harder if you get infections too on top of everything else.  Hope that's getting better. 
     

    I had a breast cancer diagnosis three years ago when I was 67. I still remember that crushing feeling being told I had cancer. Then the treatment plan and then absorption into the medical world. It's both scary and brilliant at the same time. Just want to say though it truly does get better. You are in the early days. Life settles. You start to trust in your good health. It takes time. You will get there.

    Bisphosbonates. So yes I have had 3 annual infusions of bisphosbonates as I had not wanted to take them orally. I am taking them purely because of being diagnosed with osteoporosis. Owing to having the infusions I now don't have osteoporosis but do have the less serious osteopenia.To date I haven't had any bad side affects. Only a positive one as above. I know the list of after affects is long but I haven't known any of them. Is it just down to luck?? I don't know. Perhaps. 

    I was also prescribed Letrozole (for 5 years) which as well as adding an extra layer of protection against cancer returning, also eats into bone density so hence the reason biisphosonates are prescribed. I chose not to take Letrozole for similar reasons why you are hesitating about the bisophonates. The side affects!! 

    Cancer treatment is a minefield of decisions and it's important to way up your options, talk to bc nurses and oncologists. Decide what's best for you. I hope you come to your decisions soon. 
     

    So just wanted you to know my experiences. It's not exactly like yours but the I do hope you feel better soon and feel able to decide which way you are going. 
     

    Go welll 

    Kebbs x x ️ ️
     

     


     

     

  • Offline in reply to kebb

    Hi Kebbs

    thank you for the reply and sharing your story. I hope all is well.

    Since my last post I have visited my dentist who put my mind at ease a little about the bisphosponates. 
    Apparently the possible main problems arise if an extraction is needed . Fortunately, my teeth have been given a clean bill of health so only hygienist checks advised every 6 months .

    I also contacted my brother who now lives in USA ( lived there 20 years ) and has been CEO with 3 leading pharmaceutical companies so I knew he would have many contacts within the Cancer organisations over there.

    I told him I was concerned about both medications as consultants in the U.K. have varying thoughts about treatment and not all prescribe them . 

    My brother spoke with a few of his contacts and they agreed that both Letrozole and the bisphosponates I have been prescribed are indeed a given choice for my treatment plan. Widely prescribed in the US to work towards preventing the cancer returning and spreading.

    I also contacted my breast care nurse and questioned them with her again. She advised me again that they were to help prevent the cancer returning and spreading. 
    After hearing all this I have started to take the Letrozole ( on day 5 now ) . The nurse suggested I leave the bisphosponates for a couple of weeks then start them. This is what I have decided to do. If I am unlucky and get severe side effects then I might change my mind but I can only hope I can tolerate them 

    Thank you once again .

    take care from NolaBear 

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.