bisphosphonates

I have secondary breast cancer in my lungs and spine. I have almost finished a 8 cycle course of oral chemo. When it finishes I am to be given bisphosphonates to strengthen my bones. Pamidronate has been suggested but it means having it put into my veins which have already been damaged by my first chemo. I would prefer an oral treatment. Has anybody experience of any of the tablets? I know you have to take them before any food and then wait for breakfast but it might be better than trying to have an IV . I have been trying to find out the success rates for oral as my Dr. thinks IV is better. Any advice would be appreciated.
Cariad

Hi Cariad,

Welcome to the forums. I’m sure that other users will be along to support you soon.

In the mean time you may want to email our nursing team, here is the link breastcancercare.org.uk/server/show/nav.527.

with best wishes
June moderator

Hi cariad,

Have you thought of asking for a portacath to be fitted? I have had one for a couple of years now, and many of the members here have as well. It is a device that sits under the skin just below the clavicle, or sometimes in the top of the breast tissue - so nothing comes out from it. It is accessed through with a needle into the device so no more seeking out veins and what you feel when they access the port is hardly anything. They can take bloods from these as well and the newest ones allow for contrast dyes & the ones needed for bone & muga scans. I have been on pamidronate for 6 years now and it has kept my bone disease stable. I couldn’t get on with the oral bisphosphonates.

Dawn

Hi Cariad (and hi Dawn)

Just wanted to do my usual “advert” for oral bisphosphonates – I’ve been taking Bondronat (ibandronic acid) tablets for my bone mets since my secondaries dx almost six years ago. This treatment has worked very well for me, with no side effects, and isn’t too onerous to comply with. Yes, you do have to wait before eating/drinking after your morning tablet, but it’s a small price to pay for its ease of use and effectiveness. My onc prefers oral to IV bisphosphonates – he feels that the regularity of a daily delivery of the drug gives a better and more even coverage than a monthly IV dose, but I know a lot of us have also had great success with the IV bisphosphonates.

Whichever treatment you go for, I hope it’s successful in supporting your bone mets – please do keep in touch and let us know how you’re doing.

Marilyn x

Hi Cariad
I’ve experienced both IV and tablets. I had Pamidronate initially (with my chemo last year) and kept with it until earlier this year. I wanted to change as my vein (yes, I think I only have one good one left) was so difficult to get, 7 times on the last count and I wanted to get away from hospitals etc. I could have a portcath fitted but again wanted to avoid the medical bits for as long as possible as I don’t have Herceptin so have no other reason to go to hospital. I changed to Ibondronat, even though my onc prefers the IV. I asked some Q’s on here and it is a mixed opinion from the oncs point of view but when someone told me their onc at The Marsden said there’s no difference that was fine for me :slight_smile: I thought I’d find the 30mins - 1hour wait in the mornings difficult but I manage to pass the time. I’m always the 1st one up anyway and do things like this until I can have my cuppa (due in a few mins!). The only problem I have had with the tablets is occasionally I get acid reflux which triggers other problems with me. Other than that they’re easy! Good Luck with these and all your treatment and hope the chemo did it’s job.
Nicky

Thanks for helpful comments. Is a portacath the same as a picc line or Hickman line?
cariad

Hi cariad,

A portacath is not the same as a picc or hickman. With a port there is nothing coming out of the skin. With the other two they have tubes hanging out.

Dawn

I would like to echo what Dawn has said about a
Portacath.
Fantastic little inventions.

I too didn’t get on with the oral ones,
never took them to much messing around.

I have zometa once a month.

Bikinggirl.X

Hi Liz,
I had my portacath inserted today and the procedure went well.I’m a little bruised but otherwisw O.K.I did get some advice from an Infectious Diseases friend who suggested I try and get hold of a portacath coated with an antimicrobial or Rifampin if it was to stay in for any length of time as it willl cut down on infections.I was unable to get things moving and decided to go ahead with my insertion as I didn’t wish to delay my chemo.Good luck.
Mo