Hello tumblewood
Thank you for your post. It’s understandable you want to know what the risks are if you decide to have zolendronic acid or not and want to know what your chances are of the breast cancer possibly spreading to the bones.
Zoledronic acid is a drug given to reduce the risk of breast cancer coming back and spreading to the bones and other parts of the body. You may be offered zoledronic acid if you have had treatment for invasive breast cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes under the arm.
In rare situations, it may cause some of the jawbone to lose its blood supply and die. This is called osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ). You mention you have lost a couple of teeth recently and you have been asked to have a dental check-up. This will be in case you need dental work before starting treatment. If you decide to start treatment, your treatment team and dentist will tell you symptoms to be aware of and may give you a dental alert card to show a dentist if you develop any symptoms, while on treatment. They will also talk to you about any ways you maintain good dental hygiene.
As @clio18 and @edp say, zoledronic acid can be well tolerated, and jaw problems are a rare side effect. However, it is normal to feel concerned about this, especially when you have recently lost 2 teeth. Your treatment team always aim for the benefits of any treatment to outweigh the side effects. I wonder if you have spoken to your treatment team or dentist about your concerns. Your treatment team can talk to you about the possible risk of recurrence and benefits of treatment in your individual situation.
I also wonder if your treatment team are aware of the pins and needles sensation you are experiencing in your 2 left hand fingers. Occasionally, nerve changes causing either increased sensitivity, numbness, tingling (pins and needles) can be a side effect of this treatment, so it may help to talk about your concerns about this too. This can occur if the drug has lowered your calcium levels too much. If this happens, your treatment team can usually treat this with supplements.
You may notice our information on zoledronic acid is targeted to women; however, the drug information is the same. We do also have information and support aimed more for men with for breast cancer and the organisation called the Men’s VMU might be of interest. We also have a service called Someone Like Me where you may be able to connect with other men who have been treated for breast cancer.
Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to additional support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks.
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Best wishes
Teresa
Breast Care Nurse
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