Zoledronic Acid Treatment

Connect to people like me Breast cancer in men
1

Hello.

I am a 77 years old male who is fairly active and play bowls.
In September 2024 I discovered a lump in my right chest.

It was diagnosed as cancer.

The lump was removed in November 2024 together with 15 lymph nodes. My cancer was classified as stage 2.

The lump was 32mm and 3 of the lymph nodes were cancerous.

Since then I have been taking preventative therapies and drugs.
Chemotherapy. Radiotherapy plus Tamoxifen hormone tablets once a day for the next ten years

Now the Oncologist wishes me to take a course of Zoledronic Acid to help prevent cancer getting into my bones. This was not explained to me previously.

This is where I am worried and concerned.

I have been asked to see a dentist as you need healthy teeth and gums for the treatment as there is a slight chance of jaw disfigurement.

At the moment I feel I am going to refuse the treatment. I need to know the approximate risk in both having treatment or refusal.

The reason is, besides my age, even without the treatment, two teeth have already fallen out this year and another is loose, for some unknown reason. i am in no pain. I also have for the past couple of years, had constant pins and needles in two left hand fingers.
(I mention this as it could be one of the side effects from Zoledronic Acid treatment)

So having teeth and pins & needles issues before I start, what will happen when I start the treatment.

This really is a cry of help and advice.

Anybody had the similar issues?
What are my chances of Bone Cancer?
I cannot find any answers.

2

Hi there @tumblewood

I understand your concerns about the teeth, I’m a very good customer at the dentist.

I took a while thinking about Zoledronic Acid, asked questions, did a bit of googling. My understanding is the jaw narcosis risk is minimal and only when loosing a tooth. The issue I believe is the healing process takes longer, and creates a higher risk of infection, which then leads to the jaw issue. The dentist told me, that it can be minimised by taking antibiotics prior extraction, or if unplanned soon after loosing a tooth.

I’m 50 and the risk of early osteoporosis on AI’s and the benefits to prevent spread to bones sealed the deal for me. I’m due my next IV infusion in two weeks. The first infusion, was text book in that I felt a bit poorly for a couple of days and fine since.

There is a tablet equivalent and I believe that has a lower risk, may be worth looking in to.

Hope that helps and you get the information you need to make the best decision for you.