I’m after some information/advice for my Mum. She was DXd in Feb ‘25 with IDC Hr/Her2+, 25 mm, Grade 3, no lymph involvement. She’s had the standard protocol with good results…Chemo, Surgery (lumpectomy), Radiotherapy. She was 73 at the time of diagnosis.
She’s now on letrozole for 5 years and 3-weekly injections of herceptin. At her last oncology appt the doctor said that she should now start having infusions of Zolendronic acid. He gave her a print out of info, side-effects etc but didn’t really fully explain the significance of this.
She made an appointment to see her dentist, who immediately said she’d need some dental work (bridge replacement and a filling), prior to starting treatment - £3k
My question is this, are the infusions really necessary given the potential side effects, I looked at Predict Breast and it doesn’t increase her chance of survival more than everything she’s already had or is having.
Does anyone else feel that this treatment roundabout is a fait accompli? They offer something that has a knock-on effect without really explaining the pros/cons and if you don’t accept it, you then spend your life worrying about not taking it.
I’ve asked her to speak to her Breast Cancer Nurse because I think she needs to be able to make an informed decision and I’m hoping for some further insight from the ladies on here!
I think the main rationale for having it is by improving bone density it reduces the risk of cancer spreading to the bones. My Mum had 6 x 6 monthly infusions starting when she was 81. She had no problems at all, and was really sad when she finished, as she really loved being on the unit with all the lovely nurses she had got to know over the years !
I have boney and dental issues and suffered ill effects from medication prescribed for that. i had some osteonecrosis of the jaw which led to a surgery to remove an implant. I was put on anastrazole but was concerned as I have osteoporosis. The consultant switched me to Tamoxifen which is actually good for bone strength.
Thank you for your reply! My mum has spoken with her cancer nurse and feels a bit more sanguine about having it, I think the oncologist rushed her a bit. It’s going to be delayed so she can complete some dental work and I think overall she just feels more informed.
I worry about ONJ, but I decided after much debate, to go with the infusions. My teeth are not great, but want the benefits of ZA and dentist gave the go ahead.
I have two implants which were finished literally a week before I found my lump, but it was a good 9 months later when I started infusions, 2 down, 4 to go.
Can I ask, how old were your implants and did you have problems prior infusions? How many infusions did you have before getting problems? I was more concerned about my natural teeth, but now I thinking about the implants!
Before having zolendric i was advised of the negative side ie all the teeth of my friend fell out on Z, so i was reluctant to proceed with further than the initial treatment, which i had with my last chemotherapy. Then due to still requiring some dental work i missed the deadline for continuing the treatment so, in effect I only had one session. apparently the course needs to be continuous within the first 3 months, any break and its not worth continuing.
Options this leaves your mom with :
have her first infusion with her last chemo, to test for negative side E, and
Based on above decide if she wishes to continue.
Considering I only had one treatment and no negative side e, opens up more options for your mom.
I would advise though when eating nuts opt for the softer ones ie cashew and pecan. My tooth damage - although they fill a hunger void, almonds can damage your teeth if chewed in the whole, oval shape.
[not sure how old your mum is, but crowns only have a life span of 9-10 years, so don’t base any of these falling out as having anything to do with any infusions.]
If you need to ask more feel free, I had my first back in 2022.
Take care, hope you don’t have bad snow at mo, Love and light Moonsox xxx.
I did have two infections around the implant prior to my diagnosis. The implant was removed two weeks after my breast surgery. The implant was old. The jaw around it was not in good shape and precludes me ever having another implant (sadly, because its an upper incisor).
I think that the worry is if you have to have extractions. My dentist too gave the go ahead for medication. I did not and have never had any infusions.
