77.3K members
1.2M posts
cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 

Bisphosphonates

3 REPLIES 3
Nurse_BCN
Moderator

Re: Bisphosphonates

Hi Yorkie51 

Thank you for posting your question about bisphosphonates 

As @Dot2Dot mentions, bisphosphonates can be given as a tablet (sodium clodronate) or intravenously (zoledronic acid). There is no liquid option for sodium clodronate, but you may find it helpful to ask your treatment team if there are any alternatives that may be available as a liquid. They can also answer any worries you have about starting the bisphosphonates.   

Side effects from chemotherapy can sometimes take several weeks or even months to get better. You can talk to your breast care nurse or treatment team about the swallowing difficulties you are having. They with be able to advise on the best way to manage this or refer you to a dietician for support if needed.   

You may be interested in our resources that are particularly for those who have come to the end of their main hospital treatment. These are known as our Moving Forward services and include our Moving Forward booklet and Moving Forward courses 

The courses are open to people who have had a primary breast cancer diagnosis and have finished their hospital-based treatment within the last two years.   

Through supportive, open conversations in a safe, confidential space, you’ll connect with people who understand. And you’ll find the tools you need to feel more empowered, confident and in control to begin to move forward with your life. 

You can attend Moving Forward either at our face-to-face course or take part by joining online. Find a course near you or register for an online course via the links above or call us on 03457 077 1893.  

Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen to your concerns, talk things through and signpost you to more support and information. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000, (Relay UK - prefix 18001). 

If you would prefer one of our nurses to call you. To do this, please complete this form ticking the box agreeing to a call back.  

Our usual opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am - 1pm on Saturday.   

Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.   

We are currently evaluating this service. If you would like to feedback, please click below to the survey. It should take approximately 10 minutes to complete.  

https://app.impactreporting.co.uk/surveys/M5ln4Y/r  

Best wishes  

Cassie   

Breast Care Nurse   

Please read the Ask Our Nurses disclaimer  Full details on how we collect and use your data can be found in our Privacy Policy    

This thread will now be closed from further replies. If you have any additional questions or would like to provide feedback, please start a new thread. 

Yorkie51
Member

Re: Bisphosphonates

Hi Dot2Dot

Hope your doing ok after your treatment. 

Have you started on any hormone treatment yet?

My last appointment with the Oncologist was before I started rads, it was someone training so she said any questions she couldn't answer she would ask the Oncologist. The Oncologist did pop in before I left but by then I had forgotten some of the questions. I'm in-between 2 trusts so won't be seeing the Oncologist again, back in the care of my surgical trust. I have a phone call app with them but that is in April.

Yes it all sounds a bit of a faff but wondering if it's something you just get used to. With having digestion problems I'm concerned it won't go down as should & maybe cause some damage? 🥺

P 💕

Dot2Dot
Member

Re: Bisphosphonates

I am at the same waiting stage too. You can have bisphosphonates either as a tablet or as an infusion. 

 

Info here: https://breastcancernow.org/information-support/facing-breast-cancer/going-through-breast-cancer-tre...

I guess there might be reasons why one is suitable for you and not the other. I want to discuss with my team at my next appointment too. When I had my initial oncology appointment, the consultant said that they usually recommend the tablet if you don't have any gastro issues. I didn't ask any questions at the time as there was so much to take in at that appointment. But looking at the detail, I find the thought of the tablets miserable - you have to stay upright for an hour after taking them, first thing in the morning, and only drink water. My morning routine is to have a cup of tea and then rush around like a headless chicken trying to squeeze in exercise, housework, getting kids off to school, making lunches etc. I don't really want to have to adjust the rest of my life to accommodate an hour of just standing, walking or sitting. Not to mention the lack of tea...

 

Yorkie51
Member

Bisphosphonates

Hi

After finishing active treatment I'm due to start Anastrozole/bisphosphonate tablets. Since chemo my food feels like it is stuck after I've swallowed it (varies on how much) so I am very reluctant/worried to start the bisphosphonates. Is there a liquid form of them? 

Thanks P x