Forum Discussion

Herb_lady's avatar
Herb_lady
Member
14 years ago

Bone mets treatment

Hi. I would be interested to hear what treatment was recommended for others diagnosed with bone mets. I have seen two oncologists who recommended different treatment plans. One said change the oestrogen suppressant for a month and check ca markers.If they are still raised have chemo. The other Dr said give the new tablets a few months to take effect and check ca markers. Also have some radiation for pain relief. My usual Dr was on holiday, that's why I saw a second oncologist. The opinions are quite different and I am unsure what to do? It will be stressful to wait three months for blood results? Are the tablets on their own usually enough to control the mets. I would like to hear about others experience. Cheers Herb Lady

3 Replies

  • Amy's avatar
    Amy
    Member
    14 years ago

    Hi Herb Lady

    I concur wtih Joy and Jaci and would recommend you take the advice of the 2nd opinion.  I haven't had any chemo since my diagnosis in December 2010. 

    I also have bone mets.  I was originally put on Tamoxifen but after 4 months realised it wasn't doing what we had hoped (markers kept rising and scans showed spreading).  I am now on Femara (have been since August).  I also take Bondronat orally.

    I have had radiation for pain relief on both my hips and it has worked fabulously for me.  I could barely walk because of the pain in my right hip and now you would never know - can walk, swim etc and keep up with my 2 small children.  It really made a great difference for me.  I am currently not on any pain relief medication! Hurrah!

    Good luck

    Amy

     

  • Joy_K's avatar
    Joy_K
    Member
    14 years ago

    Hi Herb Lady

    When you change oestrogen suppressing drugs you need to give them a few months (usually 3) to see if they are working.

    I have bone mets and have monthly IV biphosphonate (Bondronat) although this can also be taken orally. This is to support your bones and hopefully prevent spread for as long as possible.

    I haven't needed radiotherapy for pain, but it has been offered to me. I know others who have had it, some have had instant relief, with others it has reduced the pain to a more manageable level.

    Why not ask about adding a bone support to your treatment - Bondronat, Zometa, Xgeva or Aredia?

    I would opt for the second opinion, give the change in tablets a chance to work before taking the more drastic route of chemotherapy. Cancer markers are unreliable just after a change in treatments, if it works it kills cancer cells and these dead cells are picked up by the cancer marker tests and give rise to a "tumour flare" although a few months down the track they will become more reliable.

    With love

    Joy K

  • Joy_K's avatar
    Joy_K
    Member
    14 years ago

    Hi Herb Lady

    When you change oestrogen suppressing drugs you need to give them a few months (usually 3) to see if they are working.

    I have bone mets and have monthly IV biphosphonate (Bondronat) although this can also be taken orally. This is to support your bones and hopefully prevent spread for as long as possible.

    I haven't needed radiotherapy for pain, but it has been offered to me. I know others who have had it, some have had instant relief, with others it has reduced the pain to a more manageable level.

    Why not ask about adding a bone support to your treatment - Bondronat, Zometa, Xgeva or Aredia?

    I would opt for the second opinion, give the change in tablets a chance to work before taking the more drastic route of chemotherapy. Cancer markers are unreliable just after a change in treatments, if it works it kills cancer cells and these dead cells are picked up by the cancer marker tests and give rise to a "tumour flare" although a few months down the track they will become more reliable.

    With love

    Joy K