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Anonymous's avatar
Anonymous
Not applicable
14 years ago

Good news!... but Zometa...

Well my pink angels, I've received some great news that my pap smear is normal.....woo-hoo! ? My CT scan (first one on this secondary journey) showed thickening of the cervix so I needed to have an urgent pap smear to investgate it further. It turns out that everything is normal...no signs of malignancy or any abnormality which is such a huge relief! It must just be the chemo (or previous Tamoxifen) mucking aound with my system...not sure but I'll discuss this with my oncologist next week. Phew...

I'm also in the process of having the multiple tiny bony lesions that appeared on my first bone scan, investigated. They werent there 8 or so weeks ago, but now have appeared, despite the wonderful results I've had on my lungs. My medical team are saying it doesnt make sense, particularly given the recent significant regression i've had in my lungs, the fact that i've had no pain at all, and the fact that the scan was clear not long ago. I'm told this can be as a result of treatment...but could also be cancer in the bones. I've had no pain (except the minimal lower back pain now and then that was diagnosed as pre-arthitic on my first scan). My case will be reviewed by oncologists, bone specialists etc at the end of this month in a round-table case conference, however in the meantime I will start on Zometa as a precationary measure. I've heard that it's a very successful drug in treating bone cancer and other bony diseases. I'm holding on to the possibility that these bony lesions are indeed just a treatment response....fingers and toes crossed....but i wont find out for sure until early February.

Is anyone taking Zometa? Can anyone tell me what it's like...side effects, successfulness, how long it takes it have it intraveniously etc? Is it covered by PBS?  I'm due to start it on Tuesday.

Thanks my pink buddies!

Celeste?

10 Replies

  • Francoise's avatar
    Francoise
    Member
    14 years ago

    I also heard through BCNA Forum recently that vitamin D is very good I use 1000iu daily. it assists bone and is said to help the body absorb calcium. I have been looking into this as my body does not absorb the calcium and this is why I have had to have Zometa.   I am also looking for more side effects of the Zometa.

    Cheers

    Francoise

  • Amy's avatar
    Amy
    Member
    14 years ago

    My cancer was diagnosed after I had suffered pain in my hip for a few months.  So, yes, I did suffer pain particularly at night.  Definitely worth getting checked!  Nothing wrong with being cautious. x

  • Amy's avatar
    Amy
    Member
    14 years ago

    Hi Celeste

    The only reason I switched to Bondronat was to save me trips to the hospital every month.  I take the Bondronat orally.

    Amy

  • Belinda's avatar
    Belinda
    Member
    14 years ago

    hi Celeste

    I've been having monthly Zometa for what seems like years now. I've never had any problems  except for the first time. It was terrible - really neasty flu like symptoms so please be prepared with Panadol etc for 24 hours. I've never had bone mets diagnosed, and my understanding is that it has a prophylactic effect as well. So far so good.

    Great to hear that you've been getting better news

    Belinda

  • Belinda's avatar
    Belinda
    Member
    14 years ago

    hi Celeste

    I've been having monthly Zometa for what seems like years now. I've never had any problems  except for the first time. It was terrible - really neasty flu like symptoms so please be prepared with Panadol etc for 24 hours. I've never had bone mets diagnosed, and my understanding is that it has a prophylactic effect as well. So far so good.

    Great to hear that you've been getting better news

    Belinda

  • Anonymous's avatar
    Anonymous
    Not applicable
    14 years ago

    Hi Sandy, yes the pap smear results were great news....one less thing to worry about! I'm rapt that the lungs have regressed too...hopefully they stay that way! As far as bone mets go, I'm sorry Sandy I can't really help you much. The doc did ask me if I had any bone pain, so I assume this can be a symptom..? Having said that, I do know of someone who had no bone pain whatsoever...her arm broke and it was only then that she found out the break was due to bone cancer!! I think it is more common to have bone pain though as a symptom....? I think it's wise to get the bone scan done....you are not being over cautious at all. Best to get it checked out. I understand your apprehension though..its dreadful waiting for results isn't it? Let us know how you get on, Celeste ?

  • Anonymous's avatar
    Anonymous
    Not applicable
    14 years ago

    Thanks Tonya, yes the pap smear results were a relief I can tell you! So pleased you're going to get yours done next week too...it's yukky but once it's over and done with it feels good to know that it's taken care of. Yes, get your hip checked too, just to make sure all is good. Its probably just a muscular pain from all the work you've been doing! I agree, the docs say its a good sign I dont have any bone pain, so I'm hoping the bone results will be ok. I was told that due to chemo, small amounts of bone cells can die and these can show up on the bone scan...but who knows.. I've decided to try not to worry about it anymore, as its out of my control....just have to wait now. You're right, its always scary trying a new drug (Zometa) but I'm taking the positive mind-set of "getting stuck into the good stuff that's going to help me recover!!" Bye for now, Celeste ?

  • Anonymous's avatar
    Anonymous
    Not applicable
    14 years ago

    Thank you Amy, Zometa sounds like it'll be pretty easygoing! I have a port in so that'll make things easier and I've just had a heap of dental treatment done, with a final review appointment in 2 weeks. My teeth have all been sorted out but I'll get a double-check done on them and gums. It's good to hear that its only an extra 30 mins for the infusion...my treatment takes a couple of hours as it is and I think I had read somewhere that Zometa can take 90 minutes!..I was thinking I'd have to pitch a tent in the hospital grounds to get through it all! Great news that it's covered by public health system too...one less thing to worry about financially. Can I ask, why the switch to Bondronat?

    Thanks again Amy, take care, Celeste?

  • TonyaM's avatar
    TonyaM
    Member
    14 years ago

    You must be soooo relieved about that pap test. I've plucked up the courage to have mine next week and also get my sore hip checked. It's good the lung spots have regressed and surely a good sign that you don't have any bone pains?I so hope the bone scans end up being ok for you. I read your other blog to me and I think it's great your daughter is cooking more.It's good for her and she'll learn alot. Good luck with Zometa on Tuesday.It's always scary the first time you have a new drug isn't it.

                                Tonya xx 

  • Amy's avatar
    Amy
    Member
    14 years ago

    Hi Celeste

    I was on Zometa for just over a year, now on Bondronat.   The only side effect I had was after my first infusion of Zometa - all the bones in my body ached - it was awful and I was in tears but then just having panadol helped.  I never had that reaction again with any of my subsequent infusions.

    It usually took around 1/2 an hour for my treatment, which I had every 28 days.  I never paid anything for Zometa at the public hospital.

    You should go and see a dentist before you start (if you can) just so that they can check your teeth/gums before you start.

    I think the worst thing about Zometa was having to find a vein to insert the canula!  Apart from that it really wasn't an issue.

    Good luck.

    Amy x