Zometa Question

basset girl · 10-13-2008, 08:01 AM

Haven't visited much lately, I have been trying to keep my mind off breast cancer. Sometimes it is just too overwhelming to even go there when I start worrying about recurrence. My onc called last week, my bone density has gone down a great deal since I have been on Arimidex (one year). He wanted to know if I was interested in getting Zometa especially with the trial study showing its benefits. I go Friday morning to get the first infusion. Just wondering how bad I will feel over the weekend. My 12 year old daughter keeps a full schedule on the weekends and I just was trying to plan if I needed someone else to fill in. I also want to thank all of you for your encouragement, research and insight this Board offers. Thanks so much.

Nancy

Gerri · 10-13-2008, 12:56 PM

Hi Nancy,

I have had one infusion of Zometa. My side effects were pretty mild. The day after the infusion I had a bit of a sore neck (flu-like) but went to work and functioned just fine. A low grade fever is also possible, but I didn't experience that. I had pain and swelling of my knee about three days later, but that is not a typical reaction. It definitely won't stop me from getting my next infusion.

As you know, everyone is different so maybe have a back up plan in mind just in case you are not feeling up to a lot of running around.

Good luck!

Barbara H. · 10-13-2008, 01:11 PM

I think there is no way to know. I had Navelbine and Zometa. I went to work the next day and had to leave at 9:30. I was in bed the rest of the weekend with horrific aches and pains. Then I developed mouth sores. I felt much worse than I did on AC and T. Nevertheless, each treatment was easier, and now I barely notice a Zometa infusion.

You may have no reaction, but I would make sure I had some support for the weekend in case you are not feeling well.

Best wishes.
Barbara H.

basset girl · 10-13-2008, 01:20 PM

Thank you both for your replies. I think I will have a backup plan ready just in case. I was fortunate to have little trouble with chemo but the Nuelasta?? shots really did me in. So you never know. Did you'all have the infusion 15 minutes or 30 minutes.

Thanks, Nancy

Becky · 10-13-2008, 01:22 PM

My first Zometa was when I was still getting Herceptin. I felt achy and fluey. I had a mild fever of almost 101. When my mom got it, she had bone pain but it wasn't as bad as me.

Get a backup plan just in case. This only happened with my first infusion. Even though the second one was over 6 months later, it was like nothing happened and has continued to be that way.

Gerri · 10-13-2008, 01:42 PM

Funny, I just had this back in August and I can't remember how long the actual Zometa drip was but I'm leaning toward 15 - 20 min. I first had a saline drip so I was there for a little over an hour.

Just one additional comment on my knee issue. I decided to start walking at lunch two days after my infusion even though I was limping - bad idea. I probably aggravated my knee and caused the swelling. I had to have fluid drained from it one week after my infusion. The assumption is, with the timing of everything, that it was probably the Zometa that caused my knee to ache (more than usual), and my hard head (forcing myself to walk) made it worse.

So, listen to your body. If it says rest, then do so. I learned my lesson!

sassy · 10-13-2008, 05:27 PM

After my first infusion (20 minutes), I had pretty rough flu-like symptoms for the evening of the shot and the day after. My second shot was a year later and I had no problems. Happy to report that I had an increase in bone density after having Zometa!

BethC · 10-13-2008, 06:05 PM

Nancy,
I had my first Zometa infusion on Sept. 24th along with my last Herceptin. I felt pretty crappy for about 5 days. I wasn't able to stay at my son's football game. I really didn't anticipate feeling that badly. I felt pretty sick to my stomach, headache, achey, general "malaise" blah blah blah.

You should have a back up plan. Although everyone reacts to these drugs differently, maybe you won't have any of these symptoms. Good luck!
Beth

Barbara H. · 10-13-2008, 06:34 PM

My zometa infusions have always been 15 minutes.
Barbara H,

Barbara2 · 10-14-2008, 06:21 AM

I asked for 30 minutes rather than 15 for the first infusion. I had no trouble at all.

basset girl · 10-14-2008, 06:36 AM

Thanks so much to all of you for your replies. I am going to ask for 30 minute drip and will definitely have a backup plan for the weekend.

Nancy