Zometa, Round 2

Yesterday was my 6th month oncology check up and my second Zometa infusion.

Zometa is one of a class of up and coming drugs. These drugs are bisphosphonates, originally designed to strengthen bones. It turns out they do much more. The data is growing everyday, indicating that that these drugs are very helpful in preventing metastatic cancer. No one dies from breast cancer that is isolated to the breast. It's when the cancer spreads to other parts of the body (metastatic) that the disease becomes deadly.

When I first asked about getting Zometa, I had read that side effects generally occured with the first dose. Then, as time went on, I started hearing that the side effects got better each time. What side effects? For me, it's flu-like symptoms- shaking chills, aches and pains. I did everything recommended, hoping to skip the side effects this go round. I took Tylenol before the infusion and round the clock afterwards. I took Benadryl to help me sleep (was hoping to sleep through any side effects!). No luck in skipping this constellation of side effects. :( But, I am happy to report it's not nearly as bad as with the first dose. I still had shaking chills last night and I am feeling like I was run over by a truck. But, last time, it was a tractor trailer that ran me over, this time, it's just a small truck or SUV. I figure next time, it will just be like getting run over by a car.

Just wanted to share this as more and more women will be getting these drugs for the same purpose. I suspect that this will become standard treatment within a few short years... my oncologist thinks a recommendation may be coming as early as this May. Kind of exciting!