Ladies I have some news just saw a new onco

Zometa...
Just some advice about Zometa.....go to the dentist BEFORE you start this ....just had to see an oral surgeon two weeks ago....this can cause osteonecrosis of the jaw bone...as can ANY bone strengthening drug..Zometa is particulary hard on the jaw bone...I was amazed at how up to date my dentist and oral surgeon were on this drug.....I was never told about this side effect of Zometa until after the fact..... I would suggest you see your dentist prior to starting this....

So glad to hear you are doing well....
Wishing you continued good health!
Hugs, Nancy

Oh! Oh! Oh! Please do your
Oh! Oh! Oh! Please do your research before taking these drugs! We firmly believe that my mom's esophageal cancer may have been because she took Fosamax. The jaw suffers as do the stomach and esophagus. There are lawsuits filed against mfgs of Fosamax. Reasearch, research, research!

I had been on zometa and
I had been on zometa and switched last year to xgeva. The drugs are very similar, but xgeva is a subcutaneous (right under the skin) injection and I like to get in and out!

Anyway, I have thus far not had any scary side effects.

Here is my advice:

1. Drink lots of water or fluids because zometa can be hard on your kidneys
2. See a dental hygienist at least every 6 months while on the drug. I gave my dentist a copy of:
Osteonecrosis of the Jaw for Cancer Patients

http://www.boneandcancerfoundation.org/pdfs/osteonecrosis.pdf

3. Avoid dental implants and major dental work, but do maintain excellent dental hygiene (lots of brushing, flossing and rinsing). Many studies show a link between poor dental hygiene and jaw osteonecrosis.
4. Drink lots of water ;-)
5. Report any difficulty swallowing, heartburn or other esophageal issues because the drug can damage the esophagus in some people.
6. I personally avoid taking NSAIDS (aspirin, aleve, motin, advil, etc) because that group of drugs can also hit your kidneys hard and cause GI issues.
7. Don't forget the water! Zometa can be hard on your kidneys ;-)

P.S If your computer is mean like mine and won't let you click on the link, press the shift key when you click on the link and it should magically appear.

ONJ of the Jaw..Just diagnosed

HI there

I was just diagnosed with ONJ of the jaw ..I had breast cancer and then given zomeda

I was just told that they have to remove a portion of my lower jaw..I am 48 years old, live in New York

Anyone been through this???  This is all new to me...