Aredia

Dobra
Dobra Member Posts: 3
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
My oncologist has told me that I have a high calium count and that I need to have an infusion of Aredia. After chemo I'm not at all thrilled about infusion of anything. This is usually used for those that have had mets to the bone. They say that it can cause "flu like symtoms".
Has anyone had Aredia infusions and can you tell me what you know about it. I have refused the treatment until I know more and my doctor won't take the time to explain more. Thanks

Comments

  • jeancmici
    jeancmici Member Posts: 665 Member
    #2
    Surely he should find the reason for the high calcium content. I take Zometa - stronger than Aredia - for bone mets. It does more than balance the calcium content. I am surprised at the speed he suggested Aredia. Don't worry about flu-like symptoms. Most people do not have a problem with either of these - but why the high calcium content is the main question in my mind - and yours!

    Could you discuss this with someone else - your primary care doctor or another oncologist.

    Ask more questions - it's too bad we have to be so 'pushy' so often for our own sake.

    Good Luck,
    Jean
  • inkblot
    inkblot Member Posts: 698 Member
    #3
    Hi Dobra:

    First of all your doctor SHOULD take whatever time is necessary to explain things to your satisfaction and understanding. Anything less is not acceptable!

    About a year after completing treatment, my calcium levels became slightly elevated. Almost a point outside normal. My onc's plan was to test frequently (blood test). After two more re-checks, it returned to normal and has remained normal.

    While testing more often, she also did a "parathyroid" workup. Aside from mets, dysfunctional parathyroid glands can be another cause for elevated calcium. Mine returned to normal, so nothing further was necessary. The parathyroid work up showed only the slightest elevation and she said that if it should ever become a problem, then the typical solution is parathyroid surgery to completely remove the glands. I researched and found that it reqires a very skilled surgeon as those little guys can be difficult to find and remove properly. Hope this helps some. If you want to read more about it, you can try www.merck.com You can look up calcium values (metabolism) as well as parathyroid and hopefully get a better understanding before you see another physician about it. May help you to have questions ready also.

    That your onc would begin infusing anything without knowing WHY your level is high to begin is appalling! I'm with Jean on this...See another doctor about it and get to the bottom of it before you agree to ANYTHING.

    Good luck and keep PUSHING.

    Love, light and laughter,
    Ink
  • hummingbyrd
    hummingbyrd Member Posts: 950 Member
    #4
    inkblot said:

    Hi Dobra:

    First of all your doctor SHOULD take whatever time is necessary to explain things to your satisfaction and understanding. Anything less is not acceptable!

    About a year after completing treatment, my calcium levels became slightly elevated. Almost a point outside normal. My onc's plan was to test frequently (blood test). After two more re-checks, it returned to normal and has remained normal.

    While testing more often, she also did a "parathyroid" workup. Aside from mets, dysfunctional parathyroid glands can be another cause for elevated calcium. Mine returned to normal, so nothing further was necessary. The parathyroid work up showed only the slightest elevation and she said that if it should ever become a problem, then the typical solution is parathyroid surgery to completely remove the glands. I researched and found that it reqires a very skilled surgeon as those little guys can be difficult to find and remove properly. Hope this helps some. If you want to read more about it, you can try www.merck.com You can look up calcium values (metabolism) as well as parathyroid and hopefully get a better understanding before you see another physician about it. May help you to have questions ready also.

    That your onc would begin infusing anything without knowing WHY your level is high to begin is appalling! I'm with Jean on this...See another doctor about it and get to the bottom of it before you agree to ANYTHING.

    Good luck and keep PUSHING.

    Love, light and laughter,
    Ink

    Wow, this IS freaky! LOL
    Got to agree with Ink, would definately want to know why calcium is elevated first. Sure wouldn't just blindly give a dose of aredia. I will say I've had it for bone mets and didn't have any side effects, but that's besides the point. I'd be searching for a second opinion myself, or at least go back to doc and say WHOA! now why are we doing this and how do you know what the cause is without further tests? Could it be something else?
    Jean good advice!
    Ink, you and I are thinking way to much alike! ; )
    (((HUGS))) hummer

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