Just wanted to update you on the happenings since Tuesday. I had my first Zometa treatment today. It was very easy -- a quick check of my bloodwork, then a 20-minute infusion. I asked the doctor why I needed to do this by infusion rather than taking a pill (like Boniva or Fosamex). It turns out that Boniva is 50 times as strong as Fosamex and Zometa is 1000 times as strong as Fosamex. Guess that answered my question. It's used as a treatment for bone metastases regardless of the original cancer diagnosis and was first tried in breast cancer patients. The benefits were so apparent that it's now a standard treatment for bone mets.
I received a call today from the CyberKnife center at Riverview Medical Center here in NJ, and I have a consultation next Thursday. From what I have read, this is a better way to go than IGRT as it is more precise and delivers stereotactic radiation managed by computer via rotating arms. The radiation is delivered from all sides in small doses and can truly pinpoint the tumor while sparing as much of the healthy surrounding tissue as possible. As the cherry on the sundae, the doctor is in-network!
I've contacted Dr. Yamada's office to discuss the advantages of IGRT over CyberKnife and vice versa and also to let them know that I'm seeking a second opinion. I didn't want them to plan out an entire schedule for me only to have me put it on hold. I also contacted Dr. K's assistant so she will know what is going on. As I found out, I really need to keep her in the loop.
So, some progress is being made in the decision about how to best treat my clivus met. I'm not looking forward to radiation in any form, but I have no choice here. As the doctor at the oncology clinic said today, we need to make a pre-emptive strike on this tumor before it causes serious, permanent nerve damage.
Have a great weekend everyone!
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