BONE METASTATIS

[GRANNYSMITH]

I AM 56yrs OLD  HAD BREAST MASTECTOMY 21yrs AGO  NOW SEEMS TO BE
BACK IN FORM OF BONE CANCER IN SPINE  WHAT ARE THE BEST OPTIONS
FOR TREATMENT?  21 yrs AGO MY RECEPTOR TEST WAS NEGATIVE

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear Grannysmith, As it has been 21 years since your cancer, they possibly would want to check a biopsy to see if this "bone cancer" is, in fact, breast cancer that has spread.  They would likely recheck the hormone receptors too.  In general, metastatic breast cancer is treated with systemic treatments.  Chemotherapy or hormonal therapies are the usual systemic therapies.  Bisphosphonates are also sometimes used to prevent or control symptoms (pain, fractures) of bone disease.  Examples of these types of infusions are Aeridia (pamidronate) or Zometa (Zoledronate).  The goal of treatment of metastatic breast cancer is to control the disease and symptoms.  

Decisions regarding what would be the best options for treatment for your individual case would be based on what is happening with your disease now, your overall health, and a discussion of risks and benefits of any treatment with your oncologist.

[omacar]

I too have mets to spine after 7 years.  Is there much difference with fosamx vs. zometa  in helping the bone?