19/05/20

In order to keep hospital visits to a minimum, my haematologist suggests swapping the monthly Zometa drips for an oral bisphosphonate (sodium clodronate + calcium tablets). I understand from the Facebook Myeloma group that this used to be the standard before intravenous Zometa came along with the promise of fewer side-effects. I asked about people's experience with it and most people seem to have been fine but one or two reported quite bad reactions including somebody who threw up within 20 minutes of her first dose. But considering the reports of side-effects from other drugs that I've tolerated with very little trouble, I'm not too concerned about that. The worst thing, if some of what I've read online is to be believed, is that I shall have to forego my morning cup of tea, as instructions are to take the pill with a glass of water first thing in the morning and then to eat or drink nothing apart from more water) for an hour. It usually takes me about that long to wake up, brush teeth, wash, shave, check Facebook and the online news sites, and etc.. before breakfast anyway so no big deal. I'll just have to postpone tea until with breakfast rather than before it. Everything I've read suggests this is a  daily pill (or two) rather than the once-a-month Zometa.