Chapter 6A: What I did: Bone Metastases

Cancer is typed and treated by its origin, regardless of where it travels to. Western medicine’s ‘standard of care’ (SOC) is determined by that origin. In my case, primary breast cancer metastasized to bones, lungs, liver, lymph and eventually brain. My bone metastases were in every vertebrae, my pelvis, and my scapula (Seriously? Who gets cancer in their scapula?). My treatment plan reflected that and differed from someone whose cancer had begun in their lungs and traveled. So, one’s lung cancer brain metastases will be treated differently than another’s breast cancer brain metastases. That being said, there are some principles that apply in any case.

Bone metastases

Any type of cancer that metastasizes via the bloodstream can infiltrate the bone marrow. The probability for bone metastases is higher in breast, prostate, and lung cancers than other. Bone metastases are detected with SPECT (bone scan), CT, and MRI scans and metabolic cancerous activity may be seen in PET scans. When cancer moves into bone, it weakens it and it can be very painful. The sponginess of bones also makes an excellent hiding place for cancer to hibernate during remission. Cancer displaces bone marrow, making things worse. Bone marrow is an essential part of our immune system as it makes platelets and red and white blood cells… critical ingredients in fighting disease and infection. It also helps heal the gut lining and regulate insulin. Chemo and radiation destroy bone marrow so restoring bone marrow is critical to healing.

At least that’s how I saw it. It became clear to me that if I were to survive the chemo, radiation, and cancer as well as strengthen my bones so they would stop breaking, I needed to generate some bone marrow. Tumors had split my sacro-iliac joint and crumbled 7+ vertebrae. I would likely not walk again. Wanting to protect me from further disabling injuries, my doctors forbade me from exercising. But researching how to increase bone marrow naturopathically yielded three ways… exercise, bone broth and Cannabis. All were essential in my recovery. While I advocate a plant-based diet, it is hard to build bone marrow without the vitamins, minerals, amino acids, proteins, collagen, and gelatin bone broth provides (see Recipes under Nutrition in Part Two). I secretly joined a fitness club and exercised. Cannabis enhances the collagenous matrix, mineralizing bone tissue and strengthening bones. I’m not only alive and walking, I hike and ski! I’m four inches shorter from the broken vertebrae but people seem to like me better shorter so I guess that’s ok… hahahaa.

Treatment for bone mets may include bisphosphonate drugs such as Xgeva and Zometa. They prevent loss to bone density, reducing pain, risk of fracture, and high calcium levels. They may also inhibit cancer.^1,2 But having a fairly long half-life, they accumulate and increase risk of osteonecrosis and kidney failure.

I attended a medical conference where I heard a presentation by the scientist who conducted the research leading to the use of bisphosphonates for bone metastases. I spoke to him afterwards about my situation. Because I had had 20 infusions of Zometa, he agreed I was likely “saturated for life.” When I expressed that I would like to stop getting infusions. He said that Xgeva, which is given subcutaneously, is less damaging to the kidneys than Zometa. He also said I could get an NTx test which measures bone resorption and can reflect the burden of disease in bones. If the value was low, I likely did not have active cancer in my bones and could feel safer about stopping treatment than if it was high. I didn’t have the test but did choose to discontinue. I’ll reevaluate if it returns.

– Cannabinoids have been found to have positive effects on bone metabolism and regeneration.

– The Diagnostic Imaging of Bone Metastases

– The Science and Practice of Bone Health in Oncology

1. Anticancer activity of bisphosphonates in breast cancer
2. Bisphosphonates and Other Bone Agents for Breast Cancer

This post is from Book 2 of my Thrive Tribe Series, What I Did and Do and Why, a naturopathic protocol that helps me to survive and thrive, available from the bookstore, starting at $7. The book will be posted sequentially in its entirety on this blog, once a week. Subscriptions are free.

Nothing contained on this website nor in my blogs or books should be construed as medical advice. I am not a doctor. I am a Stage IV metastatic breast cancer thriver who is currently NEAD and simply sharing my journey in the hopes it helps you to find your power and path. Please research anything I share to determine if it is a good choice for you. I believe in you! Bless you all on the path you choose.

All original content contained on this blog, What I did and do and why, is copyrighted 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 Kaiulani Facciani, Snarling Wolf, Inc.