Boniva, Actonel etc. - Any good stories?

I am 55 and have full blown osteoporosis. It sucks, its not my fault and, yes, I have done EVERYTHING to try and slow it's progress.  Menopause put me over the edge though.

I am FULLY aware of all of the bad things that can happen when you take biphosphonates.  I have read every article and even experienced truly horrible side effects from my first dose 18 months ago. I just took my second dose (a slightly different formulation) last weekend and seem to be handling it well this time.

I am still on the fence about the Rx though.  If I can tolerate it for 4 years I could have a better (medical) quality of life when I am 65.  I worry that fixing one potential problem with a dangerous drug may create other health issues though.   

Any positive stories out there?

joyce, my s/o, had osteo and rheum. Medication (I don't know which) had a side effect of stomach cancer. We had about 15 years of trips to England, eastern U.s., birding trips an so forth.

On the other hand, she did die of stomach cancer. At the near end, she felt the Rx was a good choice.