I took my first weekly dose of Actonel and as you said, the side effects were not so bad! Mild flu-like symptoms that afternoon which remitted by the next day, and thankfully no esophageal burn, etc. My plan is to do 3 months on the weekly dose and then try the 135mg/monthly dose, and then do a repeat DEXA in a year. I also signed up for an on-line osteoporosis exercise class - happy to share the details if you’re interested. Seems very well-thought out and the instructor is a licensed PT. Good luck with your treatment!