We do learn so much as we go along @melclarity. Yes, as with treatment, everyone has a different situation and what may be one person’s choice for improving bone health is not necessarily the best for another.
As you know, my bone density was at osteoporosis level 3 years into hormone therapy (2 years Tamoxifen, 1 year Femara). My t-score was -3.2, so even worse than yours at -2.9. I had done a lot of walking in my recovery and some resistance training too. But this did not stop my worsening bone density. My oncologist initially suggested Prolia for 2 or 3 years but I was concerned about what would happen when I stopped. As @Romla and others have said, there is a worsening effect when you stop. It also concerned me that Prolia stays in your system for at least 6 months. If I was unlucky and did have side effects then it would be in my system for at least that long.
At only 49 at the time, I was not sure that Prolia was the best choice for me. So I found The Bone Clinic and commenced a research based weightlifting program designed specifically to reverse osteoporosis and improve bone density. I liked that as well as helping my bones to grow stronger naturally, it also targeted balance and movement functionality. They also have a dietician for advice on what to eat or not eat for healthy bones. Teaching me the right way to do everyday tasks to avoid injury (and fractures) was also something that made sense to me.
After 2 years of weightlifting my bone density at the spine has improved by 25%. I am no longer in the osteoporosis zone and have improved not only my bone health but my general health and well-being too. I have continued to take my Femara of course, but no bone medications. My doctors are very happy with my results. I see the weightlifting program as a lifelong program. There are women in their eighties safely doing the program.
It is just like all treatment choices. Find out everything you can about the choices available and then choose what you feel is the right fit for your particular situation. One of the things that can negatively effect bone health, incidentally, is high levels of cortisol from stress. Whatever we choose we should feel good about that choice so as to reduce the anxiety about our bone health. The more you know and understand about the situation the more you can feel comfortable with your choice.
Congratulations on improving your bone bone density and sharing your experience for the benefit of others. You sound very happy with your results and content that this has been the right choice for you.
