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maryroset1's avatar
maryroset1
Member
10 years ago

bone density

Hi to all the inspirational ladies

I had my first bone density test yesterday having spent a year on tamoxifen and now on arimidex.

Apparently i have above average hips but my spine is on the border of normal and the yellow zone. Although no osteoporosis seems the spine isnt as strong as my hips!

I was wondering if any of you find yourself in the same boat and what if anything are you doing to ensure it doesnt get any worse to prevent osteoporosis.

I see my oncologist on monday but keen to know your experiences.

Hope you all have a wonderful day ????

Maryrose 

3 Replies

  • Ruth_Bird's avatar
    Ruth_Bird
    Member
    10 years ago

    Sounds like the spine is on the border of normal and osteopaenia  rather than being on the border with osteoporosis. Osteopaenia is when bone density is down but not severe enough to be classed osteoporotic. They wouldn't normally put you on specific osteoporosis drugs unless you were osteoporotic or had had fractures in the osteopaenic range. 

    Anyway, sufficient vitamin D levels and calcium intake is important, as is resistance exercise. There's some stuff here about that: http://www.osteoporosis.org.au/resources

    Hope that helps - at least can read up before see your oncologist :)

  • Lindyloo's avatar
    Lindyloo
    Member
    10 years ago

    Having only just finished my cancer treatment this month and been on Tamoxifen for about 2 months. I had severe back pain about two months ago and have since been diagnosed with osteoporosis of the spine. Oncologist is not sure if I have fractures so is sending me for a nuclear ct scan to have a good look. He put me on calcium with vitimin D and a once weekly tablet called Fonat. I have been fine with that but understand it's not for everyone.

    my advice would be to speak with your oncologist and be put on something right away as you can so easily get fractures and believe me the pain I was in, you don't want that!! Even if you're not showing osteo, it's better to prevent rather than have it.

    let us know how you go.

    Linda xx