Breast cancer and bones

After primary cancer with the works! I had Fosomax with no side effects and improved bone density after 5 years. Since mets in bones diagnosed about 18 mths ago, have tried Bonifos (didn't like dosage & inconvenience - 2 large tablets & one hour of inconvenience), then Bondronat (1 small tablet & half hour of inconvenience), neither of which appeared to cause any side effects. (I'm also on Arimidex & took Tamoxifen for 5 years after primary cancer.) I decided to make life easier with a once a month infusion of Zometa to replace tablets. After the 3rd infusion it was obvious that it was indeed the Zometa setting of severe pain (really debilitating) in my upper back where I have no mets, but some bone degeneration/osteoarthritis - not debilitating nor even noticeable normally. Apparently no one has ever had this reaction - the flu-like general aches were gone within a day or two while the back pain took almost the full month to go. Ever heard of this happening? I'm happy to be back on the Bondronat with no back problems, again. Nellie

Dear Amy,
Thanks for your post. You might want to check out the following websites as they provide some useful information about bone health generally and information about bisphosphonates and secondary breast cancer.

1.    BreastCancer.org  
This is an American website that has information on breast cancer and it’s treatments including the possible effects of treatment on bone health.

2.    MacMillan Cancer Support (UK)
MacMillan Cancer Support provides some brief information about bisphosphonates and secondary breast cancer which can be found here.

Hope you find some of this information useful.

Astrid

Dear Amanda,

Thanks for getting in touch. Fosamax is indeed a bisphosphonate, which helps strengthens bones and prevent bone loss. It’s important to remember however that not all bisphosphonates are the same, and one woman may therefore take a different bisphosphonate to another.

If you are concerned about your bone density, you might want to have a chat to your oncologist about that, as they may be able to organise a bone density test for you called a DEXA scan, which tests for bone mineral density. Depending on you test results, your oncologist might recommend exercise, a calcium supplement or a bisphosphonate. Unfortunately there is currently no Medicare rebate for women having bone density testing as part of breast cancer surveillance and treatment. However there are some other circumstances under which bone density scans attract a Medicare rebate. You might like to talk to your oncologist about whether you may be eligible.

For more information about bone health you might like to check out the following:

1.    Bone Health for Life 
This website provides practical support to improve bone health to prevent and manage osteoporosis.

2.    BreastCancer.org  
This is an American website that has information on breast cancer and it’s treatments including the possible effects of treatment on bone health.

3.    Effects of Menopause on Long-term Health 
This part of the NBOCC website provides Australian information on bone health, and a list of suggestions on how you can reduce your risk of osteoporosis.

You may also want to check out our issue 49, 2009 edition of the Beacon which included articles on bone health, bone density testing and vitamin D.

Hope you find this info helpful.

Astrid

I am interested in this.  Can you elaborate a little more about Bone health and breast cancer or point me in the right direction?  I am worried about my bone density with the likelihood of early menopause from chemo (I am 38), low vit D levels (I am now supplementing Vit D) and a family history of Osteoporosis.

Is Fosamax a biphosphonate? My Mum takes this for her osteoporosis and has seen some improvement in her bone density.  

I am new to all of this so still sourcing information. 

Thanks,

Amanda