i broke my ankle between ending chemo and commencing radiation. Am now on Fermara. Did anyone else have bone density issues from bc treatment. Ortho says he thinks bones weakened by chemo. Still waiting to find out future treatment for the bones. A little worried

@Romla has it all correct. My bone density after chemo and 2 years on Tamoxifen (Tamoxifen can cause bone issues too, especially if you are premenopausal) was low but really plunged after I had my ovaries removed and started Femara. I was diagnosed with osteoporosis and my doctors suggested Prolia. I was not keen on more medication unless I had no alternative so I found The Bone Clinic. They have a research based (through Griffith Uni) weightlifting program for people with bone density issues. I saw their dietician and exercise physiologist before beginning the program. From what I have experienced it is definitely possible to improve your bone density even while going through treatment and/or while on aromatase inhibitors. Following their supervised program (just 2 weight sessions a week)for the last 12 months I have improved my bone density by 9.72% at the spine and almost 4% at the hip. I no longer have osteoporosis. I plan to continue on this exercise program while monitoring my bone density as I still have 6 years of Femara ahead of me.As well as improving my bone density I feel so much better while undertaking everyday tasks. It has improved my flexibility and I now realise that I struggled to do certain movements not because I was getting ‘old’ (I’m only 51!) but because I lacked strength after going through treatment. I had lost muscle and bone. Building muscle again has meant my muscles have sent signals to my bones to grow stronger too (that is what the research has shown happens).This program is suitable for most people but it is important to see an exercise physiologist who can assess your situation. It is one of the best things I have found to help me recover after treatment. I walked and swam a lot but in my experience this is not enough to counteract the effects of treatment. I needed the weights to rebuild my muscle and bones. Just ask your doctor about seeing an exercise physiologist (a GP plan, forget what they are called, can get you 5 visits covered by Medicare).

I had osteoporosis before breast cancer and a fracture so as well as being on Femara / Letrozole I have 6 monthly Prolia injections to counteract bone loss - there also tablets called bisphosphonates available to build bone which I recommend careful thought before starting. . I also take 2 Caltrate Bone Health tablets daily - 1 morning 1 evening. I get some joint pain but walk daily for an hour - not always easy but seem to be able to walk thru joint pain knees , hips etc.I also a gentle exercise class Stretch/Balance twice weekly which amongst other things involves light weights and I think it helps my bones.There is also a free YWCA hydrotherapy course for bc ladies which I have found helpful - it’s 8 weeks , 2 hours weekly and can be done up to 4 courses but must be 12 weeks post op.One of the ladies on here is reporting wonderful improvements in bone density thru an exercise program run by a Uni involving weight training.I did not have chemo just radiotherapy and both cause bone problems I gather.But there are things that can be done to counteract it , bone density should be monitored during treatment with aromatase inhibitors as well as the outset to give you a baseline.

Femara can have a significant impact on bone density, so as others have said, it's usually tested before or soon after starting and monitored in case the impact becomes too significant. I had very good bone density before I started and will end with pretty " average-for-your-age" by the time I finish if I am lucky. However people can break their ankles for all sorts of reasons and if you have only been on Femara a relatively short time, it's unlikely to have caused the break. I did have chemo and my bone density test showed no impact. But again it may depend on what the chemo regimen is. Certainly be worth having your bone density tested now so you know what's what and can look at options for minimising damage.

@Teejay I didnt have one done pre treatment either, there was never a need. Your Oncologist is the one to order it, Prolia injections are no big deal at all :) xx

Yes next year I will meet the new oncologist and if I don't connect will be looking again

Broken ankle | BCNA Online Network

Giovanna_BCNA
Member
7 years ago
Hello @Teeyay,
You may find the following site helpful, you can search for a specialist in your area, just choose medical oncologist.
https://www.cancer.org.au/about-cancer/find-a-specialist.html
Teejay
Member
7 years ago
I met the new oncologist but I do not click with him. Does anyone know any oncos in Springfield Queensland
Teejay
Member
8 years ago
Yes next year I will meet the new oncologist and if I don't connect will be looking again
melclarity
Member
8 years ago
Oh that's surprising, gee! so is he handing you over to another Oncologist? glad you have such a great GP, worthwhile following it up there. x
Teejay
Member
8 years ago
Onco told me ( whilst sitting in front of him in wheelchair) don't worry about it He is retiring so I guess he considered it not his problem. Have a great GP who will point me in the right direction
melclarity
Member
8 years ago
@Teejay I didnt have one done pre treatment either, there was never a need. Your Oncologist is the one to order it, Prolia injections are no big deal at all :) xx
Teejay
Member
8 years ago
@Deanne I will check out the bone clinic. No check done by oncologist before I started so will get GP to do one. Thank you everyone for your comments
melclarity
Member
8 years ago
Thanks @Romla and welcome @Teejay I also as a result of chemo and having been on Tamoxifen for 4yrs as I had a recurrence, had bone density issues. My bone density scan post treatment showed Osteoporosis in my neck and lower back. I've been on Vitamin D since January 2016 post treatment and magnesium in water daily. I have Prolia injections 6 monthly to help with this too. They do recommend weight bearing exercises to help build muscle which helps the bones too. I have a scan in 6 months and will know if its improved.

I also use an Exercise Physiologist but it is finishing in 2 weeks, its been amazing and its more the stretching exercises it hasnt been hard and fast at all, Im not capable anymore, but the exercises help alot!

Hugs Melinda xo
Deanne
Member
8 years ago
I just noticed you are in Brisbane @Teejay. The Bone Clinic is at Coorparoo. They have classes at Coorparoo, Hendra, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and Toowoomba. They even have clinical classes at Cooparoo which people undergoing chemo can attend.
Deanne
Member
8 years ago
@Romla has it all correct. My bone density after chemo and 2 years on Tamoxifen (Tamoxifen can cause bone issues too, especially if you are premenopausal) was low but really plunged after I had my ovaries removed and started Femara. I was diagnosed with osteoporosis and my doctors suggested Prolia. I was not keen on more medication unless I had no alternative so I found The Bone Clinic.

They have a research based (through Griffith Uni) weightlifting program for people with bone density issues. I saw their dietician and exercise physiologist before beginning the program. From what I have experienced it is definitely possible to improve your bone density even while going through treatment and/or while on aromatase inhibitors. Following their supervised program (just 2 weight sessions a week)for the last 12 months I have improved my bone density by 9.72% at the spine and almost 4% at the hip. I no longer have osteoporosis. I plan to continue on this exercise program while monitoring my bone density as I still have 6 years of Femara ahead of me.

As well as improving my bone density I feel so much better while undertaking everyday tasks. It has improved my flexibility and I now realise that I struggled to do certain movements not because I was getting ‘old’ (I’m only 51!) but because I lacked strength after going through treatment. I had lost muscle and bone. Building muscle again has meant my muscles have sent signals to my bones to grow stronger too (that is what the research has shown happens).

This program is suitable for most people but it is important to see an exercise physiologist who can assess your situation. It is one of the best things I have found to help me recover after treatment. I walked and swam a lot but in my experience this is not enough to counteract the effects of treatment. I needed the weights to rebuild my muscle and bones. Just ask your doctor about seeing an exercise physiologist (a GP plan, forget what they are called, can get you 5 visits covered by Medicare).