Femara & bone density

Hi ladies, I have just been reading your posts;  and you have answered a couple of my questions.  My oncologist said "no" when I asked him about continuing on femara after 5 years (I've been on it now for about 2 and a half,prior to that 6 months on Arimidex which I couldn't tolerate) because of the damage to bones.  I think I will insist on a bone density test next time I see him, just to see what my bones are doing.  

 

That's really great that your cholesterol and bone density are at good levels. If you are not suffering from side effects too badly after all this time then it makes sense to stay on Femara for another 5 years doesn't it. My oncologist has this plan in mind for me too. The results of the trial study on Femara should be know by the time my first 5 years are up so it will be interesting to know what they show. Glad to know that alls well with you Jill. Love Janey xxx

I had an appointment with my chemo oncologist this week after not seeing him for 4 years.  The appointment was for him to make the call as to whether I should continue with Femara after my 5 years of hormone treatment ends in February.  I had 1 year on Tamoxifen and 4 years on Femara.

 The recommendation is that Tamoxifen is beneficial taken for 10 years now versus 5 years.  A trial study has been completed on the benefits of taking Aromatase Inhibitors, of which Femara is one,  for 10 years versus 5 years, but results will not be known for another 3 to 4 years.

In his opinion Aromatase Inhibitors are more effective than Tamoxifen, therefore shouldn't the benefit of 10 years on Femara be more beneficial than 5years. 

There are two things he looks at when making the decision to continue with Femara.  Firstly, the bone density results which need to be done every 2 years and secondly, a fasting cholesterol result.  If both these test results are normal he highly recommends staying on Femara.

In my case, I am very fortunate that my cholesterol is a good level and my bone density test showed a favourable result.  I am continuing to take Femara beyond 5 years but cholesterol and bone density will be monitored.

Jill  xx

That's really reassuring. I walk most days for at least 30 minutes and do weight bearing exercises once a week. I am on Krill Oil as well as Caltrait, vitamin D and multi vitamins and Evening Primrose oil. It's a wonder people can't hear me rattling LOL. I suppose we can only do so much and see what happens. 'Go with the flow' is one of my daily mantras along with 'oh well' and take it 'one day at a time'. Jill you're absolutely right, the most important thing is to be cancer free. Love Janey xxx

Hi Annie,

Thanks for reading my blog regards bone density.  Yes 'peace of mind' is a big thing and I will certainly let him know this. I will read your page on bone health, and update next week after my appointment.

Cheers,   Jill

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hi nixbix,

Interesting to read your comments regards femara and bone density.  My GP never mentioned taking Fosamax.  He just said take 1 x  600mg Caltrate tablet daily and thankfully it has improved my bone density.  I do a 30 minute walk most mornings and I did start on high strength fish oil with Femara to lessen the aches and pains, which helps and it also lowered my blood pressure so I don't need medication for that anymore. 

My hot flushes began when I finished chemo in March 2009 and have settled more in the last 6 months thank goodness.  I don't sleep all that well which is annoying but I think of it as my new normal.  Just remaining cancer free is all that I want.  I can put up with the rest.

I hope the Fosamax works for you, keep me posted.

Cheers,   Jill   xxx

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hi Janey,

Lovely to hear from you.  Your story sounds much like mine.  Yes I had all the aches and pains when I first started on Femara but probably more in my legs and feet, especially upon getting out of bed first thing in the morning.  I also had 'trigger fingers' .Your oncologist is correct to tell you to perservere, as my aches and pains have settled down to bearable now.  I do take a high strength fish oil daily to try and help with this.  The fish oil lowered my blood pressure so I don't need medication for that now. I consider my energy levels are pretty good. Sleeping has been an issue since I finished my chemo in March 2009.  Hot flushes every 2 hours. I could set the clock by them but they have settled in the last 6 months and I only get a few at night now.  Fortunately I only need about 6 hours sleep to function which used to be unbroken sleep.  Now I sleep for about 2 to 3 hours then wake hourly after that.  Very annoying at times.  I would love to return to those nights of unbroken sleep but I don't think that will ever happen.

Sometimes it is hard to know whether aches, pains, tiredness, difficulty concentrating are side effects of medication, menopause, chemo or aging ( i am 55 now).  I just try to go with the flow and think this is my new normal.

Hang in there Janey, better days ahead I'm sure.  The important thing is to stay cancer free.

Cheers,   Jill  xxx

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hi Jill,

This is Annie from BCNA. We sometimes hear women say they wish to continue their hormone therapy beyond five years for 'peace of mind', so you're in this regard you're certainly not alone. I certainly encourage you to let your oncologist know about your preference.

As for bone health, we know this can be a real issue for women taking an aromatase inhibitor. It's great to hear that your oncologist is keeping tabs on your bone health. 

If you're interested, we have information on our bone health webpage which you may find useful. In a nutshell, if your bone density is reduced, it may be improved by increasing your calcium and vitamin D levels, and participating in weight bearing exercises. Of course, it's really important to speak with your doctor before adopting any of these changes. I see you're already on a calcium supplement and am glad to hear that has improved your bone health.

All the best with your appointment Jill; please keep us updated.

~Annie

 

l' m 42 & l started Femara almost 2 years ago after an Orophectomy post BC. I had a bone density scan a couple of months ago after noticing back pain becoming worse over time. The results showed borderline osteoporosis in my lower back. After speaking with my GP about it & what she could do to help me she said that l didn't qualify for a bone strengthening med on PBS because l'm not over 75 & l don't have a fracture! Go figure! To be honest it didn't bother me even if l had to pay for it as long as it wasn't too expensive and l am working. l pay $35 month for Femara which is not a lot for the 'gift' of less reoccurance l believe! Anyway, l spoke to my onc about it and she was able to give me a script for the bone strengthener called Fosamax from the hospital pharmacy. lt's one tablet a week or the other option was one lV a year but that costs around $550. l'm trying the tablet first as it's $7.20 per month for the script. Don't understand how the Gp was carrying on about how expensive it was going to be! My onc says it takes a couple of years to strengthen my bones & l should feel less pain & reduce the risk of fractures. Also, going back to Femara, the side effects l was having have reduced quite a bit. l have very few hot flushes & not as intense but coming into summer again this may change. The pain in my arms and hands is not as bad. l still hobble around like an old lady as my legs & especially my ankles are stiff but it's doable. Hopefully this will all lessen when my 5 years is up on Femara. Maybe the Fosamax may help too. Who knows!

l' m 42 & l started Femara almost 2 years ago after an Orophectomy post BC. I had a bone density scan a couple of months ago after noticing back pain becoming worse over time. The results showed borderline osteoporosis in my lower back. After speaking with my GP about it & what she could do to help me she said that l didn't qualify for a bone strengthening med on PBS because l'm not over 75 & l don't have a fracture! Go figure! To be honest it didn't bother me even if l had to pay for it as long as it wasn't too expensive and l am working. l pay $35 month for Femara which is not a lot for the 'gift' of less reoccurance l believe! Anyway, l spoke to my onc about it and she was able to give me a script for the bone strengthener called Fosamax from the hospital pharmacy. lt's one tablet a week or the other option was one lV a year but that costs around $550. l'm trying the tablet first as it's $7.20 per month for the script. Don't understand how the Gp was carrying on about how expensive it was going to be! My onc says it takes a couple of years to strengthen my bones & l should feel less pain & reduce the risk of fractures. Also, going back to Femara, the side effects l was having have reduced quite a bit. l have very few hot flushes & not as intense but coming into summer again this may change. The pain in my arms and hands is not as bad. l still hobble around like an old lady as my legs & especially my ankles are stiff but it's doable. Hopefully this will all lessen when my 5 years is up on Femara. Maybe the Fosamax may help too. Who knows!