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Mares's avatar
Mares
Member
11 years ago

First mammogram and ultrasound since surgery

Hello...had my first mammogram and ultrasound since unilateral mastectomy last April. They found a 16mm lesion on left of mastectomy scar, did a fine needle biopsy which couldn't find enough material to rule out possibility of recurring tumour. What a waste of the past two weeks! Not to mention the stress/anxiety levels going through the roof. I was diagnosed with osteoporosis yesterday. This is due to steroid usage for the past year and now on arimidex for the past four months. They are recommending zamora through intravenous twice a year. My poor fine veins will not like this. Any of you in a similar situation to this!! I'm most happy to hear from you. Hope you are well and coping.

6 Replies

  • Jane221's avatar
    Jane221
    Member
    11 years ago
    Hi Mares, will start on the Arimidex in May when I get back from overseas, so will let you know then, but am hoping I won't have to go through the savage hot flushes again as these have only recently settled on Tamoxifen :-( xx
  • Mares's avatar
    Mares
    Member
    11 years ago
    Hi Jane, Thank you for your update. Interesting that your doc put you on Arimidex too. Good that they are listening to you and considering your point of view. Yes, don't you love our choices!!! I hope you can arrive at a comfortable decision for you. Do you experience many side effects from the arimidex? Hope you have a good weekxxx
  • Mares's avatar
    Mares
    Member
    11 years ago
    Hi Jane, Thank you for your update. Interesting that your doc put you on Arimidex too. Good that they are listening to you and considering your point of view. Yes, don't you love our choices!!! I hope you can arrive at a comfortable decision for you. Do you experience many side effects from the arimidex? Hope you have a good weekxxx
  • Mares's avatar
    Mares
    Member
    11 years ago
    Hi Robyn, Thanks for your update and I'm sorry to hear you've got advanced osteo. I will certainly make inquiries and I'm glad to hear that it doesn't hurt like chemo. Hope you're wellxxx
  • Jane221's avatar
    Jane221
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi Mares, I'm sorry to hear you've had such a worrying couple of weeks. I hope you get some answers soon to ease your mind.

    I was diagnosed with osteopenia (borderline osteoporosis) following treatment in 2012. I have been on Tamoxifen now for 2.5 years and take a daily Vitamin D tablet and the bone loss appears to have stabilised / slowed down. However, my oncologist is keen to move me on to Arimidex soon as it has shown to be somewhat more effective in reducing the risk of recurrences etc. I am concerned about using Arimidex because of potential further bone loss, so she has arranged for me to use Alendrobell (Fosamax) tablets, taken once weekly, to try and offset that issue. I don't start on it until May (as we are going away soon for a month) and must admit I'm really in two minds about making the switch, but have been assured by various members of my medical team that it would be in my best interests (due to the risk of recurrence) to go on to it. The choices we get to make eh?!! Jane xx 

  • Robyn_W's avatar
    Robyn_W
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hello Mares:) I was diagnosed with advanced osteoporosis after my chemo finished,but it was not from my treatment.The specialist said it had probably been there for a while.However,because of this,I can't take medication like Arimidex,as it would damage my bones further.I take Tamoxifen,and twice yearly,I have a subcutaneous injection of Prolia.This is much easier than any type of regular injection,as it is just put under your skin,not into your vein.I will be going for my first annual bone density scan in June,to see if things have reversed at all.Can you ask your doctor if this is something that you could have?Cheers Robyn xox