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Robyn_W's avatar
Robyn_W
Member
12 years ago

Osteoporosis!

Hello everyone!:). Today I went to get the results of my tests that's I had a couple of weeks ago,because of the spotting that I had experienced.( which has settled down now)I had gone for a bone mineral density test,and some blood tests,and ultrasounds. Well the ultrasounds and blood tests were ok,but while my oncologist was going over the BMD test,she had a slight frown on her face.I asked if it was all good,and she said," actually no" .I said "next you will be telling me that I have osteoporosis" and she said " you have!" . Goodness me,I was so shocked,I guess because I always pride myself on my fitness etc. but as she explained to me,after we went through the results,it really has nothing to do with that.I feel disappointed nonetheless,because it is not even osteopenia,but full osteoporosis.So now I have to see a bone specialist.I had some more blood tests to rule out a few other things,but they are highly unlikely. I guess the one good thing is,that I had the test and found this out,otherwise,my doctor said I probably would have found out when I had a bone fracture.Anyway,things could be a lot worse.A friend of mine,who is not on this network,found out this week that she has a recurrence of her BC.She is younger than me,and I feel very sad for her,to have to go through it all again.So ladies,take care,stay vigilant,and keep smiling!! :). Cheers Robyn.xox

8 Replies

  • jenpen's avatar
    jenpen
    Member
    12 years ago

    Hi Robyn,

    What a bummer! You got through the op & treatments pretty well, fit & healthy and now osteoporosis? 

    Knowing how positive you are I'm sure you will take this news in your stride & do what's necessary to improve things.

    Take care & big hug to you, Jen x

    (Your pal will get through her new diagnosis....especially with you there to support her x)

  • ronnie61's avatar
    ronnie61
    Member
    12 years ago

    Hi Robyn, My mum was diagnosed with Osteoporosis in her late 50's and she had  to go on HRT treatment. She was seeing an Endocrinologist for atleast 8 years. She had pains but never thought to go her GP and left it for a while. It was only when she was doing a load of washing and she went to put the clothes on the line that she felt a sharp pain. After x rays and ultrasounds she had 3 fractures in the ribs. Very painful for many weeks. So that was the first indication that something was wrong and then soon after she was diagnosed with full Osteoporosis. She is now 75 years and doing alot better thankfully. She was on medication for 8 years and her bones improved,  she also changed her diet abit and ate lots of fish, tuna, and took some fish oil tablets. So really stepped up eating anything with lots of Omega 3 and Calcium rich foods. Weight bearing exercises are great too. She stopped taking medication approx 7 years ago and just makes sure she gets a Bone density scan every year.  

    I have a Bone Density Scan every 2 years and the last one I had I was told I have very good bone density. It will be interesting to see that soon I will be taking Tamoxifen for my bc, whether or not it will cause changes.  

    Look after yourself Robyn and have a good chat with your physio as there are lots of things you can do to improve Bone Density. 

    Ronnie xx

     

  • mgndam1603's avatar
    mgndam1603
    Member
    12 years ago

    I am sorry for your new diagnosis, its seems we go from one thing to another. Before I went on Arimidex my onc had me tested and thank good that isn't something that was an issue for me.

    I know that you take such good care of yourself and always seem to be vigilent. Also I am so sorry for the news of your friend, that type of news is always upsetting.

    Take care

    Donna

  • Robyn_W's avatar
    Robyn_W
    Member
    12 years ago
    I will definitely post on the blog tomorrow about what I learn.The exercise physiologist is the one at RPA,and he is great.My oncologist suggested seeing him about this,so I know that what he tells me will be spot on!!Its a shock isn't it,and another thing that I didn't know,is that if you are on the lean side,instead of being overweight,you are more prone to getting osteoporosis.! Crikey,we can't win lol.Take care.xoxRobyn
  • HelenJill's avatar
    HelenJill
    Member
    12 years ago

    Hi Robyn,

    Like you I too got a shock several weeks ago to find out that I had osteoporosis. I will be interested to hear what the exercise physiologist recommends.

    My oncologist sent me for a bone mineral density test before making the decision if I would change from Tamoxifen to Arimadex. I will now be remaining on Tamoxifen.

    I like you have always been physically active. Not too sure at the moment what I should or shouldn't be doing.

    Take care and thanks for your posts.

    Helen.

  • Robyn_W's avatar
    Robyn_W
    Member
    12 years ago
    I don't think it was caused from the Docetaxel,but it probably didn't help.I have an appointment with the exercise physiologist on Friday,to change my exercise program.The oncologist said to me that walking ,even though it is great for general health,it does not help osteoporosis.There are other things that are far better,so hopefully I will find out exactly what they are.I sometimes have had the comment like" gosh you have such a lovely straight back!" Now I will be thinking,if only they knew what is really under there.The thing now is,there is not much chance I will change to an Aromatase inhibitor,because of the side effects it can have.I will probably stay on Tamoxifen,because being post menopausal,it gives you at least some protection when it comes to bones.Its all too confusing isn't it? Lol xoxRobyn
  • Deanne's avatar
    Deanne
    Member
    12 years ago
    With everything you are doing to help yourself you would not expect this! Well, one thing is for certain, you will do all that is recommended by the bone specialist and hopefully you can at least stop this from getting any worse. At least you are aware of it now and hopefully there are things to help with this. You have made me think about what else I could be doing health check wise to ensure the rest of me does not start falling apart! I wish doctors were a little more proactive about preventative measures instead of waiting until we have a problem to treat. I had never even had a doctor recommend I have a mammogram until I presented with my dent and lump at 47! There can be so much going on under the surface and by the time we have a symptom things can be well underway. Time to find a GP that can advise on some checks that might save me more problems in the future. Hope you have some positives come from the bone specialist. Take care. Deanne xxx
  • Michelle_R's avatar
    Michelle_R
    Member
    12 years ago

    Just wanted to say I am so sorry, and I hope the Bone Specialist can stop the osteoporosis in its tracks.  Was it caused by the TC? (You said it had nothing to do with all your exercise.) It had to be something out of your control, because you were doing everything to be proactive and help yourself as much as possible.  This surely has to be a plus for the rest of your treatment.

    You must be shocked, but as you say, better than recurrence - but still rotten.  Thinking of you, Michelle x  (PS  Have you been having Prolia injections twice a year?  My GP gives them to me to increase bone collagen turnover, and it really worked.)  Let us know how you go. xx