Terrified to sacrifice my bones
I am 42 and have just completed neoadjuvant chemotherapy, 3 lumpectomies and radiation for stage 3 breast cancer...now I am about to start hormone blocking treatment. I honestly expected to be give...
Forum Discussion
Hi @Sheeba,
I was 48 when diagnosed and have had mastectomy, chemo and radiation. Like you I have preosteoporosis (osteopenia) in my femurs. I take exemastane which is an aromatose inhibitor as well as the monthly injection. My oncologist has had me get a bone infusion every 6 months for 2 years to strengthen my bones. You could ask about this. I find this is quick and little side effects. It is important to do exercise to keep your bones strong.
Regarding the aromatose inhibitors vs tamoxafin, its probably because you were stage 3 and you are relatively young. They want to give you "the works" to give you longevity. I was stage 2b which for me was large tumour no lymph nodes. The grade of your tumour is also taken into account.
I choose to do vigorous exercise 2 or 3 times a week. Yes it is hard to juggle sometimes. I have teenage children. I was never an exerciser before but now i really enjoy it. Ive been doing exercise since chemo about 1.5 years ago.
Aromotose inhibitors affect people differently. I get sore elbows and hips but when i exercise it lessens. I do get hot flushes and i was getting night sweats which i blamed on the ais but this has turned out to be sleep apnea. Now not night sweats.
I just take things day by day, week by week. Some weeks i dont fit everything in. But overall im getting there. I work 20 hrs a week in order to prioritise my health and kids. Im also able to fit other things in like craft and coffees with relatives. Life feels more balanced. This is my choice.
I was 48 when diagnosed and have had mastectomy, chemo and radiation. Like you I have preosteoporosis (osteopenia) in my femurs. I take exemastane which is an aromatose inhibitor as well as the monthly injection. My oncologist has had me get a bone infusion every 6 months for 2 years to strengthen my bones. You could ask about this. I find this is quick and little side effects. It is important to do exercise to keep your bones strong.
Regarding the aromatose inhibitors vs tamoxafin, its probably because you were stage 3 and you are relatively young. They want to give you "the works" to give you longevity. I was stage 2b which for me was large tumour no lymph nodes. The grade of your tumour is also taken into account.
I choose to do vigorous exercise 2 or 3 times a week. Yes it is hard to juggle sometimes. I have teenage children. I was never an exerciser before but now i really enjoy it. Ive been doing exercise since chemo about 1.5 years ago.
Aromotose inhibitors affect people differently. I get sore elbows and hips but when i exercise it lessens. I do get hot flushes and i was getting night sweats which i blamed on the ais but this has turned out to be sleep apnea. Now not night sweats.
I just take things day by day, week by week. Some weeks i dont fit everything in. But overall im getting there. I work 20 hrs a week in order to prioritise my health and kids. Im also able to fit other things in like craft and coffees with relatives. Life feels more balanced. This is my choice.