Osteoporosis and treatments

@Chris Hello and it is a very good question. After I finished chemo in December 2015, I was told I had Osteoporosis in my neck and lower lumbar after a bone density scan. I went onto Prolia injections from 2016, so I've been on them for 18 months. They are absolutely no big deal, I have absolutely zero side effects from it at all, and I expected something. I also just had my 2yr bone density scan and I get the full results in a few weeks from my Oncologist, however he emailed me and said I am very much improved :) the other added beauty of Prolia is, that it has an added protection against Breast Cancer, they don't quite know why, however it does, what a bonus :D 

It doesnt come in any other form, but to be honest it's a quick injection that really I don't even worry about anymore. I wont be on it forever, but it has made an incredible difference. On top of this I walk anything between 6-9kms a day in my job and I ride my exercise bike about 3-4 times a week currently about 6kms. I worked with an Exercise Physiologist for over a year and do alot of stretching exercises and building my core. It costs me currently $283.69 each injection but I receive a decent rebate from my private health insurance.

I completely recommend Prolia and wouldnt think twice. xx Melinda

Thanks Romla and Deanne for your answers. I am very interested in the information from the Bone Clinic. I think I am doing the right things, but maybe I am not. I was surprised to read the othe day that milk taken with weetbix doesnt get absorbed. Who would have thought! I asked my oncologist about this yesterday, but he didn't seem to think it was an issue. Maybe it is, and maybe the bone clinic is where I should start.
Thanks Romla for shedding some light on Prolia. Probably the reviews are written by those unhappy with the drug. Those with no side effects probably aren't thinking of reviews.

I just want to add that my doctors including the breast surgeon are happy with my bone density improvement. We all have different circumstances and Prolia may be the best choice for many people. If my circumstances changed I would consider Prolia again. But for now I have found what seems to work for me.

Hi @Chris
My bone density plummeted in the first year of taking Femara (I had 2 years on Tamoxifen before having ovaries removed and changing to Femara). After the first year on Femara my t-score at the spine was -3.2! My breast surgeon recommended Prolia but I had reservations. I asked lots of questions and still had concerns.

I stumbled across the Bone Clinic. They address all the issues that contribute to bone health. Their dietician examines your diet to ensure that you are getting enough calcium and all the other vitamins and minerals that are needed for healthy bones. I also saw their exercise physiologist who checked my functional movement and made sure it was safe for me to commence their weightlifting program. There has been a lot of research into this program through the Griffith Uni.

After 12 months on their program my t-score had improved to -2.1 at the spine. No Prolia or any bone medication and still taking Femara. I am just about to have my next bone density scan. I am hoping that it will show another positive result.

@Romla is right, even the makers of Prolia advise that your risk of fracture actually rises if you stop Prolia. At only 50 when diagnosed with osteoporosis I did not want to start on Prolia unless absolutely necessary. For me a supervised weightlifting program and some minor adjustments to my diet have reversed my diagnosis for now. Ask lots of questions until you are comfortable with your choices. 

@Chris I started Femara/Letrozole with Osteoporosis at the outset.I had also had an osteoporotic fracture. I was recommended to have Prolia injection 6 monthly - have had 2 so far and due again in August

.I too read online the negative comments and was more worried about Prolia side effects than Femara.I saw my long term GP  who said he had many women having it with no issues whatsoever and it would be the least of things to worry about.

I have also learned several friends have the injection with no difficulty whatsoever.That is exactly as I have found it - no problems.

I have also learned that it works synergistically with Femara to lower risk of recurrence.

You need to avoid dental work like extractions and root canals whilst on it but as the drug exits the system after 6 months I schedule my dental appointments after this time and before I have a new injection.

I have been on the alternative bone builder drugs briefly prior to bc ie bisphoshonate tablets which I do not recommend .They have a very very long stay in the system and the risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw is high with dental work.I stopped them after 3/4 months when I needed an extraction and no dentist would help me except Prof Goss from the dental school as they were scared of the risk of ONJ.Goss only did so after a test called cross laps showed my bone was turning over.

Prolia apparently builds bone quickly but be aware bone thins quickly if you stop the injections.

The Bone Clinic in conjunction with Griffith Uni on the Gold Coast has been achieving good results in reversing bone loss with a weights program. @Deanne might be able to help in this regard and you could use the search bar on the blog to find out more - there was a post quite recently about it.I do light weights twice per week plus walk one hour daily.

Whatever you decide I would be very wary of bisphoshonate tablets.The injections are expensive $275 per jab or $38 is you can access the pbs price. The pbs price is accessible if -
1. Osteoporosis and over 70.   OR
2. Osteoporosis and have had a fracture

As you know an osteoporosis diagnosis is dependent on your t score.

@melclarity

@Romla