Scanxiety - bone mineral density
Tl;Dr - it’s another 2 am freakout. I'm having a panic into the void. I'm 3 years on from my diagnosis of early breast cancer (hormone positive idc). I went for my routine bone mineral density scan yesterday, and now I'm really frightened. I could see the image as it was being taken, and there was one spot on my spine that seemed much lighter than the surrounding bone. I don't know what a normal scan looks like, but what I saw on the screen has scared the living bejeebers out of me. I’d crawl into bed and stay there waiting for the dreaded call, but I'm in a proper panic and can't sleep. Far out, I hate nights like this.
Anastrozole and osteopenia
Moderator moved @tom post from 'Activity' section to 'test, Treatments and Side Effects': tom Hello my name is Molly would like to hear feedback on bone density, I have osteopenia have been on Anastrozole for the past 3 years been advised to stop if I want to . diagnosed with DCIS early breast cancer in 2019 Cheers 😊
Anastrozole side effects
Hi all, looks like I will be taking Anastrozole after my radiotherapy treatment. I understand that a side effect is reduction in bone density. Being osteopenia Im concerned about this. Is reduction in bone density a side effect for all taking this Anastrozole or just some people?
Do I take Letrozole
Hi there. I am new to this group. I have had a Grade 2 cancer removed (lymph clear) and 3 weeks of radiotherapy. The tumour was 9mm Oe+ 100% Pr+ 90% and I now have been recommended to go on Letrozole. It is sitting on the bench and I am really nervous about it. I'm post menopausal and the bone density scans are showing osteopenia already. I'm really worried about all the side effects - weight gain, osteoporosis, joint pains etc.... Has anyone else been in the same boat or do you feel that because it is recommended by the oncologist, they are the ones that know best??? I believe he said it only increases the chances of not returning by about an extra 2% (i think from memory).... so is it really worth it? Happy to hear people's thoughts pls
My bones, osteopenia, and zoledronic acid.
Hello beautiful women, i had had a fun appointment with the oncologists yesterday and they reckon my T scores are crappy enough to suggest needing intervention with osteoporosis meds. I ‘only’ have osteopenia at present...but they are keen for me to get treatment NOW and avoid progressing to Porosis Land (hopefully). Onco told me she wants to use zoledronic acid, which is given IV at the cancer centre I believe twice a year(?). Oh yay can’t wait for the chemo PTSD when I get that first cannula again! Has anyone gone through this? Be honest, how bad are the side effects? I’ve been told: like a mild flu, might want to take a couple days off work. (Not a problem since my work just ended my employment and I’ll go back on sickness allowance to keep a roof over head until I can find another part time gig). So im scared! I don’t wanna! But it sounds like I have to do this new drug if I want to keep my bones in one piece.
Prolia iv
Hi all, have recently been changed from Tamoxifen to arimidex because of ongoing gynae issues. My gp suggested I have a bone density scan as a baseline. Turns out I already have osteoporosis in lumbar spine. He is keen for me to have an iv drip of prolia. Anybody else gone down this track please, and what were side effects? It really is one thing after another , isn't it. Hugs to all out there, x
Bone Density Medicare rebate...... or lack thereof
I haven't logged in here for a while. I've just had a bone density scan today, in preparation for review with my medical oncologist soon. Just a review, as, like many others I'm on an aromitase inhibitor. My particular poison is exemestane. As many of you will know, in spite of the knowledge that these medications are known to cause a reduction in bone density, there is no medicare rebate for us, unless we have another risk factor for osteoporosis which does make us elligible for a rebate. WhencI was looking for osteopaenia and osteoporosis information recently (a whole other issue why I was even doing that) I came across the attached document. Imagine my surprise then, to note that there IS a medicare rebate available for dexa scans for men being treated with androgen deprivation therapy (similar to our own hormone suppression of o oestrogen) for prostate cancer. Was anyone else aware of this? Are you like me in being quite incredulous?
Bone density scan
in the gift that keeps giving today I had a bone density scan - is it just me or does everyone twitch every new test? does anyone know what all the numbers and pretty pictures on the scan results mean? on the bonus side because I use an asthma puffer it was free the double bonus was they also gave me a car parking voucher so I didn’t pay there either! Apparently shitty hormone therapy isn’t a reason for a free scan but asthma isOsteoporosis & letrozole (Femara)
Hi there, I was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer July 2017. I have had a lumpectomy, chemotherapy & radiotherapy. I was given the all clear from breast cancer on 10th Aug 2018..... my 62nd birthday. A great present to be sure. As ongoing treatment I take letrozole daily (2.5 mgs) as my cancer was oestrogen receptor positive. I have just had a bone density scan & been told I have osteoporosis - the doctor feels it may have been exacerbated by the Letrozole reducing my oestrogen levels. We discussed different treatments - weekly/monthly tablets, yearly injections. He also suggested my surgeon might decide to change my meds. He mentioned Tamoxifen is gentler to bones. However when I read the side effects I was a tad worried. It mentioned blood clots, uterine cancer, nausea etc. I will have a follow up with my breast surgeon to discuss but wondered if anyone had advice on this area. I've coped well on Letrozole, but maybe some of you are doing fine on Tamoxifen. Cheers, Sue
Bone density results
soooooo this week I goy results. Dr was pretty non phased so I assume I should be too. Results were -1.5 and -1.6 I think I am 45 does that sound ok? It's osteopenia range but is every one at 45 that? I didn't ask that. I go back in sep for another nurse/gp visit so will check then. I normally get a print out of results but I was distracted by life last Thursday.