HORMONE INHIBITORS AND BONE LOSS

[thomas62]

Hi to all you lovely ladies and wishing you all a healthy and happy 2019.

I am a low grader and am currently on Aromasin. Previously I have been on Letrozole. They are both hormone inhibitors. I have bone loss. Has anybody else experienced this, either osteopenia or osteoporosis and what treatment were you offered and at what stage of bone loss. Responses much appreciated.

[Lyndy]

I have (or had) osteoporosis after chemo. A nurse friend told me that wasn’t a surprise. I took adcal and a once a week bisphosphonate. I think it worked because a recent fall and another horse riding accident I didn’t break anything.

I try to walk a lot and be active to help my bones toughen up xx

[thomas62 in reply to Lyndy]

Hi Lyndy,

Thanks for this info. I'm pleased you seem to be doing well. How long were you taking the Bisphosphonate for? I thought they were for long term use.

[Bonnie11]

Osteoporosis/osteopenia is almost inevitable following TAH,chemo and steroids. I choose not to take the treatments on offer following extensive research. I was tired of medications and did not trust long term side effects. However I follow a calcium ,vitamin D rich diet (with supplements) and also did extensive research on exercise programme s which I try to follow...I am fully aware of my dexa scans but not rushing for repeats. I am not offering advise just my experience. But I will say knowledge is power

[Btte]

Hi I have been diagnosed with osteoporosis , one of my scans post che me showed fractured vertebrae, bone density & scan confirmed. Take Alendronic acid weekly with calcium & vit D. I also take Letrozole and at the moment taking 25 mgms. Prednisolone daily for lung lesion recurrence, both drugs effect the bones. Due bone density test Sept. Love Bridie

[thomas62]

Hi Bonnie11 and Btte

Thanks for your replies. Much appreciated.

Bonnie can I ask what your diet consists off to maximise your calcium, VitD. and your supplements. Bonnie I have read that you need k2 with Vit.D to maximise it's absorption!!

Also what does your exercise programme consist of and how often/how long! Thanks.

Best wishes. Gwen x

[Tesla_7US]

FYI, bisphosphonates are associated with osteonecrosis of the jaw in cancer patients. This is very serious. I now have severe arthritis/osteoporosis as a result of frontline and second line chemo. I need my hip replaced! I prefer exercise and nutrition to fight bone loss as I refuse to add another drug to my already drug weakened system. 😊

[thomas62]

Hi Tesla_7US

Thanks for your reply and the info. It's a minefield! Best wishes. Gwen x

[Zena41 in reply to thomas62]

It’s a minefield for sure!!!

[Grandma16]

I’m also a low grade serous and I’ve been taking 5,000 IU of vitamin D3 daily even before I was diagnosed. I also take 1200 mg of calcium daily. My oncologist also prescribed 100 mg vitamin B6 daily as it’s supposed to help prevent bone loss. I had a dexascan a few months before I was diagnosed with cancer last October but haven’t had one since. I think I will be told to have another one in a few months and will see if there’s any change.

[Grandma16]

I forgot to mention that I was prescribed Arimidex last June after my breast cancer surgery and my gynecology oncologist has kept me on it. I’ve not experienced any side effects from it.

[thomas62]

HI Grandma16,

Thanks for your reply. Can I ask where you get your Vit D3 from? Also what did your DEXA scan show? Are you classed as oesteopenic or with oesteoporosis or neither of these? Thanks. x

[Zena41]

Hello g how do they know this? Or find it ?

Are u on vitamin d ?

[Zena41 in reply to Zena41]

Also just reminded me about k2. And I just want to make sure I’m getting the right vitamins?

[thomas62]

HI Zena,

I only have Calcium/D3 on prescription. You could ask your dr. if you could have K2 asthis is required to help maximum absorption of D3. Alternatively you could buy it yourself! xx