Side effect of Arimidex -- osteoporosis getting worse -- kinda scared

Me, too...
Hi,
I take Femara (which is similar to Arimidex-also blocks estrogen production). My oncologist is also having me come into the CA center every six months for an infusion of a drug called Zometa, which is supposed to help protect my bones. I take calcium/mag/selenium supplements too. I also try to stay active...I can sympathize since osteoporosis runs in my family, and now this!!
Please share what you find out. If it helps any, so far my bones are OK...

Bone Builders
Weak bones kind of run in my family,at least they did at my grandparents' generation, so I was very familiar with osteoporosis even before I was put on aromasin which is a cousin of arimidex. I rather insisted on getting on a bone builder(Fosamax) after my 2nd bone density scan showed that things were going downhill. I also work out daily M-F at the gym (both cardio and strength training), take 500 mg. of calcium twice a day plus a multi with calcium, eat a rainbow diet, and take vitamin D3 Fall through Spring. This year my bone scan was back to normal. Joy! Joy! So bones can be built back up.

It really helps to know exactly what is tearing bones down. In my grandparent's time, milk was only for babies and they didn't eat a diet that would really work at building bones. I also was clinically low on vitamin D3 in spite of drinking fortified milk with D, taking calcium with D, and taking a multi with D. The nurse practioner told me that our bodies absorb some kinds of D vitamins better than others. I take the D3 in gel tabs made of fish oilnow anytime my feet ache, but for a while there I was on the prescription stuff. There are a lot of hormone situations that may limit how well your body builds bones. So go for the tests and see what they recommend. Though it may take time and some prescription meds, I bet your next scan will be better too.

poplolly said:

Aisling
I have osteoporosis
Aisling

I have osteoporosis (can't spell it-but I have it), and I've been worried about the same thing. I didn't take the medicine you're talking about, but I feel like the chemo meds didn't do mine any good!

Victoria
Victoria,
I am very sorry. I am having a very similar problem, was diagnosed with osteoporosis in March. Eventually came to the term of my situation, was on Arimidex for 5 months only. I saw endocrinologist too who convinced my oncologist to change medication to Tamoxifen, My problem I cannot sit for more then 20 min. I will PM you later this week.
Hugs,
New Flower

aisling8mate said:

Please
...don't break!

John

Big smile........

Big smile........

lynn1950 said:

Osteo
After chemo and starting arimidex, my bone scans showed the precursor to osteoporosis, osteopenia. I take Boniva once a month. I took D3 and calcium everyday for a while too, but I've neglected them for about a year. I got so tired of taking pills! And the vitamin pills are so hard to swallow. These posts are inspiring me to start taking them again, especially if D will stop by feet from hurting!

Now that I've fought cancer, it's hard to accept ANYTHING else going wrong with my body.......

I'll join the crowd. My
I'll join the crowd. My bone density was a little on the low side prior to my diagnosis; now I have osteopenia. I, too, am taking Calcium, D3 5000mg and take Boniva once a month. I have been bad about exercising as I should, but I did take a Zumba class last night with my two daughters. Big Fun! I was amazed I lasted the entire time. I couldn't go full out with some of the movements (and I can't figure out where my sexy hip moves went) but I lasted through to the end and slept like a baby last night. We decided to sign up to go a few times a week and now that the weather is nice I think I'll add walking to my day.

Remember the old days when women our age got to watch soap operas, bake cookies and spoil the grandkids? When did that change???? This old lady stuff is getting to be a lot of work!

Chickadee

Chickadee1955 said:

I'll join the crowd. My
I'll join the crowd. My bone density was a little on the low side prior to my diagnosis; now I have osteopenia. I, too, am taking Calcium, D3 5000mg and take Boniva once a month. I have been bad about exercising as I should, but I did take a Zumba class last night with my two daughters. Big Fun! I was amazed I lasted the entire time. I couldn't go full out with some of the movements (and I can't figure out where my sexy hip moves went) but I lasted through to the end and slept like a baby last night. We decided to sign up to go a few times a week and now that the weather is nice I think I'll add walking to my day.

Remember the old days when women our age got to watch soap operas, bake cookies and spoil the grandkids? When did that change???? This old lady stuff is getting to be a lot of work!

Chickadee

Victoria ...
This damn cancer! Never in a million years did I think that many of 'we' WARRIORS would have to deal with after affects of this dreaded disease. Yes, like so many I thought that once my treatments were over, I would go back to living my life care free.

Please continue to fight with everything in your arsenal. Depleted of vitamins and minerals to keep us moving - UGH!

I for one,is thrill to see this post, as so many other Sisters in PINK are facing similar issues. Thank you for sharing --. We are a support site, and we support each other in dark times, happier times and thru so many health issues.

After reading John's post, I cried. Seriously! You are loved and cherished, my friend.

Praying and hoping for no spontaneous bone fractures or breaks - - curious, where can we purchase 'super glue' by the buckets?

Strength, Courage and Friendship,

Vicki Sam

Arimidex
I have taken Arimidex for almost 3 years and live in fear of breaking a bone, by losing my balance or slipping, etc. I am in physical therapy for my neck right now--cervical something and bulging discs. It seems like Arimidex has so many side effects and clearly osteoporosis is one of them.
But, now I have become lactose intolerant. There goes much of the natural calcium----I do drink the lactose free milk.

I realize that the battle and the "little fires" never really go away.

We must stay strong, follow the doctor's orders and do all we can for ourselves. Every day.

(and now I hope I take my own advice)

aisling8 said:

Thank you
each and every one of you for your kindness, empathy, and thought filled replies. It helps so much sometimes just to be heard.

What I forgot to mention is I've been on Fosamax close to a year so it's obviously not helping. The onc said after the endocrinologist rules out other causes, she may switch me to Reclast and replace the Arimidex with Tamoxifen. So there's a few things to try. Plus I'll up the exercise a few notches in an effort to help myself. Oh, goodie, more sweatiness

I do know things could be worse. Much worse. I'm grateful I'm able to exercise, I'm grateful for life, and I'm grateful for all of you.

xoxo
Victoria

A bit confused, I am
Onc wanted to start me on bisphosphonates when I started Arimidex (5 months ago). She said I was osteoporotic already. Told me to go away and decide which one I wanted to take (why me?). I had an appointment with my primary care physician so I asked her for her opinon of which drug to choose. Well, she didn't want me on anything yet - said I was only osteopenic and she didn't want me on the bisphosphonates until I absolutely needed to be. So I left more than a little confused and was expecting some trouble when I next saw the oncologist. When I saw her she said, "oh, I see Anca doesn't want you on a bisphosphonate yet. Ok. We'll recheck your bone density again in 2 years".

I'm still a bit confused about all of this, but I know I don't want to take something unless I have to. On the other hand, I don't want to break a bone. I really trust my primary care physician and know she takes all of me into account, not just the cancer part. She went over my bone density test with me, and she spoke with an endocrinologist. It's just bothersome to get such opposing opinions - and this has happened more than once.

It's really interesting, Victoria, that you still developed osteoporosis in spite of being on Fosamax. Hope you get to the bottom of your osteoporosis and can reverse it. Keep exercising.

Suzanne