Bone density tests??

jo jo
jo jo Member Posts: 1,175
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I was told i needed a bone density test? How do they test this and does it hurt?
«1

Comments

  • HeartofSoul
    HeartofSoul Member Posts: 729 Member
    Jo Jo, first, did you mean
    Jo Jo, first, did you mean bone density test or bone scans? Bone density tests are not the same as bone scans. Bone scans require an injection beforehand and are usually used to detect fractures, cancer, infections and other abnormalities in the bone

    A bone density test determines whether you have osteoporosis or are at risk of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to become more fragile and more likely to break.

    A bone density test uses X-rays to measure how many grams of calcium and other bone minerals are packed into a segment of bone. A bone density test is a fairly accurate predictor of your risk of fracture

    Doctors use bone density testing to:

    ■Identify decreases in bone density before you break a bone
    ■Determine your risk of broken bones (fractures)
    ■Confirm a diagnosis of osteoporosis if you've experienced broken bones
    ■Monitor osteoporosis treatment

    The higher your bone mineral content, the denser your bones are. And the denser your bones, the stronger they generally are and the less likely they are to break.
  • bjmom1
    bjmom1 Member Posts: 152
    bone density
    Hi JoJo,

    The test do not hurt. To me it is a another xray.
  • jo jo
    jo jo Member Posts: 1,175

    Jo Jo, first, did you mean
    Jo Jo, first, did you mean bone density test or bone scans? Bone density tests are not the same as bone scans. Bone scans require an injection beforehand and are usually used to detect fractures, cancer, infections and other abnormalities in the bone

    A bone density test determines whether you have osteoporosis or are at risk of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to become more fragile and more likely to break.

    A bone density test uses X-rays to measure how many grams of calcium and other bone minerals are packed into a segment of bone. A bone density test is a fairly accurate predictor of your risk of fracture

    Doctors use bone density testing to:

    ■Identify decreases in bone density before you break a bone
    ■Determine your risk of broken bones (fractures)
    ■Confirm a diagnosis of osteoporosis if you've experienced broken bones
    ■Monitor osteoporosis treatment

    The higher your bone mineral content, the denser your bones are. And the denser your bones, the stronger they generally are and the less likely they are to break.

    Heartofsoul... now that you
    Heartofsoul... now that you bring it up...im not sure. (sorry hard to determine if its a blonde moment or chemo brain moment)
    But heres the scoop...I went to the dentist today and ive never seen this dentist before and hes very young and im not sure yet if i trust this kids or not...he said something about the chemo may have caused a couple teeth to loose their density???? Can chemo do that? Do i have the wrong terminology...would the test be a bone density test or bone scan?
    By the way WOW!!! It sounds like you did your homework on this, and i really feel foolish not paying more attention to what he said.
  • MyTurnNow
    MyTurnNow Member Posts: 2,686 Member
    JoJo, if it's a bone
    JoJo, if it's a bone "density" test, it doesn't hurt at all. It simply a matter of lying on a table with a scanner that scans your bones. I think it's mainly from the neck area down. There is no prep involved. I am not certain on the bone loss in your mouth from chemo, but I guess anything is possible. I had the bone density test, I think in part, because of my age (55) and I was being prescribed Arimidex. Good luck!!
  • CypressCynthia
    CypressCynthia Member Posts: 4,014 Member
    jo jo said:

    Heartofsoul... now that you
    Heartofsoul... now that you bring it up...im not sure. (sorry hard to determine if its a blonde moment or chemo brain moment)
    But heres the scoop...I went to the dentist today and ive never seen this dentist before and hes very young and im not sure yet if i trust this kids or not...he said something about the chemo may have caused a couple teeth to loose their density???? Can chemo do that? Do i have the wrong terminology...would the test be a bone density test or bone scan?
    By the way WOW!!! It sounds like you did your homework on this, and i really feel foolish not paying more attention to what he said.

    Sounds like he wants you to
    Sounds like he wants you to do a bone density test which is just xrays so it doesn't hurt at all. Chemo can cause bone loss and so can some hormone thearpies such as the aromatase inhibitors (arimidex, femara, and aromasin).

    My endocrinologist recommends a bone density test once a year while on arimidex. Many recommend a bisphosphonate (boniva, fosamax) to help if you are at risk.

    A couple of links:

    http://www.cancer.org/docroot/NWS/content/NWS_1_1x_Chemotherapy_Causes_Bone_Loss_in_Young_Women_.asp

    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16986348

    Hope this helps!
  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    I insisted on one after my treatments...
    To choose which hormone blocker I would use. The AI's (Arimidex, Aromasyn) tend to impede bone density. Tamoxifen not as much.

    These other wonderful ladies are right, it doesn't hurt a bit. AND you get to keep your CLOTHES ON!!!! YEA!!! NO partial hospital gowns!!!

    For me, it highlighted that I had full-on osteoporosis. We started Actonel (like boniva), calcium, and Tamoxifen as a result.

    Fast forward 4 years: 2 subsequent scans show that my bones are recovering!! And, this past January, I fell while skating on the canal in front of my house in Holland. I went to the Dutch version of ER, and they said that usually a fall like this breaks many of the arm bones, and all it did on me was a small crack in my elbow. The docs were amazed to hear I suffered from osteoporosis.

    You need to send your dentist a fruit bouquet as thanks (candy to a dentist would sort of set the wrong mood, don't you think? ROFLMAO!).

    Hugs, Kathi
  • KayNYC
    KayNYC Member Posts: 495 Member
    KathiM said:

    I insisted on one after my treatments...
    To choose which hormone blocker I would use. The AI's (Arimidex, Aromasyn) tend to impede bone density. Tamoxifen not as much.

    These other wonderful ladies are right, it doesn't hurt a bit. AND you get to keep your CLOTHES ON!!!! YEA!!! NO partial hospital gowns!!!

    For me, it highlighted that I had full-on osteoporosis. We started Actonel (like boniva), calcium, and Tamoxifen as a result.

    Fast forward 4 years: 2 subsequent scans show that my bones are recovering!! And, this past January, I fell while skating on the canal in front of my house in Holland. I went to the Dutch version of ER, and they said that usually a fall like this breaks many of the arm bones, and all it did on me was a small crack in my elbow. The docs were amazed to hear I suffered from osteoporosis.

    You need to send your dentist a fruit bouquet as thanks (candy to a dentist would sort of set the wrong mood, don't you think? ROFLMAO!).

    Hugs, Kathi

    No pain for this test
    Bone density test aka DEXA does not hurt. It is a scan and doesn't take long to do either. Have had several over the past few years as I have Osteopenia and will be starting Arimidex soon.Go glad your dental appt led to your getting this important information.
    Hugs,K
  • jo jo
    jo jo Member Posts: 1,175

    Sounds like he wants you to
    Sounds like he wants you to do a bone density test which is just xrays so it doesn't hurt at all. Chemo can cause bone loss and so can some hormone thearpies such as the aromatase inhibitors (arimidex, femara, and aromasin).

    My endocrinologist recommends a bone density test once a year while on arimidex. Many recommend a bisphosphonate (boniva, fosamax) to help if you are at risk.

    A couple of links:

    http://www.cancer.org/docroot/NWS/content/NWS_1_1x_Chemotherapy_Causes_Bone_Loss_in_Young_Women_.asp

    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16986348

    Hope this helps!

    Thanks Cynthia for the web
    Thanks Cynthia for the web sites...your info helps!
  • jo jo
    jo jo Member Posts: 1,175
    KathiM said:

    I insisted on one after my treatments...
    To choose which hormone blocker I would use. The AI's (Arimidex, Aromasyn) tend to impede bone density. Tamoxifen not as much.

    These other wonderful ladies are right, it doesn't hurt a bit. AND you get to keep your CLOTHES ON!!!! YEA!!! NO partial hospital gowns!!!

    For me, it highlighted that I had full-on osteoporosis. We started Actonel (like boniva), calcium, and Tamoxifen as a result.

    Fast forward 4 years: 2 subsequent scans show that my bones are recovering!! And, this past January, I fell while skating on the canal in front of my house in Holland. I went to the Dutch version of ER, and they said that usually a fall like this breaks many of the arm bones, and all it did on me was a small crack in my elbow. The docs were amazed to hear I suffered from osteoporosis.

    You need to send your dentist a fruit bouquet as thanks (candy to a dentist would sort of set the wrong mood, don't you think? ROFLMAO!).

    Hugs, Kathi

    WHAT...a test you actually
    WHAT...a test you actually get to keep your clothes on for!!!!
    Ya Kathi they may frown on candy...my dentist looks like hes never had any before...cuz his teeth can glow in the dark and straight as an arrow!
  • DebbyM
    DebbyM Member Posts: 3,289 Member

    Jo Jo, first, did you mean
    Jo Jo, first, did you mean bone density test or bone scans? Bone density tests are not the same as bone scans. Bone scans require an injection beforehand and are usually used to detect fractures, cancer, infections and other abnormalities in the bone

    A bone density test determines whether you have osteoporosis or are at risk of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to become more fragile and more likely to break.

    A bone density test uses X-rays to measure how many grams of calcium and other bone minerals are packed into a segment of bone. A bone density test is a fairly accurate predictor of your risk of fracture

    Doctors use bone density testing to:

    ■Identify decreases in bone density before you break a bone
    ■Determine your risk of broken bones (fractures)
    ■Confirm a diagnosis of osteoporosis if you've experienced broken bones
    ■Monitor osteoporosis treatment

    The higher your bone mineral content, the denser your bones are. And the denser your bones, the stronger they generally are and the less likely they are to break.

    The bone density test is
    The bone density test is just like an xray. You just lay down on a table and the machine moves over you.
  • Noel
    Noel Member Posts: 3,095 Member
    jo jo said:

    WHAT...a test you actually
    WHAT...a test you actually get to keep your clothes on for!!!!
    Ya Kathi they may frown on candy...my dentist looks like hes never had any before...cuz his teeth can glow in the dark and straight as an arrow!

    Yes, we keep our clothes on
    Yes, we keep our clothes on for the bone density test. Surprise! LOL

    It is totally painless, you just lay there.

    Good luck with your dentist too Jojo!

    ♥ Noel
  • Rague
    Rague Member Posts: 3,653 Member
    KathiM said:

    I insisted on one after my treatments...
    To choose which hormone blocker I would use. The AI's (Arimidex, Aromasyn) tend to impede bone density. Tamoxifen not as much.

    These other wonderful ladies are right, it doesn't hurt a bit. AND you get to keep your CLOTHES ON!!!! YEA!!! NO partial hospital gowns!!!

    For me, it highlighted that I had full-on osteoporosis. We started Actonel (like boniva), calcium, and Tamoxifen as a result.

    Fast forward 4 years: 2 subsequent scans show that my bones are recovering!! And, this past January, I fell while skating on the canal in front of my house in Holland. I went to the Dutch version of ER, and they said that usually a fall like this breaks many of the arm bones, and all it did on me was a small crack in my elbow. The docs were amazed to hear I suffered from osteoporosis.

    You need to send your dentist a fruit bouquet as thanks (candy to a dentist would sort of set the wrong mood, don't you think? ROFLMAO!).

    Hugs, Kathi

    I always have to unzip my
    I always have to unzip my jeans and pull them down past my hips.

    Susan
  • fauxma
    fauxma Member Posts: 3,577 Member
    Rague said:

    I always have to unzip my
    I always have to unzip my jeans and pull them down past my hips.

    Susan

    Rague,
    You are correct. If

    Rague,
    You are correct. If you have zippers or metal that has to be out of the range of the test. I always wear sweats, jogging pants, and a plain tee shirt and no jewelery. Then I don't have to lower or remove anything but it is simple to pull down the pants a bit if you should be wearing zipper pants.
    Stef
  • 24242
    24242 Member Posts: 1,398
    fauxma said:

    Rague,
    You are correct. If

    Rague,
    You are correct. If you have zippers or metal that has to be out of the range of the test. I always wear sweats, jogging pants, and a plain tee shirt and no jewelery. Then I don't have to lower or remove anything but it is simple to pull down the pants a bit if you should be wearing zipper pants.
    Stef

    bone density
    Actually it was explained to me that dry mouth is truly the problem that causes early decay and poor strength to our teeth. I think as well which I have experienced first hand if in pain we tend to clench our teeth or grind them and too is very hard on them. I was in pain for years and found myself doing this and still do as a response to pain.
    Yes of course if you are having pain in bones then checking for osteo and possible reasons for the pain. Bone density test seem to be very common after treatments are concluded.
    I am not sure might get a shot that is a radiation dye can't remember on that one though with my lasting chemo brian. LOLOL
    Tara
  • Rague
    Rague Member Posts: 3,653 Member
    fauxma said:

    Rague,
    You are correct. If

    Rague,
    You are correct. If you have zippers or metal that has to be out of the range of the test. I always wear sweats, jogging pants, and a plain tee shirt and no jewelery. Then I don't have to lower or remove anything but it is simple to pull down the pants a bit if you should be wearing zipper pants.
    Stef

    Yeah - just me but I only
    Yeah - just me but I only wear my 2 pair of sweats either at home on cold nights or at the gym on cold days (OR over my thermies, under my jeans and at least a hooded sweatshirt which are under my snowsuit when I have to be outside in the winter - basically twice daily. I look like a walking black snowman (my snowsuit is black.) Remember I'm in the "South" - South DAKOTA that is.LOL) Gotta wear jeans/jean shorts well other than to Church - then skirt/dress. Depending on the season, I have either a turtle neck, t-shirt or tank top on so that doesn't have to come off - nor does undies - just lower the jeans.

    Susan
  • susie09
    susie09 Member Posts: 2,930
    Rague said:

    Yeah - just me but I only
    Yeah - just me but I only wear my 2 pair of sweats either at home on cold nights or at the gym on cold days (OR over my thermies, under my jeans and at least a hooded sweatshirt which are under my snowsuit when I have to be outside in the winter - basically twice daily. I look like a walking black snowman (my snowsuit is black.) Remember I'm in the "South" - South DAKOTA that is.LOL) Gotta wear jeans/jean shorts well other than to Church - then skirt/dress. Depending on the season, I have either a turtle neck, t-shirt or tank top on so that doesn't have to come off - nor does undies - just lower the jeans.

    Susan

    I kept my jeans on during my
    I kept my jeans on during my bone density test. Isn't it strange how we all differ in our tests, treatments etc?

    I know that for a MRI there can be no metal in the room where the test is being done.

    ♠♣ Susie ♠♣
  • Rague
    Rague Member Posts: 3,653 Member
    susie09 said:

    I kept my jeans on during my
    I kept my jeans on during my bone density test. Isn't it strange how we all differ in our tests, treatments etc?

    I know that for a MRI there can be no metal in the room where the test is being done.

    ♠♣ Susie ♠♣

    Bone density scan is not a nuclear bone scan.
    Basically, a bone density scan is an X-ray, similar to having your wrist, ankle, whatever x-rayed after an injury. There is no dye injected or 'stuff' to drink. You lay on the table, the scan runs (my hip area is all that's every been scanned) you get up and are gone. It is not involved with nuclear scans which do require no metal in the area.
  • susie09
    susie09 Member Posts: 2,930
    Rague said:

    Bone density scan is not a nuclear bone scan.
    Basically, a bone density scan is an X-ray, similar to having your wrist, ankle, whatever x-rayed after an injury. There is no dye injected or 'stuff' to drink. You lay on the table, the scan runs (my hip area is all that's every been scanned) you get up and are gone. It is not involved with nuclear scans which do require no metal in the area.

    I know...lol

    I know...lol
  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    Rague said:

    Bone density scan is not a nuclear bone scan.
    Basically, a bone density scan is an X-ray, similar to having your wrist, ankle, whatever x-rayed after an injury. There is no dye injected or 'stuff' to drink. You lay on the table, the scan runs (my hip area is all that's every been scanned) you get up and are gone. It is not involved with nuclear scans which do require no metal in the area.

    I was disappointed...
    You know, I NEVER like to miss an opportunity to do a naked happy dance...

    ROFLMAO!!!

    Hugs, Kathi
  • DebbyM
    DebbyM Member Posts: 3,289 Member
    jo jo said:

    WHAT...a test you actually
    WHAT...a test you actually get to keep your clothes on for!!!!
    Ya Kathi they may frown on candy...my dentist looks like hes never had any before...cuz his teeth can glow in the dark and straight as an arrow!

    You get to keep your clothes
    You get to keep your clothes on jojo! No stupid gown! haha