Fosomax (Alendronate)

eihtak
eihtak Member Posts: 1,473 Member
in Breast Cancer #1
Hi, 6wks ago I had a double mastectomy with 2nodes removed for a rare secretory carcinoma of the breast. Margins and nodes were clear. My doc prescribed Arimidex and so far so good. About a year ago I was treated with chemo and pelvic radiation for Stage 3 Anal cancer, at this time NED. After a bone density test I have been diagnosed boarderline osteoporosis, with real concern to the radiated pelvis area. My doc prescribed Alendronate (Fosomax) and said to take calcium and VitD. I keep hearing various amounts of the amount of calcium and VitD that is appropriate. I believe after a certain amount your body does not utilize it and is a waste, but want to take the most that would be benificial. Also many calcium supplements have soy listed in the ingredients and I thought there was talk of soy being a problem in relation to breast cancer. Any helpful advice is welcome....As always, all in my prayers!

Comments

  • SIROD
    SIROD Member Posts: 2,194 Member
    #2
    Aromatase Inhibitors
    When I began Arimidex back in 1999 there was no side effects of the drug causing fractures. In 2003, I had a minor fall, got up, brush myself off and that was the end of it so I thought. I then began experiencing back pain and a MRI diagnose me with 3 vertebra fractures. This was the result of taking Arimidex which depletes the bones of estrogen. Fractures are now listed as a side effect.

    Everyone on Aromatase Inhibitors should be doing all they can to strengthen their bones.

    Unfortunately for me, I developed uveitis due to bisphosphonates. I stop taking them in 2006 at the recommendation of my uveitis specialist.

    I did take daily calcium and vitamin D while using Fosamax and later Boniva.

    Wishing the best in staying cancer free and bone healthy,

    Doris
  • camul
    camul Member Posts: 2,537
    #3
    I would talk to your oncologist to see what doses he recommends.
    I take 50,000 iu of vit d weekly, and 6 - 8 1000 strength tums a day. I am sure I lose a lot of it because my calcium and vit d levels are always on the low side. I would ask your doctor what you should be taking as a supplement. I also had rads to the hips/pelvic/back bones and I am pretty brittle. I also get an xgeva (bone shot) monthly. It appears they must be helping because I have not had any fractures so far. I took Fosomax for about 2 years after first bout with bc 2002-2004. I noticed that the Fosomax also helped with the bone pain but this time we are doing the shots for bone mets.
  • Lightheaded
    Lightheaded Member Posts: 6
    #4
    SIROD said:

    Aromatase Inhibitors
    When I began Arimidex back in 1999 there was no side effects of the drug causing fractures. In 2003, I had a minor fall, got up, brush myself off and that was the end of it so I thought. I then began experiencing back pain and a MRI diagnose me with 3 vertebra fractures. This was the result of taking Arimidex which depletes the bones of estrogen. Fractures are now listed as a side effect.

    Everyone on Aromatase Inhibitors should be doing all they can to strengthen their bones.

    Unfortunately for me, I developed uveitis due to bisphosphonates. I stop taking them in 2006 at the recommendation of my uveitis specialist.

    I did take daily calcium and vitamin D while using Fosamax and later Boniva.

    Wishing the best in staying cancer free and bone healthy,

    Doris

    Arimidex
    I also took Arimidex, ater completeing my chemo and radiation, from 2004 - 2007. I started taking Fosamax after breaking my leg in 2002; then Actonel. They all made my back and joint pain worse. I quit taking all medications and take calcium and viamin D every day along with other vitamin supplements. I am, thank God, cancer free but am wondering what the long term side effects of these drugs are.
  • eihtak
    eihtak Member Posts: 1,473 Member
    #5
    Lightheaded said:

    Arimidex
    I also took Arimidex, ater completeing my chemo and radiation, from 2004 - 2007. I started taking Fosamax after breaking my leg in 2002; then Actonel. They all made my back and joint pain worse. I quit taking all medications and take calcium and viamin D every day along with other vitamin supplements. I am, thank God, cancer free but am wondering what the long term side effects of these drugs are.

    Calcium and viamin D
    Just curious, how much of these does your doc recommend?
  • Noel
    Noel Member Posts: 3,095 Member
    #6
    SIROD said:

    Aromatase Inhibitors
    When I began Arimidex back in 1999 there was no side effects of the drug causing fractures. In 2003, I had a minor fall, got up, brush myself off and that was the end of it so I thought. I then began experiencing back pain and a MRI diagnose me with 3 vertebra fractures. This was the result of taking Arimidex which depletes the bones of estrogen. Fractures are now listed as a side effect.

    Everyone on Aromatase Inhibitors should be doing all they can to strengthen their bones.

    Unfortunately for me, I developed uveitis due to bisphosphonates. I stop taking them in 2006 at the recommendation of my uveitis specialist.

    I did take daily calcium and vitamin D while using Fosamax and later Boniva.

    Wishing the best in staying cancer free and bone healthy,

    Doris

    I've always been told to
    I've always been told to avoid all soy. However, it is almost impossible to not get some soy as it is hidden in some foods. I just do the best that I can to not consume any.


    Hugs, Noel

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