Osteoporosis

Hi Kitty, Osteoporosis isn't uncommon as we age. Menopause brings about a reduction in estrogen production which thins the density of our bones. Chemotherapy can bring the onset of menopause early for some women. Add to that, the aromatase inhibitor drugs like Arimidex and Femara which block the adrenal gland from converting androgen to a weak estrogen, even after the ovaries have stopped producing (for postmenopausal women whose cancer was ER+). This is the combination that brought on my osteoporosis. Luckily, my gynecologist sent me for a DEXA scan (to check bone density) as soon as I started taking Arimidex in May 2003, following all cancer treatments, and then prescribed Fosamax. This I take weekly, in addition to 1200mg Calcium + D daily. My osteoporosis is now in reversal. Calcium, alone, can't do that. You are still pretty young but you should discuss your concerns with your gynecologist. He/she can check your bone density, following treatment, and advise. Good luck with the rest of your treatment.
terri

Kitty - you touched on the very subject that I have been researching on my own. I was only 37 when I was dianoised with cancer. I too now had osteoporosis. My T score is so bad that the Drs. say that I had osteoporosis prior to the breast cancer. I believe that the very reason that I had such a large tumor was that my body was trying to get more estrogen to help to fix the osteoporosis. You know are body does try to heal itself. By producing large amounts of estrogen that helped my tumor grow. Being on Tamoxifin will be the best for osteoporosis, because it is a drug for osteoporosis as well as Cancer. I also am having Pamidrinite Infussions every 3 months to help with it as well. I believe that if we started to get bone dentisty tests for osteoporosis along with a mammograms, anyone that had osteoporosis would be at a higher risk for the breast cancer. Someone should really do studies on that. Cammie