Femera question ladies

mollyz
mollyz Member Posts: 756 Member
in Breast Cancer #1
I've been on femera for a month and half.I want to know should i have had or have a bone scan? do i need to be on any meds other than femera? my oncologist (a man )haven't said anything, so today i called my gynecologist (a lady)for an appointment.any advice will be helpful. MOLLYZ

Comments

  • Chickadee1955
    Chickadee1955 Member Posts: 355 Member
    #2
    My oncologist had me ask my
    My oncologist had me ask my PCP for a prescription for Boniva to begin at the same time as the Femara. My bone density was a bit on the low side prior to bc, and treatment (or age) resulted in my becoming osteopenic. Femara can make that worse. As I've said before, this is the gift that just keeps on giving!

    Best of luck with the Femara.

    Chickadee
  • Rague
    Rague Member Posts: 3,653 Member
    #3
    Bone Density Test
    A Bone Density test would probably be a good idea to get a base line of where you are now IF you haven't had any before. I've been getting them for years as I have a family history of osteoporosis and I went through natural menopause fairly young (44). 6 mths after starting Femara I was still OK but last month my latest density test shows that at 1 1/2 years on it, I now have Osteoporosis - so I'm on Fosamax now.

    It's not a long or hard test - basically it just an x-rays your hip area. Machine will move some but not all of your body (at least the machine that have done my density tests).

    Susan
  • CypressCynthia
    CypressCynthia Member Posts: 4,014 Member
    #4
    A bone scan is a scan that
    A bone scan is a scan that looks for cancer. It involves injecting a dyes a few hours prior to the scan. You don't need a bone scan unless you are having problems or if your oncologist recommends a screen.

    A bone density test is another type of scan, but no injections and it looks at your bone density or how strong your bones are. My endocrinologist recommends a bone density scan once a year while on an aromatase inhibitor (femara, arimidex or aromasin).
  • CAchick
    CAchick Member Posts: 277
    #5
    Zometa
    Hi, I take Femara (now for about a year). I have a family history of osteoporosis. I had a bone density test which showed osteopenia (precursor to osteoporosis). My onc instructed me to take calcium tablets daily, and I have to go to the cancer center twice a year for a Zometa infusion. You are right to ask these questions. Best wishes as you find out about your options...
    Sybil
  • mollyz
    mollyz Member Posts: 756 Member
    #6
    CAchick said:

    Zometa
    Hi, I take Femara (now for about a year). I have a family history of osteoporosis. I had a bone density test which showed osteopenia (precursor to osteoporosis). My onc instructed me to take calcium tablets daily, and I have to go to the cancer center twice a year for a Zometa infusion. You are right to ask these questions. Best wishes as you find out about your options...
    Sybil

    Thank you all
    For the help again,I do have osteopenia i will have my gynecologist set me up for an appointment soon as possible because the groin areas is where I'm having most of my pain at now.It's weird the only time now i really feel the neuropathy is when i go out in the heat.@CypressCynthia I really didn't know bone scan and bone density were different test i have had a bone density a couple years ago but not since i was diagnosed with b/c thanks for sharing with me I value your opinion a lot and others. MOLLYZ
  • skipper54
    skipper54 Member Posts: 936 Member
    #7
    mollyz said:

    Thank you all
    For the help again,I do have osteopenia i will have my gynecologist set me up for an appointment soon as possible because the groin areas is where I'm having most of my pain at now.It's weird the only time now i really feel the neuropathy is when i go out in the heat.@CypressCynthia I really didn't know bone scan and bone density were different test i have had a bone density a couple years ago but not since i was diagnosed with b/c thanks for sharing with me I value your opinion a lot and others. MOLLYZ

    3 1/2 months
    I've been on Femara for 3 1/2 months now with no family history of osteoporosis. That being said my onc. put me on Fosomax because it also helps to make the bones inhospitable to breast cancer cells. He plans to have a DECCA scan at some point but also plans to add calcium and Vitamin D if needed. He's watching calcium levels with blood work etc. and I may not need the additional suppliments because I drink a lot of milk, eat yogurt and cheese. Time will tell! My onc is a man but he's pretty savvy and keeps up on the latest stuff, even showing me the websites and studies.

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