For Arimidex (Anastrozole) users, new, past, and ongoing
Comments
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Hi Maybee333
I just turned 59 years old. Now with an osteoporosis diagnosis, my medical insurance will cover bone density tests once a year. I definitely don't get enough exercise and sit all day at work and on my commute. I had hysterectomy at age 40. I was on estrogen since age 40 until being diagnosed with lobular breast cancer in 2010. I was 100 % estrogen positive, had double mastectomy with expanders and then implants. I began Arimidex with good strong bones, and have lost bone mass over the three years. I'll post next month what treatment the onc recommends. Good luck to you in keeping your bones strong.0 -
Please let us know what your recommendations turn out to be. And good luck to you too.
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Well, my latest bone density scan showed up online yesterday morning. I am now only a few tenths of a point away from osteoporosis. Will be seeing the onc on Tuesday, so I guess we'll have quite a chat. Meanwhile, I'm planning to start Bone Builders and a local gym. I've only been on arimidex for three months, so that couldn't be the culprit so soon, could it? But over the next five or so years (or however many they'll be recommending by then). . . . .
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On my request, my oncologist ordered a yearly DEXA while I was on Arimidex. I thought it was too important of a thing to stay on top of to wait & do it every two years,
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I asked for the scan before I started Arimidex, but the onc wanted to delay it, maybe because he wanted me to be a bit further from radiation? Last DEXA scan was six years ago, but now should I assume they'll be yearly?
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No, they do them every other year unless you push it. I'd want to get one ASAP, as you want to have a baseline going in.
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Sorry I'm unclear, Ruthbro. I had the DEXA scan last week, three months after rads and three months after starting arimidex. I'd asked for a pre-arimidex baseline, but apparently that's not his procedure. My first scan was in 2003 and was minus one, I think. In 2007, it was down a bit, but still in a sort of comfort zone. Now down again, and I guess it's time to address this bone health issue. Just thrilled to have another health issue looming! I'll send the onc an email asking for all the reports and an indepth review when I see him on Tuesday. I'm always one with zillions of questions, so I usually like to try to save the docs a little time by giving them a heads up on my issues.
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mybee333 I asked my onc to do a bone density test on me before chemo. I was 49, perimenopausal, small framed and my mom had it. That's how I found out I was osteopenic. So far we've been doing one every year. I have a feeling if this year there isn't a significant drop she may start doing it every other year.
brokendreams it sucks that you have osteoporosis but my BIL (a physician) says pretty much all older women will get it. I won't be surprised even with my exercising, D and calcium that I will have it 7 years. Problem with osteoporosis is the only way to build bone is to go on those drugs. So while I may seem to be staying osteopenic for now I am not building bone.
BrooksideVT I doubt it. You don't lose bone that quickly. That's why they do a bone dexa once a year not every few months. Don't assume it's the drug. You, like me might have had the issue before. In my case my big drop came after chemo/chemopause. Typically you will have a big drop in the first years of menopause. Now that I seem to be stable on Arimidex it seems that chemo/chemopause was the big issue for me.
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All: my bone density scan showed me as slightly osteopenic. I'm almost 52 (scan was last December) and had been deemed post-menopausal at my gyno exam in August 2012. No periods for 15-18 months and whatever lab work they do showed little or no estrogen being produced by ovaries. I had NOT been taking any calcium supplements (shame on me) and I blame the osteopenia on that mostly.
My oncologist prescribed calcium and D every day now, of course, as well as a Prolia injection every six months. He believes in my case that between the Calcium, vitamin D, Prolia and my level of regular weight bearing exercise it will keep further bone erosion at bay and will likely even reverse my numbers so I gain ground instead.
I haven't seen anyone above mention Prolia.....anyone else on that? My 2nd injection is on Tuesday. I know there are multiple side effects possible, but the only one I have is trigger thumb (musculo-skeletal) and that could also be attributed to Arimidex.
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My onc doesn't treat osteopenia. Spine is -2.3 (76%) hip & neck not so bad. The trigger finger is probably Arimidex. I have 2 triggers in the morning but go away in minutes.
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As a couple others have mentioned, I too was told by my onc that it wasn't her policy to do a bone scan before starting Arimidex. I had previously only had a bone density screening at one of those health fairs (before being diagnosed). Quite frankly I did not agree with that philosopy so I went to my primary care physician and told her that I wanted a bone density test as a baseline.( I am 64) She agreed and ordered one and it was fine (by this time it was 4 mo after starting Arimidex). I was on Arimidex for 13 mo. and am now on Aromasin for a month and a half. My feeling is that it is my body and I have a right to question "policy". I always keep in the back of my mind that there is a reason that this is called "the cancer industry" and am not afraid to question or "push back" if I am not comfortable with something.
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Absolutely, we have to be our own advocates. And your GP can be your best friend if others downplay your concerns.
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It constantly amazes me how different drs are and how different patients are.
My onco insisted on a baseline bone density and I still haven't done it. I'm afraid of all of this radiation,
So I've been on and off the AI's for a year and a half without a bone density. I did have a bone scan.
I know it's very little radiation and I've seen what osteoporosis can do....my mother had it BAD. But radiation just freaks me out. Just went for the mammo and that was hard enough, And if I am osteoporotic what will they do?
Tell me to excercize, take calcium and D, He offered me that injection for it already because it's supposed to help prevent recurrence but he made it sound so awful and there are those dental complications that are so scary.
So, i'm laying low. Maybe not the best course, But that's why I'm amazed by how different people react to the same situation.
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My chances of osteoperosis is much higher than radiation causing cancer from scans. I have no problem doing the scan every year if my onc feels it's needed. She is not a scan crazy person either. But if there is the slightest issue she wants to catch it.
I'm a fairly active person. Would not be happy if I broke some important bone that might limit my mobility.
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Iago (or is it Lago?), my worst spot is the hip which is -2.1. I notice you mention your -2.3 is 76%. That is 76% of what? And thank you for telling me about the post-menopausal drop--This is my third scan and it does seem the drop is less than that between #1 and #2. I'm really hoping diet and exercise will do a lot fend off further drops, and i truly hope to be able to stay on this med for the full five years (or whatever the recommendation becomes over the next few years).
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The thing about radiation...you never know. They will never trace a cancer back to an xray or a scan.
U of C recently called me to participate in a survey. They are trying to determine risk factors for bc.
They asked me a lot of questions about how many mammos I'd had in my life, how many chest x-rays, etc.
In spite of what they say..that they are perfectly safe...they are cumulative and they do pose some risk, however small. Throughout my life I have had a lot of x-rays and scans. Each exposure was needed for an immediate purpose. I don't think the drs were thinking 30 years down the line, it wouldn't effect them. I actually told one dr, "BC runs in my family, I'd rather not have that x-ray". He said "I understand, but have it". lol Each dr had the same approach and here we are again and it's hard to know, IMO, the risk vs the benefit.
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There are a whole host of potentially horrible SEs from Prolia as with almost every other drug we see and hear advertised. Fortunately most folks do not experience those types of SEs. The jaw necrosis thing is a very rare SE. The most common side effects in patients receiving Prolia injections in conjunction with certain treatments for prostate or breast cancer are joint pain, back pain, pain in arms and legs, muscle pain. I'm not experiencing any of these with any more frequency or intensity than I did prior to Prolia. For me personally, if Prolia can help keep further bone loss at bay and I'm not experiencing serious SEs, it gives me peace of mind that my MO is being pro-active on that front. It's a personal decision, just like everything else with this despicable disease called breast cancer.
If only Eve hadn't eaten that damned apple!!!
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Thanks for the info sweet. After the dr gave me the horrible low down on those drugs (he mentioned fevers and flu symptoms) the nurse took me aside and said "I don't know why he does that. The worst I've seen is someone being under the weather for a day or two". So hard to know what's what but I'm glad it's working well for you. What you describe is the status quo under arrimidex!
I guess the SE's are why they insist on bone scans first. They have to justify prescribing it.
My one and only bone scan was taken about 5 years ago, pre menopause, and was normal. No knowing what's happened since. I'll probably cave at some point soon.
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Get the DEXA. It doesn't hurt, and you don't have to take off your clothes. (How many medical procedures can you say that about?
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Oh, ruthbru, I do love your outlook sometimes! You make me smile and lol many times
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I had a bone scan as part of a comprehensive physical prior to BC. My 2nd onc. wouldn't prescribe before having the results as a baseline. She said that we needed to know what the drug is doing. So a year later it was time for the two yr scan. When I was osteopenic she said we would scan again in two yrs and see where we were at. She didn't recommend treating the bone loss at this time (nor did my internist) because osteopenia is so common. btw-my mother has had great results with Fosamax. At 73 her bones are fine. Better than mine, but she hasn't had these health issues.
Speaking of the cancer industry, I read an article where a panel of doctors were discussing the AIs. The Europeans were much more conservative in the use of them. One doctor made a comment to the effect of- Of course in the US they will be prescribing these for everyone for as long as possible. His biggest concern was bone loss and the long life expectancy of women- how would we be in our later years if losing bone so rapidly so young. If I find it I'll post.0 -
Thanks goodness Eve ate the apple. She learned from that experience and then got Adam to eat it. Had Adam not eaten the apple those of us in relationships with men would be dealing with idiots!
Its LAGO. Everyone gets confused. 76% I assume means of what I should be at this age buet not sure.
Timbuktu I haven't had too many Xrays in my life at all till diagnosis… except for teeth
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I am counting on rebuilding any bone loss following my trip through AIs. This on top of making sure I get sufficient exercise throughout this journey. One of the reasons I started running. Major benefits, although have no way of knowing the effect on bone strength.
As an example, I have to visit my bank, 1.5 miles each way. I am walking.
As for "how long", I am still assuming 5 years. Unless something major between now and April 2015 to convince me otherwise. From one UK study I read, I was amazed at the benefit with only 2 years. (I don't remember the study, and that wasn't the point of the research, but I was impressed at the benefit.)
As for why do I believe I can rebuild my bones??? From the work of Dr Miriam Nelson at Tufts. Even women in their 90s got stronger in her early work!!! Thus, I am counting on being just fine. I will assess about 4 months out from finishing AIs. Then, I will have a clearer picture.
That is my game plan. Meanwhile, the other parts of my life beckon. - Claire
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I was told that I could not rebuild bone by just weight bearing exercise, D and Calcium. Only the bone building drugs would do that. Granted it looks like eating a serving of prunes might do it
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I have just been having a quiet night reading threads - I sometimes read this one. went straight to the fridge to pull out my big bag of really delicious ones, ate 9. what is it about prunes that does it?
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Ruthbru, last week I started eating prunes several times a day. On July 4th, I was awakened at 5 am with really bad abdominal cramps. I made it through the 4th because I had family here but called my doc first thing on the 5th. She sent me to the hospital for tests. Six hours later, the DX was acute diverticulitis and inflamed colon. The only change in my diet I could think of was the prunes. Any chance of a connection?? Now I'm on 2 antibiotics and a bland diet of mostly eggs, potatoes and white fish. When I get better, I'm worried about the prunes. Ever heard of them causing colon problems??? Just a fluke???
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I'm thinking just a fluke. Prunes don't have any seeds (seeds, I know are a no-no for people with diverticulitis). Tell your doctor though, see what he/she has to say, and report back. Also wondering, could it have any connection with the Metformin? A friend of mine is part of a clinical trial & she thinks she is getting the real thing, not a placebo, because she has stomach issues if she takes her pills on an empty stomach. Worth asking the doc about that too.
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Ruth, I've been in metformin clinical trial for over a year with no gastro issues, so I've always assumed I was on placebo. Interesting, though, that with the CT scan, when they learned I was possibly on Metformin, they did bloodwork beforehand and I had to sign a sheet swearing not to take Metformin for 48 hours after scan. I'll see my MO on Monday and hopefully gastroenterologist this week, to see what they say. ( I also had colon cancer 16 years ago, so there's a chance something else is going on there. The radiologist says I shouldn't wait for my scheduled 'scope in August, which scares me!)
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WaveWhisperer I want to eat the prunes too but I have gastro issues with them. They can really give me gas and bloat if I eat to many but I do have IBS.
Here is a list of fruits/berries to avoid when suffering from diverticulitis: linky I would ask your doctor, one this passes if you can eat some of those things again. I believe that prunes might help you not be constipated (bad for diverticulitis) but right now would aggravate your already pissed off colon
flannelette there are some studies that say eating a full serving of prunes a day can actually build bone not just prevent bone loss.
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