How Many are doing 10 years on Aromatase Inhibitors
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I like Bone Defense. 3 capsules per day supply 500mg calcium (from a blend of types) plus Vitamin D 3000 iu, plus Ipriflavone, Vitamin K2, Biotin, Magnesium and other things like black pepper and ginger root to help absorption. If I am not mistaken, this blend of ingredients helps prevent calcification of the arteries.
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gentle thought....I don't think it wise to talk about dosages. Best kept discussed with physician whose advise you trust and knows your family history.
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I've never heard of that dosage of calcium causing concern. I think I'm taking 1000 or more per day. I'd run your OB/GYN's comment past your MO and go with MO's recommendation, frankly.
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So those of us on AIs definitely fit under this statement from the above article.
Furthermore, the National Osteoporosis Foundation maintains that the findings of current studies and advice about supplements should "not apply to women with osteoporosis or broken bones after age 50 or those with significant risk factors for fracture." For them, the benefits of calcium supplements are likely to far outweigh any risks.
I barely supplement with calcium - 300 - 600 mg, but work to get much of my calcium from food. And always take supplements with food. I'll find out next fall whether this is working for me at the next DEXA in a year. Hope to never find out that I've taken too much, evidenced by heart problems.
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Thanks, VR - I do remember seeing that now. However, so much of it was contradictory or inapplicable that I think I just filtered it out of my awareness. I've been taking calcium/magnesium/D on the advice of my gastroenterologist. All concerns about my bones aside (and there are plenty) I think I'll stick with his advice. One cancer is more than enough, thank you.
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I just don't think that most of us adults can get enough calcium or magnesium from food. Just sayin'.
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Aug...Health care experts agree that dietary calcium is the best way to absorb calcium. No two people eat the same amount of food containing calcium. Nor does any individual eat the same amount of food containing calcium each day. Taking that into consideration along with each individual's medical history AND family history, makes it difficult to recommend a PRECISE dose of calcium. Then, one must keep in mind if a person and their physician decide the patient needs to supplement their calcium, the question that needs answering is two fold. First, is the dose for prevention or for a therapeutic reason? Once that question is answered, then you need to determine the "correct" dose for that individual. Considering the "evidence" it seems difficult to recommend ANY supplemental dose of calcium for broad populations.....
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I agree with voraciousreader. Bone density loss while on AI is frequent but not a given. Not everybody gets calcium prescribed just because one is on AI. I for one was recommended to increase the intake of calcium with food and more exercise, but no calcium supplement for now.
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Interesting discussion once again and I wish I had more time to participate but I wanted to add this url on tea consumption before I lose track...(turkey dinner prep). It is not all about calcium let alone magnesium supplementing, no health professional and I have consulted with several, has suggested taking magnesium supplements, and I already have osteoporosis.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2754215/
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Great discussion!
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Hi new2bc
The oncologist has had me on 500 mg of Calcium per day for the last 7 years when I started Femara.
Ched
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Thanks for the article. Interesting. You pay your price and take your pick! All medics have their pet hobbyhorses and prescribing varies according to a number of criteria. Absorption may vary too - we are not all the same height/weight/body mass. If women dieted less and didn't avoid dairy which contains much calcium, they might have stronger bones in the first place.
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gemma, I agree, I have taken a simple calcium pill every day for way before the CA thing happened, it suppements the yogurt and veggies
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Hi Ladies. Please remember to take your Vit D supplement 2x/day. I am Vit D deficient and was told by my Onc to split up my Vit D to AM and PM so the body has time to absorb it. I am taking 3000 IU but splitting it up; I am hoping that will help. Also, take food based calcium supplements that it goes to your bones not your arteries.
Hugs!
Cakes
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Cakes, I do the same.
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I started taking D3 last year before BC as I was deficient. My family doctor did a blood test. How often do you get tested for levels? Do you need more being on an AI or just a normal level maintained?
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It's my impression, from when I started on AIs last fall, that simply being in the normal range will suffice. Some providers want to re-test after a few months to see whether you're getting enough. After than, an annual check is usually sufficient. Ask your doctor, however, to make sure that's the plan for you.
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way before the BC junk, my primary doc was doing a full blood work up and it always checks for Vit D. Mine has always been fine but I do still take suppliments. Amazing how much can be found in blood work up, mine showed my Lyme disease at an early stage. Love the doc for her testing!
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Hi new2bc. I've been on Arimidex for 6 years and have taken 1200 mg calcium from the beginning. I also started with 1000 IU Vitamin D, but was upped to 2000 since my Vitamin D level was on the low side. I began taking two Citracal tablets daily (one near breakfast and one near dinner) which gives me the 1200 mg calcium and 1000 IU Vitamin D per day. I heard that taking the two tablets apart is better. I like Citracal (calcium citrate) since it is absorbed with or without food. It's good for people who are taking meds for acid reflux like me too. Hope this helps!
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You can review the information for BCI at http://www.biotheranostics.com/wp-content/uploads/BTXBCI_149_BCI%20Updated%20CVA_v18_fnl.pdf.
The fact that caught my attention is over 50% of recurrences happen after the 5th year and 4-5 % of women will benefit from extended endocrine therapy. This test may save lives. The statistic is similar to the 3-5% that can be helped by chemo.
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My Onc started me on an AI and I was told when I reach the 5 yr mark she would switch me to Tamoxofin
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I've been on Femara for 6 years now..................I asked if I could continue until 10 years after seeing the research...............
At first my onc was a little reluctant, but after I showed her the research, she agreed................I feel that it's my 'comfort blanket'...........so many like me, have been dx with secondaries, and I just have great faith in these little tablets..............
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happy, if you feel more confident doing the 5 years, then it is right for you. Best of luck to you
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Happy.. I understand about the little white pill being a security blanket.. I feel.the same
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happygran what research did you have to show your doctor?
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Hi , I am seriously thinking of finally stopping adjuvant hormonal therapy. I was diagnosed in 2006 and have been through surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. I have taken tamoxifen for 5 yrs, letrozol and then arimidex for a couple of years and finally tamoxifen again for the past year ( could not tolerate the fatigue and joint pain from the AI's). My oncologist would like me to stay on tamoxifen to complete 10 yrs of hormone therapy, but....I have had enough ! I am just tired of being tired all the time and in a bad mood. I guess what I am looking for is support with the decision to stop everything.. My question is, will my mood get better when I stop everything? Will I feel physically better? Or are all these feelings just a result of menopause and quitting tamoxifen won't make a difference in my emotions and wellbeing. I would appreciate any input. Cheers
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why do some people use Anastozole and others are given letrozole? Are the side effects similar? I'm off the med while on chemo, bit wondered if there was a benefit other than the one research article about mets and ILC. Thanks for any info to discuss with my MO. Anastrozole has been ok so far knock on wood
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I was done at 5 years. I felt good on it, but even better once I was off....nothing earthshattering, it was kind of subtle; but I felt a lighter mood, better sleep, less achy etc. I'm not making a recommendation to quit though. That has to be each lady & her doctor evaluating her own personal risk/benefit ratio and how the choices and potential consequences (either way) fit into her philosophy of life. Best of luck with your decision!
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To all that are researching continuing the AIs, I encourage you to research the BCI test. Now is covered by some insurance and is similar to Oncotype. I had the test done on my tumor after 7 years and it showed that I would receive benefit from continuing the AIs. I love scientific information.
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