Arimidex/Anastrozole and Osteoporosis

luke137

Hi, I am 64 was diagnosed in April 2026 with Stage 1 Invasive Lobular, ER+, PR-, HER2-, clear lymph node, Oncotype score of 22. I chose a bilateral mastectomy and it was not as bad as I thought it might be. I do not need radiation nor chemo, my oncologist is recommending I take Anastrozole for 5 years. However, I have osteoporosis (severe in my spine) and I'm struggling with whether I should take the medication. On my Oncotype report it shows a 7% recurrence risk at 10 years if I take the med and 14-20% recurrence if I don't. I also know there are other side effects to the meds besides bone loss. Has anyone had any similar situation?

moderators

@luke137, we're sorry for the worries that have led you here. Have you discussed your concern about your osteoporosis with your medical oncologist? Your oncologist may recommend treatments to protect you against osteoporosis and osteopenia. Other hormone-blocking SERM (selective estrogen receptor modulator) therapies, such as Raloxifene or Tamoxifen, may instead be recommended to reduce the risk of a hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer recurrence while at the same time offering some benefit against osteoporosis.

maggiehopley

I had osteopenia at diagnosis rather than osteoporosis, so it's not quite the same, but I recently finished three years of Zometa infusions to protect my bones as I am on anastrozole. My Dexa scan has actually improved. The first infusion was rough but the rest were okay.