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Breast cancer treatment and osteoporosis

Breast Cancer | Last Active: Oct 23 2:09pm | Replies (78)
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@beachbabe

Is there any bisphosphonate that doesn't come with potential nasty side effects? Do they all have the potential to cause jaw necrosis and fractured femur?

My MO recommends going on Zometa every six months for 3 years. I had Stage 1 grade 2 HER2- ER and PR +, lumpectomy (2 because 1 margin not clear the first time) and I've been on Anastrozole for 7 months with no problems so far.

I have osteopenia and don't want it to progress to osteoporosis.

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Replies to "Is there any bisphosphonate that doesn't come with potential nasty side effects? Do they all have..."
Sue Ellen Murrey | @semurrey | Mar 8 2:58pm

Being on Letrozole for a year put me into osteoporosis and I just started with Fosamax. My endocrinologist and oncologist agreed that I could start with the weekly pill, Fosamax as I was fearful of the even more side effects often experienced with Reclast, IV infusion. If Fosamax doesn't help (will repeat DEXA in one year) I will progress to Reclast. Fingers crossed - these meds are a struggle and I wouldn't be on them unless I was solidly in osteoporosis. xo

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bloncape | @bloncape | Mar 9 7:17pm

I am pre diabetic. I was 70 years old when diagnosed with ER+ breast cancer and had had osteopenia for a number of years. At the first visit with my endocrinologist after my lumpectomy, I told him that I would be taking an aromatase inhibitor. He said that I should tell my oncologist to prescribe whatever drug was best for my cancer and he would take care of my bones. When I questioned him, he said that the drugs could lead to osteoporosis, but I would eventually need treatment anyway because bone density decreases as we age. I took anastrozole
for about 3 months, but was unable to continue due to severe side effects. After 3 years with no medication for my breast cancer or my bones, my bone density has remained the same and not progressed to osteoporosis.
Medications have different effects on our bodies. I’m glad to hear that you are doing well on anastrozole. I think that requesting an annual DEXA scan is advisable, so you can monitor your bone density.
I wish you best of luck.
Becky

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