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I was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer in 2021, it was successfully removed. Now cancer free. I have been taking anastrizole 1mg for 3 yrs. Now magically big pharma is pushing 7 yrs. instead of the original 5. I lost 19 lbs. and I am feeling so healthy. When I went to see my oncologist on 12/24/2024 he didnt even give a care in the world about my healthy living great diet and exercise. Instead just wanted to push reclast. I did further research into this MAGIC drug. To my horror it is poison to many. No family history of osteoporosis, yes I know the drug I am on can cause bones to become weak. I will take my chances and continue to live my life with proper diet and exercise. And I am looking for a new oncologist who listens to me.
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I had 3 Reclast infusions over a 4.5 year period because of osteoporosis (DEXA bone scans). I had flu-like symptoms from the Reclast for several days, otherwise no adverse reactions. I now have early to moderate osteopenia. I have lifted weights/resistance training for decades (I'm 70), taken calcium/magnesium citrate, very healthy diet, and still osteoporosis. I bike and hike and lot, so wanted to decrease my risk of broken bones. I have a couple of friends with osteoporosis and they have had a lot of breaks; one was on vitamin B12 injections and the other Reclast pills (don't know why pills rather than infusion; her only side effect is loss of smell and taste).
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@pookybear01 when I was treated with letrozole, 10 years ago, the recommendation was aromatase inhibitors for 10 years. I read that 7 was as good as 10 (and better than 5) years. I am actually glad to hear that 7 is now recommended, not 10.
However, I had a test called the Breast Cancer Index that tells us whether extending aromatase inhibitor therapy past 5 years has any benefit for us, individually- a yes or no response. It also tells risk of recurrence. I came out as high risk and no benefit. I really wanted to do 7 years but not if it showed no benefit.
My friends on Reclast are all doing fine. I am doing fine but I had a low dose and long infusion with IV hydration.
You could probably satisfy your oncologist by doing a Breast Cancer Index test (the MD should provide this) and by doing low dose Reclast. I assume your bone density is the reason for the Reclast recommendation? If your bones are fine or even mildly osteoporositic, avoiding Reclast might be wise.
People who have side effects are more likely to post on forums. With the reduction of estrogen below detectable levels on AI's, I don't think diet and exercise can prevent bone loss, but they may help some. And again if your bones are osteopenic, or even mildly osteoporotic, you might get away with not taking Reclast.
Without the Breast Cancer Index and if bones are okay or being treated, 7 years is a standard protocol and so I am curious if you find an oncologist who recommends less.