I asked my oncologist who had recommended a Zometa infusion to have these bone markers done before starting treatment as a baseline. She declined and referred me to my primary care doctor who also declined and referred me to an endocrinologist. Both of these doctors said they didn't know anything about bone markers.

I found an endocrinologist who listened to my history and reluctantly agreed to order bone markers. She told me they are used to monitor whether an osteoporosis drug is working, but when I pointed out it didn't make sense to do that without establishing a baseline BEFORE beginning any drug, she reluctantly conceded and ordered the bone marker tests. It's another shocking reality that many doctors who routinely prescribe osteoporosis medications are not familiar with or do not believe in the use of bone marker tests.