Hi @fieryrn, oh golly, you’re one heck of a trouper. I was just reading your other posting about extreme exhaustion after cancer/radiation and now possibly returning to work with 12 hour shifts. One of the most difficult lessons I had to learn as a cancer patient was drilled into me daily by my nurses… Listen to your body!! That means when you’re tired, you need to rest. Even if it’s a cat nap. Your body has been pushed to the max, assaulted on all sides to eradicate the cancer. It’s one formidable foe and unfortunately can’t be brushed away with a feather duster. The brutal chemo and radiation are required in order to accomplish this goal. Some meds can also cause calcium to be lost or not being able to be absorbed by our bones.

Unfortualtely there is collateral damage, one of them being severe bone loss. Of course it’s not just all the meds, chemicals and radiation treatments at fault. Some of the depletion is also from the impact of nausea and not eating well for a year. You may be finding the same thing with your treatments. When we’re that nauseated, the last thing we worry about is how to get enough calcium in our bodies.

When I entered my chemo for AML and subsequent analogous stem cell transplant, a recent DEXA just prior to my diagnosis showed a healthy bone density. A year later, my exit testing required a DEXA scan and I was shocked to find out I had osteoporosis! My doctor wanted me to take medication to reverse this but because I was on a gum ball dispenser full of delightful meds already, I begged for a year to get this under control myself. He gave me one year!

I was referred to a PT. She was amazing in providing me with targeted exercises to strengthen and increase hip, leg and spine bone density and core muscles. Along with calcium supplements, magnesium, Vit D3 (I wanted to add strontium but that interfered with one of my meds) and finally being able to eat healthy meals and add milk back to my diet, we were all rejoicing at my last DEXA which showed I reversed osteoporosis to mild osteopenia. My doctor was ecstatic.

So I heartily suggest a couple of sessions with a PT. I know there are a lot of instructional exercises for osteoporosis online. But there are also some detrimental exercises which can do more harm that good. The value of a PT is to minimize any damage to your spine while learning how to build up the bone.

Most of the exercises are done in bed before I get up in the morning or right before I sleep at night. They’re very calming and the rhythmic counting of seconds as I’m holding a position quiets me down before sleep. So this won’t be adding any more stress to your day. We’re not talking heavy aerobics. You already have a huge burden of just getting through each day as you heal mentally and physically. Along with the Reclast you’ve been given I think adding PT and talking with a dietician will give you another level of protection. I know it sounds like a lot to take on, but honestly, it will come to be a daily part of your life and will actually enrich your feeling of strength and vitality.

I don’t believe you’re over reacting at all. You are tired and can’t fathom adding more to your plate with taking on a PT and diet consult. But your bone health is vital to keeping the rest of you going. Does this make a little more sense now?

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