Hi. Other than concerns about side effects, bloodwork is done to check your phosphorus levels (I forget why…). Anastozole also affects your bone density. It depletes it because you are blocking estrogen. My oncologist had me go 6 months on the anastozole before introducing a medication to help bone loss. He chose Prolia because it is also used for people with bone cancer, so while helping your bone density, it is also a medication that reduces chances for metastasis of the breast cancer to your bones. (Not that it’s actually going to happen. It’s just “why not pick the medication that works for both?”) Prolia has its own side effects, so starting afterwards helps separate how the 2 medications are making you feel. I have friends who didn’t take anything for bones, but theirs may have been in better shape to begin with! I was already headed towards osteoporosis! Every doctor has their own system for treatment.

I am having my first check up on March 23 also. Started Femora 3 weeks ago..like you, I am trying to not dwell on side effects though I do have some.

I know you've read the many comments but just to reiterate for anyone else new to anastrozole, I'd make sure to have a DEXA scan (to monitor any subsequent changes in bone density) and cardiac workup (to monitor cholesterol). That way you have recent baseline numbers to compare any changes. And the tips elsewhere to stave off osteoporosis on those threads are great. You can offset some of the side effects while deriving the benefits from the aromatase inhibitor. And ditto on the thoughts and prayers for all of us on this unchosen journey.