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Aromatase Inhibitors: Did you decide to go on them or not?

Breast Cancer | Last Active: May 12, 2023 | Replies (1190)
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@windyshores

Good question. I had my cancer diagnosis in 2/15. I had a
DEXA in 2014, 2016, 2018. So by coincidence I already had my baseline and the two year interval meant my bone density was scanned one year after starting Femara, but the usual two years after my last scan.

I would ask you doctor and your insurance. I know that now, with severe osteoporosis on meds, I am authorized to have DEXA scans every year. It is possible the same is true during AI treatment (probably with MD letter of medical necessity/preauth.) It makes sense. I just didn't have to seek that because of the timing of my 2014 scan.

ps the most important year is the first, on an AI, in terms of bone density loss, in my experience...similar to the drop in hormones at menopause

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Replies to "Good question. I had my cancer diagnosis in 2/15. I had a DEXA in 2014, 2016,..."
sequoia | @sequoia | Apr 23, 2022

Thank you. It will be three years since my mastectomy. I am taking infusion Zometa every 6 months. I'll look at my records, but think I'm not due for another dexa until 2023. I've had 2 zometa treatments and been on AIs for almost 3 years, so I would like an update prior to 2023. I'll talk with my oncologist. I am 'hopefully' going to get a referral from him to see a Bone Health doctor and discuss all of this with her. My Onco doesn't seem in tune with what is going on other than ' that's the protocol "or t"hat's what the studies show" or 'the insurance won't pay for that'. He isn't looking at me as a person, IMHO

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