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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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@sequoia

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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Replies to "Thank you. It will be three years since my mastectomy. I am taking infusion Zometa every..."
callalloo | @callalloo | Apr 23, 2022

You can get a DEXA before any due date according to an oncologist I saw because of having breast cancer. He got a friend's insurance to cover it as she was at high risk for osteoporosis before going on anastrozole. Even if the insurer declines, over half of the appeals win. And, from the insurer's perspective, the estimated cost of covering osteoporosis risks is a lot more than preventing further bone loss. A 'no' response is often the first step that leads to a 'yes' response...so noted an instructor of negotiation skills once ;-).

Having said that, the DEXA is X-ray technology so that is more radiation to consider?

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