I had my ovaries out at 38 after chemo and before radiation. The came 5 years of tamoxifen and 10 years of anastrozole. The long answer is I am not yet 60, and I am not sure if I would still be having ungodly hot flashes without all of that. I am still burning up all day every day and half the night.
Did you have hot flashes before you started endocrine therapy?
I had them with menopause, when I was 50. But not since then. I've kept telling myself they were better than cancer. But since I'm clear after 5years, I am saying enough is enough.
After 12 months on Anastrozole I had no significant change in my DEXA score. I will have another DEXA at 24 mos. To monitor if any problems are arising.
I do have an increase in joint discomfort at 12-15 mos. Movement (and sometimes resort to a Tylenol ) is helpful in mitigating discomfort.
@bd2486 I had a 5% drop in bone density on letrozole, a similar drug, the first year and then a 2% drop each year for the next 4 years. This was similar to my pattern at menopause: a bigger drop the first year and then a stable but continued drop from then on. Most people take Reclast or Zometa during treatment to prevent this, but my endo doc was concerned about certain other health issues and did not prescribe.
@ginip as you know osteoporosis does not have symptoms. Knee pain might indicate osteoarthrtis but not osteoporosis. Nevertheless, without bone meds, aromatase inhibitors are thought to pose risks of bone density loss. Of course it depends too on how our bones were to start with: I already had pretty bad osteoporosis when I went on letrozole! (Now I am finished with Tymlos and bones are better than they were before cancer.)
After 12 months on Anastrozole I had no significant change in my DEXA score. I will have another DEXA at 24 mos. To monitor if any problems are arising.
I do have an increase in joint discomfort at 12-15 mos. Movement (and sometimes resort to a Tylenol ) is helpful in mitigating discomfort.
I was diagnosed with breast cancer 5 years ago this week. My oncologist insisted I do either Prolia or Reclast infusions. I've had 7 infusions and thankfully no side effects. My osteoporosis reverted back to osteopenia. As a former RN, I was very reluctant to have either Prolia or Reclast. Was very concerned about side effects...if you have any, what then? The drug is in your body and there's nothing to be done about it. But, I knew I had to take the risk. I'm done with Anastrozole next month and my osteoporosis specialist said no more Reclast, unless I would need to go back on an AI. I'm going to celebrate...Anastrozole has been the worst part of my treatment...so many side effects that have impacted my quality of life. Anyway...good luck to you. Stay strong!
@bd2486 I had a 5% drop in bone density on letrozole, a similar drug, the first year and then a 2% drop each year for the next 4 years. This was similar to my pattern at menopause: a bigger drop the first year and then a stable but continued drop from then on. Most people take Reclast or Zometa during treatment to prevent this, but my endo doc was concerned about certain other health issues and did not prescribe.
@ginip as you know osteoporosis does not have symptoms. Knee pain might indicate osteoarthrtis but not osteoporosis. Nevertheless, without bone meds, aromatase inhibitors are thought to pose risks of bone density loss. Of course it depends too on how our bones were to start with: I already had pretty bad osteoporosis when I went on letrozole! (Now I am finished with Tymlos and bones are better than they were before cancer.)
I’m starting with mild/moderate osteopenia in each hip and normal spine. At 72 that’s a good place to be… but I want to stay there. Likely a combo of genetics ( birth luck) and lifestyle; have had a very active history . City kid so Walked a lot, stood on subways, as an adult I live in a town with sidewalks and walk to library, stores etc. long distance biker and hiker ( 60 mile weeklong hiking in mountains) skier and yoga practitioner for 40 years!
My endocrinologist believes that this history has bode well for my bones.
It’s really great to know that there are good options should the AI begin to deplete bone density. I do have concerns about it.
Yes. I had osteoporosis in my hip before taking anastrozole my doc has me on alendronate 70 mg tables. I take once a week and still do my calcium’s every day. I have a done scan Aug 2.
I just quit Anastrozole July 5 cold turkey after 6.5 years. It feels like I have my life back. I'm 73, mastectomy 6/17, stage 1, grade 2. No radiation or anything else. Losing hair, foggy brain, memory loss, bone loss, and most of all horrific joint pain to the point where I had trouble getting out of bed and was only able to carry on with my life (gym, dog, 2 cats, and older husband who is needing care) with large amounts of (harmful) ibuprofen. Almost immediately, I felt and continue to feel like a new woman. I really wanted to complete 7 years as recommended by one study shared by my gynecologist (not oncologist. I'm in a rural area and have seen 8 different doctors so far) who unfortunately just retired. I have taken ZERO ibuprofen since quitting. I have energy, focus, and motivation. I am just now realizing that for at least the last year I have been miserably dragging along! If this is just "in my head" and has nothing to do with quitting Anastrozole, so be it; I'll take it. I love it.
Connect
Connect
Like
Helpful
Hug
I had them with menopause, when I was 50. But not since then. I've kept telling myself they were better than cancer. But since I'm clear after 5years, I am saying enough is enough.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
4 ReactionsI read that Aromatase inhibitors (anastrozole, letrozole) can increase risk of osteoporosis. Anyone experience that?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionWas on Anastrozole and stopped because of joint pain in knee that totally interfered with walking. I was concerned that it would lead to osteoporosis.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionAfter 12 months on Anastrozole I had no significant change in my DEXA score. I will have another DEXA at 24 mos. To monitor if any problems are arising.
I do have an increase in joint discomfort at 12-15 mos. Movement (and sometimes resort to a Tylenol ) is helpful in mitigating discomfort.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@bd2486 I had a 5% drop in bone density on letrozole, a similar drug, the first year and then a 2% drop each year for the next 4 years. This was similar to my pattern at menopause: a bigger drop the first year and then a stable but continued drop from then on. Most people take Reclast or Zometa during treatment to prevent this, but my endo doc was concerned about certain other health issues and did not prescribe.
@ginip as you know osteoporosis does not have symptoms. Knee pain might indicate osteoarthrtis but not osteoporosis. Nevertheless, without bone meds, aromatase inhibitors are thought to pose risks of bone density loss. Of course it depends too on how our bones were to start with: I already had pretty bad osteoporosis when I went on letrozole! (Now I am finished with Tymlos and bones are better than they were before cancer.)
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
4 ReactionsThanks! I do know that.
I was diagnosed with breast cancer 5 years ago this week. My oncologist insisted I do either Prolia or Reclast infusions. I've had 7 infusions and thankfully no side effects. My osteoporosis reverted back to osteopenia. As a former RN, I was very reluctant to have either Prolia or Reclast. Was very concerned about side effects...if you have any, what then? The drug is in your body and there's nothing to be done about it. But, I knew I had to take the risk. I'm done with Anastrozole next month and my osteoporosis specialist said no more Reclast, unless I would need to go back on an AI. I'm going to celebrate...Anastrozole has been the worst part of my treatment...so many side effects that have impacted my quality of life. Anyway...good luck to you. Stay strong!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionThat’s great news Windyshores!
I’m starting with mild/moderate osteopenia in each hip and normal spine. At 72 that’s a good place to be… but I want to stay there. Likely a combo of genetics ( birth luck) and lifestyle; have had a very active history . City kid so Walked a lot, stood on subways, as an adult I live in a town with sidewalks and walk to library, stores etc. long distance biker and hiker ( 60 mile weeklong hiking in mountains) skier and yoga practitioner for 40 years!
My endocrinologist believes that this history has bode well for my bones.
It’s really great to know that there are good options should the AI begin to deplete bone density. I do have concerns about it.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionYes. I had osteoporosis in my hip before taking anastrozole my doc has me on alendronate 70 mg tables. I take once a week and still do my calcium’s every day. I have a done scan Aug 2.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI just quit Anastrozole July 5 cold turkey after 6.5 years. It feels like I have my life back. I'm 73, mastectomy 6/17, stage 1, grade 2. No radiation or anything else. Losing hair, foggy brain, memory loss, bone loss, and most of all horrific joint pain to the point where I had trouble getting out of bed and was only able to carry on with my life (gym, dog, 2 cats, and older husband who is needing care) with large amounts of (harmful) ibuprofen. Almost immediately, I felt and continue to feel like a new woman. I really wanted to complete 7 years as recommended by one study shared by my gynecologist (not oncologist. I'm in a rural area and have seen 8 different doctors so far) who unfortunately just retired. I have taken ZERO ibuprofen since quitting. I have energy, focus, and motivation. I am just now realizing that for at least the last year I have been miserably dragging along! If this is just "in my head" and has nothing to do with quitting Anastrozole, so be it; I'll take it. I love it.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions