Breast cancer treatment with osteopenia: What's your experience?

Posted by sue417 @sue417, Dec 30, 2023

Hi
Just wondering people's experiences that have spinal fractures with osteopenia and having to have breast cancer treatments such as radiation and tamoxifen. I currently do Zoldronic acid once a year for my osteopenia. This will be my 3rd yr on it.

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@windyshores

@dp77827 it sounds like that fall may have been "traumatic" nojt "osteoporotic" or at least a combo of the two.

People with osteopenia account for the highest number of fractures overall. People with osteoporosis have the highest rate of fractures. So having a fracture should not mean you have osteoporosis, necessarily- according to my experience as well as what I have read.

That said, if you do develop osteoporosis at some point, the fracture will mean you can have access to bone building drugs which are not usually easily covered by insurance. Generally insurance requires bisphosphonates or Prolia first but it is much better to start with bone builders like Forteo, Tymlos or Evenity. So keep that info under your hat!

My first fracture was also T12 and also from a fall. It changed my ability to lift things. How are you now?

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Thank you for asking & I will keep that under my hat. I’m 63 years old, so my arthritis specialist said a fall shouldn’t normally have caused my fracture at my age. There is osteoporosis history in my family. My pcp stated the numbers show osteopenia, however, the specialist based off the fall & my age along with the scan. I honestly don’t know, but, I am thankful not to take more medication at this point. After the fall, I had kyphosis and have had severe back pain since. When it’s real cold or rains, I have severe pain. However, I had back pain prior, the fall just made more severe. I was taking pt, but after the cancer, surgery, radiation & Covid, I have taken a pause on the formal pt & doing at home. I recently had epidural injections that provided some relief but if I’m on my feet over 15-20 minutes, I still have severe pain. It is harder to lift and do things. I’m just grateful for each day & try to focus on the positive. In 2019, I almost died from a massive saddle PE, when I fractured my back, the spine doctor stated I was a hairline from being paralyzed, & last year I was very blessed to get clear margins from the surgery. I now have an appointment this Friday to see a retina specialist as I was just diagnosed with hypoplasia in right eye & the doctor states there may be a tumor on my eye. We take one day at the time. Thank you for your kindness & listening.

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