Virtual Breast Cancer Support Group

I had a non-metastatic Estrogen+, Progesterone+ HerpC neg. 4 mm tumor. So estrogen suppressor prescribed. I was 72 when detected. Stopped the Anastrozole 4 months and 3 weeks ahead of 5 years.

Issue with Anastrozole is side effects and causing osteopenia & osteoporosis, suppressing insulin production & increasing blood lipids are probably most significant issues. Insist that the doctors discuss side effects in detail. And review it with a real pharmacist - MDs never know much about what they prescribe.

If you proceed with suppressors get the baseline dexa scan before starting. Then get one every year. If on medicare the oncologists will claim only every two years allowed. This is incorrect - the Md will just have to justify it which would require a bit of extra effort. Also be sure you have baseline blood lipids & blood sugar done.

Not sure about pre medicare insurance but usually MD can justify as it allows monitoring of side effects.

Hope that this is useful.

Thank you for that information. I have just been diagnosed with with invasive ductal carcinoma. All 3 hormones are positive and I have worries about the anti-hormone meds because my long bones were damaged from high doses of prednisone 30 years ago as part of non-Hodgkins Lymphoma chemo. I've held my own with osteoporosis up to now and would like to keep it that way. Plus I have high cholesterol. I appreciate your comments.

Look at upping supplements that promote collagrn formation & mineralizing. And resistance exercise - gently as that promotes bone strengthening. Doctors do not seem to know about this.

I've used Biosil hair skin nails supplement & biosil bone collagenizer. Have not been able to find biosil bone mineralizer lately.

Oh - i was just 72 when diagnosed.

I am new to this but have been taking hyaluronic acid (collagen) plus a combo supplement of Glucosamine sulfate, ApresFlex( frankincense), NT2 Collagen and boron for about 10 years. It totally prevents knee arthritis pain.
Have not met with medical Oncologist yet and have been worried that this and everything else I use will be eliminated.

I can't use hyalauranic acid injections due to egg white sensitivity. Bug sounds like a plan.

The hyaluronic acid is 2 tablets tablets a day so no injectionsand no egg whites.