Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving - Albert Einstein

1 minute read time.

Having postponed my DEXA scan (assesses or measures bone density) in September as I was due to start chemo, I finally had this a couple of weeks ago. I now have osteoporosis due to the dramatic weight loss. I have to say I wasn’t surprised having been diagnosed with osteopenia some years ago. My GP called me to let me know and will be prescribing calcium and vitamin D tablets. However, the usual medication for osteoporosis is not suitable for me given my sub total gastrectomy. He is referring me to a metabolism specialist to discuss and agree a treatment/management plan. The likelihood is I will be given injections rather than oral medication. 

Whilst some may feel that life is throwing a whole bunch of crap their way - 

*I will have to stop running around as if I fall I am likely to break a hip or wrist.

*I will always have to eat little and often and will probably never enjoy food the way I used to.

*I will struggle to maintain my weight.

*I will be on medication for life. 

*The chances of cancer returning still remain fairly high

BUT

* I am grateful that I am still here and have a life to live.

*I have survived diagnosis and treatment for stomach cancer

*I feel well

*I have a wonderful supportive family and a great bunch of friends

*I have many adventures and events planned

I can’t change what has happened to me but I can decide how I view it. I choose to be upbeat and positive! 

Anonymous
  • FormerMember
    FormerMember
    <p>Rose Sorry to hear you also have the dreaded osteoporosis. I was diagnosed a year after breast cancer treatment &amp; was pretty disappointed and upset to be facing yet another chronic degenerative disease. &nbsp;However, just as with a cancer diagnosis, you pick yourself up &amp; get on with life. 3 years on &amp; no fractures yet. You say you need to stop running, but i&rsquo;ve actually been told that exercise is really important to maintain what bone density you do have left. Both resistance/weights and&nbsp;running on a regular basis, so don&rsquo;t hang up your running shoes just yet. &nbsp;Most fractures occur if you fall or lift in the wrong posture, ie with flexed back, so balance training is also important. If you need any info about useful resources &nbsp;PM me. All the best. BBxx</p>
  • <p>Can Identify with all of this! You have been an amazing support to me - thanks! &nbsp;Life for me is just very special and I feel very lucky that the cancer was found early!</p> <p>Hope you keep making good progress in your recovery!&nbsp;</p> <p>Xx</p>
  • FormerMember
    FormerMember
    <p>I have been following your journey too Jac and it has helped me through my own so right back at you!</p> <p>Saw my oncologist today and due to my inability to put weight on now 7 months post surgery. I am now being tested for thyroid problems and coeliac disease! Hopefully tests will come back showing nothing else is wrong but if it is, then I will do whatever is necessary with a smile and a shrug!&nbsp;</p> <p>The main concern is that I only weigh 41.6kg but given my starting weight was less than 51kg&nbsp;I personally am not too worried...apart from finding clothes to fit!!</p> <p>Off the see the endocrinologist in September to see what treatment I need for the osteoporosis...a completely new hospital for me too as there weren&rsquo;t any appointments available at the hospital I go to for cancer, nor did I have the option of going to 3 other relatively local hospitals.&nbsp;</p> <p>Currently enjoying life Thumbsup</p>