Calcium supplements with Vitamin D

Hi Londonmumof2

Sounds about right ?

Seems they only usually prescribe meds like Adcal+D3 for those on AI's like Letrozole / Anastrozole and it can also help strengthen bones if you have bone secondaries or are ostopeanic.

G n' J

I'm on Letrozole,  and neither my doctor or oncologist have prescribed it,  only 1000iu capsules of vitamin D and twice a year Zoledronic acid for three years. 

Hiya Londonmumof2

Have you had a DEXA scan for bone density prior to starting (or during) the Letrozole - if so it may not have put you on the 'at risk' scale of osteopaenia yet so wouldn't need the extra calcium.

G n' J

I had a Dexa scan on my pelvis and lower spine in January,  but don't know thr results until I see my oncologist next month.  I did have a foot bone density scan through work about 20 years ago though (when I wed in my late 30's)  which showed some thinning based on my age. 

I guess more research is needed,  but I'm going to increase food which is rich in calcium.  Thr issue with dairy is the hormones of course!

Hi Londonmumof2

NICE recommends that a dexa scan is carried out prior to or just after starting any of the AI's to get base level figures.

Was the pelvic / lower spine scan a 30 minute Dexa job or the Nuclear 3 hour scan ?

Took this info from Oncolink website...

Women with no weakening of bones prior to aromatase inhibitor therapy will have a follow-up scan around one year after starting therapy, and then every one to two years.

If the scan shows that you already have some bone weakening, your doctor may order a type of medication called a bisphosphonate. These therapies have been shown to protect the bones from bone loss in women taking aromatase inhibitors. If the bone density remains stable, scans can then be done every two years.

J was put on Adcal +D3 and Alendronic Acid after being on Letrozole for one year after her 2nd dexa scan.

Boots (and probably other high street pharmacies) sell Calcium with Vit D & K £4 for a 60 tablet tub.

G n' J

I had the nuclear bone scan last year after one sentinel was positive. This was a 15 minute Dexa scan. My oncologist gives everyone the scans and Zoledronic acid,  but gives a leaflet showing the risks of it.  She did the same prior to chemo with the various chemo drugs), which patients read and sign to say they have read and are gone going ahead with the treatment, are aware what side effects might occur, and when to contact the  hospital. She does annual scans. I'm only just over 2 months out of chemo so I know that my bones will still bes trying to recover from that as well., and I had a bad reaction to my first Zoledronic acid (bad 'flu' the next day, then terrible pain in my right leg for 3-4 days), but again is such a mix of treatments at that point I'll give it another go in thr sonnet and see.  The Zoledronic acid only adds 1% to my 10 year statistics,  but I'd like to do as much as possible:)

I took calcium and magnesium supplements for a while on the past, so might get some and take them every few days,  and the vitamin D the other days.

I have osteoporosis secondary to letrazole, I was given vit D and calcium tablets, i was told calcium does not enter bones very well in the absence of vit K 2 .....and the calcium builds up in the blood and can “ stiffen “ arteries ......vit K2  is not present I many foods , mainly fermented foods like kimchi.........vit K1 in food is not converted to K2 .....please research it for yourself as I am only passing on information, however there was a longish thread about this on here a while ago ....best wishes .....