Anastrozole and mild CKD

Hi GrannyPip. 

I am also on Anastrozole plus have been given calcium ams vitamin D tablets. I also have arthritis in my knees so I'm interested in what help people can give. I was also given a bone scan prior to starting it. 

Can you please explain what CKD is. 

Hello.  CKD is chronic kidney disease.  However mine is mild, so not very serious but means I can’t take any anti inflammatoires.  Sorry for not explaining,  I, too, had a bone density scan before taking them and am also on vitamin D tablets, but I bought these myself.  

Hi both 

• I am on Anastrozole ( 5 weeks in) and also on AdCal and Vit D. I was diagnosed with osteoporosis in my spine only at 52 .... interestingly due to low oestrogen because I went through  the menopause at 45. I was then put on HRT for 4 years which did increase my spine density but had to stop as was diagnosed with early hormone receptive IDC in November picked up by screening. Had surgery on 7th December and all removed with no spread.

What I'm interested in is the Vit D amount in AdCal is lower than I was taking as part of my osteoporosis management 800 rather than 1000). I did raise this in my very brief oncology appointment ( focus of that was appointment was the signing of the RT consent) and was told I could make it up with a seperate Vit D supplement.

Because I couldn't get a dose small enough to make the original dose I am now taking a little more (1300 rather than 1000). I'm 3 days in and am interestingly having less joint pain at the moment. Might be coincidence but I am going to discuss taking a higher dose of Vit D on a long term basis at my next appointment

 I'm also going to do some research about optimum Vit D levels as there is some though that not only does it support bone health but general health also 

Xx

Hi Jurassicgirl. 
Hope you can help ?

I had menopause at 45 and had to come off my HRT in August last year when I was diagnosed with hormone receptive breast cancer . Due to complications I’m only just started on Tamoxifen yesterday . My oncologist said not to be on Letrazole as I am getting almost constant bladder infections .

Why not Anastrozole  I wonder ?

Mu friend says it’s better than what I am on .

Penelope x

Thanks for that.

Firstly I would speak to your GP and see if they will prescribe you Adcal with vitamin D, i get from GP.

Secondly you are not moaning your seeking advice from others who are on different stages of the same journey.

Thirdly check with your GP to see if there is anything else you can take to help with the pain and inflammation. It must be hell. 

Hi penelope 

I would suggest a discussion with your oncologist as my understanding is from the NICE treatment pathway that AI are usual adjuvant treatment rather than tamoxifen for post menopausal women unless contraindicated . It might be that your recurrant bladder infections are a factor,,possibly to contraindicate AIs ? It may also be that the complications you mention were an influencing factor also. Treatment is personalised so you need to have an explanation about the MDT recommendations for you medication wise I think.

I'm asking for me MDT notes as I'm someone that needs to have details and rationale. My treatment has been very speedy which is great and in line with what my diagnosis was but I haven't had anyone explain what it means for me as an individual and what they recommended what they did. I think I know (!) but would like that deeper understanding 

Hope that helps xx

Thank you @jjurassicgirl .

After a mild breakdown 2 days ago when both my oncologist and GP managed to lose my notes and lost track of me I have finally got the answers I need .

I really didn’t know how much you have to learn and push for information on this journey .

Anyway , Tamoxifen is what I’m on with a request from my oncologist to see a gynaecologist regarding my recurring UTI.

xxx