DEXA scans

Hi Amethyst, I’ve not had a DEXA scan yet! I’d never heard of them until I’d finished my treatment (mastectomy, chemo, radiotherapy and now Anastrazole AI pills for 5 years). I just started the tablets about 2 months ago. I was “discharged” from oncologist 4 weeks ago and received a copy letter from onco to my GP surgery which stated that I’d need DEXA scan after 2 to 3 years to see how my bones were fairing on the Anastrazole. I had to Google what it was! You must remember that lots of post menopausal women probably have bone thinning anyway, but as they’re not on the “radar” they won’t get these tests, but may well have loss of bone mass anyway. Have you had a DEXA scan already? I’m feeling the top of my spine now to see if I have wobbly bits! . Best of luck! X

Hi and thanks Mazz for replying.   I hope your course of treatment goes well !    Your point of being under the radar is a good one,  it does seem like some of us are, once we reach or get past a certain age!   Lost count of having to chase up or request this for something routine (as well as bc related) when we are still struggling to cope with everything thrown at us but many of us ladies (and some gents) somehow find that extra 'something' to ride the waves and get through it.   Have changed GP surgery recently to a smaller one, so may well ask them to ask for a test of bone mass in the near future if there is no response from the hospital.  (Trusting no 'wobbly spine bits' were found?)   Seriously though the support on this forum is really uplifting.   Best wishes  x

Hi I had a Dexa bone scan at about the time I started my anti oestrogen medication which followed chemo and mastectomy ( see my profile) I was worried about osteoporosis because at 72 I had lost 2 inches in height and also had osteoarthritis in my knees and ankles. I didn't ask it was just part of the process. Scan was fine and very easy. You just lie on a table and it's done in a couple of minutes. I was told I would have one every year to 2 years. Nothing happened so I asked my GP (who is excellent) and I had another recently. My bone density was fine and showed no osteoporosis. I feel reassured and although my osteoarthritis is worse and I hate taking  exemestane which I think makes it worse I will continue. If you still see your oncologist ask them and if not ask your GP.

Good luck x

Hi amethyst22, can only talk about my own experience but the oncologist requested a dexa scan at the start of my taking Anastrozole. He said it was so that they’d have baseline measurements. The scan showed that I have mild osteopenia, which is not unusual in women of my age (59 at that time). I didn’t get the results till 12 weeks later, at my post radiotherapy follow up oncology appointment. He said that they would be sent to my GP and that I should discuss with them re supplements and/ or bisphosphonates. I started taking calcium and vitamin D supplements myself, and discussed it all with one of the GPs. As the osteopenia is mild, we agreed that I’d carry on with the supplements but not go down the bisphosphonates road for now. I was told then also that I should have another dexa scan in 2 years, to monitor the osteopenia and any bone effects from the Anastrozole. 
I’ve had a second dexa scan last year, delayed by a few months due to Covid backlogs, but thankfully it should that it’s all pretty much the same. So I’m still taking the supplements. I’ll have another next year. 
So in my area, the first dexa scan is ordered by the hospital, but subsequent ones are the GP practice’s responsibility. This may vary in different areas. 
My advice would be to contact your GP as it’s possible that the hospital will need a GP referral to book your scan. 
Good luck, it’s all such a minefield and it does feel like we’re just left to get on with it once ‘active’ treatment is finished. I will keep popping the pills as I want to do all I can to prevent recurrence but I’d like some monitoring! Love and hugs, HFxx 

A big thanks Rozalia for your reply as well, I'm getting a better understanding about these Dexa scans now.   Heck 2 inches in height for you that seems a lot glad the scan was easy to cope with (also hope your osteoarthritis improves over time.  I fell on black ice and bashed both knees badly and told that's what it is showed up in the xrays.)  So it looks like 2 yearly Dexas and reading the helpful comments on here then I must pluck up the courage and ask.    From an outgoing person this rollercoaster has kind of changed me tbh into someone a lot more shy!    Good luck with the rest of your treatment too.  x

A big thank you HappyFeet1for replying, firstly I'm glad to read you you are coping alright (well as much as you can given what has been thrown at you !)  and also how the hospital and GP services vary from region to region so that will be an opportunity to contact my GP as to date its been on line or phone consults and maybe meet F2F for the first time to check if anything is wrong with the spine at the top.    Meanwhile like you the pills get taken everyday and now its gone cooler I feel more comfortable (glad to see the back of that horrendous hot weather as if we didn't have enough s/es to contend with! )  Thanks again for your useful comments the learning curve continues and this coming from someone as I like think of it who is a member of Club 60-90    xx