Osteopenia

Hi Scoby. It is a shock when you get that diagnosis. Weightbearing exercises are the best form of exercise. I expect you will be prescribed biophosphates because of the HT you are on. I don’t know your age but I would imagine a lot of people are walking round with osteopenia and don’t know it. I have osteoporosis and take a daily vitamin D-calcium tablet that my Dr prescribes plus monthly biophosphates.  Like you I walk every day and used to do aqua aerobics twice a week but haven’t found a class near where we moved to.  My sister was diagnosed with osteopenia many years ago when she fractured her wrist after slipping on ice. She is now 84, only took biophosphates for a couple of months but they didn’t agree with her.  She has had a few falls this last twelve months but still no further fractures after that broken wrist. The diagnosis is scary as you start imagining that your bones will just crumble but as long as you are sensible I think you will be fine.

Evajean

Thanks for reply I'm 55 . I must get back to kettle bells, I was doing that till I got diagnosed with breast cancer in march️

Hi Scoby, like you I’m on Anastrozole and discovered after the initial dexa scan that I’ve got osteopenia. I’m 63 but was 59 when I started Anastrozole and had the dexa scan 6 weeks later. I was told the results many weeks after, and was advised that many women my age would have osteopenia and not know about it. I’d already started taking calcium and vitamin D tablets (I buy my own - Vitabiotics - as I like their products and it’s got other bits and bobs in it like magnesium and zinc). I could have had bisphosphonates but my GP didn’t push them and I decided I’d stick with just the Anastrozole for now as I didn’t want more side effects. I’ve had a further scan after 2 years and it’s all still the same ie not any worse. So as my levels are apparently classed as mild I’ve decided to stick with my regime, taking the supplements but not going on bisphosphonates. I definitely would take them though if the osteopenia worsens. I’ll be due another scan this spring so we’ll see then. 
Regarding exercise, I do Nordic walking which is good for upper body rather than just legs, I started it to deal with breast lympheodema as a result of radiotherapy. It’s become a passion! I’ve also recently joined a gym to increase my resistance exercise which I believe is good for bone health. 
Wishing you well and sending love and hugs, HFxx 

I got osteopenia from my steroid asthma inhaler and was diagnosed with that early this year, just before my cancer diagnosis. 

I completely understand your fears! 

No treatment offered to me yet at all, but I will be on bisphosphonates every 6 months for 3.5 years once my neo-adjuvant chemo ends. 

PS my cancer is not hormonal but HER2, so not on oestrogen suppressants; however, as I understand it, chemo is bad for bone density too. 

Thanks v much 

Yes I agree weightlifting is great for the bones.  Also it is not just the density of the bones it is the quality of the boned too.  You can ask your doctor if this test will help him guide your treatment.  The test is peripheral quantitative computer tomography test for osteoporosis.  I know it is a CT scan but quick so not a lot of radiation.  
Barbara

Thanks v much