DEXA Scans

Hi Mibby. I don’t think everyone is offered a DXA scan. I wasn’t but read on here that many breast cancer patients were. My sutuation was slightly different as I was already taking ibandronic acid for osteoporosis. I had been on biophosphates nearly three years when diagnosed with early stage breast cancer. I felt concerned starting on Anestrozole because of the risk of it worsening my bones. My GP asked to see me for a medication review just before I started radiotherapy. I chatted to him about my concern and  asked if I could have a DXA. He said he could refer me but they do not accept every request. Anywaythey did and I had my DXA on 22 December. I would definitely push for one if you feel you want one. None of us know what condition our bones are in. When I originally got contacted  over three years ago about my fractured vertebrae, which incidentally caused no discomfort, I was put on biophosphates and Vitamin D and Calcium supplements. I asked then if I could have a DXA and my then GP said I was unlikely to be offered one but he would put in a request. I am keen to see my DXA results to see how my bones are after three years on biophosphates. Good luck with the rest of your treatment.

Eva Jean 

Thank you Evajesn for your reply.  I think you could be right that I need to push for one.  Although I have read on a gov guidance that a DEXA scan should be offered for patients who have been on Letrozole for between three and six months.   I’ve been on Letrozole  for three months now so I will ask at my next oncology appointment.  Best wishes to you.  X

Hi, I had a scan within 3 months of starting anastrozole tablets as I was told that my bone density could be effected & they needed to take a baseline scan & monitor every 12-18 months. I am also having 6 monthly Zoldronic acid infusions for 3 years which my oncoligist says will help with bone density & also reacurrance of secondary breast cancer in my bones. I am also taking calcium tablets. 

I would definitely ask about the scan to see if you should have one. Best wishes x

Sometimes you just have to push for things but I also read that if you are on biophosphates for Breast Cancer that they should monitor your bone density.  Good luck.

Hi Kitty,  I’m on exactly the same treatment as you although not started the Zoladronic acid or Amebaciclib yet.   Never in my life have I had a bone scan and since I’ve been on hormone therapy for 3 months I’m going to ask for one.  
I am interested to know how you are going on with Abemaciclib Kitty. I do hope you are now tolerating it well.  
with best wishes. X

Hi there, I'm my fourth month of abemaciclib, main issue has been diarrhoea, lack of appetite & change in taste.

Things started to settle in month 3,but first 2 weeks of month 4 things have got worse, not sure if linked to having a heavy cold...... I've got my monthly drug review as part of a quarterly check up with oncologist in a couple of weeks, will be kern to see if she leaves me on the max dose of 150 twice a day.

I'm hoping things settle as it has made things tricky & have been relying on diarrhoea tablets again.

Hope your final radiotherapy sessions go OK. 

Best wishes x

Oh I’m sorry to hear Abemaciclib is not going as well at the moment.  I wouldn’t be surprised if your cold has a lot to do with it, there are some nasty cold and flu viruses about right now.  Although I was initially told Abemaciclib is just a consideration, a different oncologist told me last week that I should take it. Reading between the lines dare I say it but I believe I’m stage III.  I’m too scared to ask too much about my diagnosis as I don’t know how I would react to it. He also told me that zoladronic is not a cancer drug but to prevent osteoporosis. Yet another oncologists told me it would help prevent bone cancer.   Surely oncologists working together should give out the same advice and information.  
I hope you can stay on 150g and that your bloods reveal you are tolerating it well. Good luck with your follow up.  X

Hi Mibby

Biophosphates can be prescribed to help fight cancer for certain people but I think Breast Cancer patients who take Hormone Therapy are prescribed them to strengthen their bone density. Some Hormone Therapy tablets thin the bones.  It is a minefield out there with different medications. I have just started on statins because for the first time my cholesterol levels are raised. I know Anestrozole can affect cholesterol so it is like a balancing act. Hope your treatment goes well.

Evajean

Hi Evajean,  thank you for your reply and I’m sorry to hear of your raised cholesterol.  I’ve been reading they can also cause high blood pressure so yes very much a balancing act.   I’m taking prescribed Calci - D to protect the bones.  I’ve been so worried about the awful side effects of biophosphates especially jaw death  so if they don’t help with warding off bone cancer are the risks associated with it worth it I wonder.   Can taking caci-D tablets and a multivitamin be sufficient for bone protection perhaps.   So many ifs and buts it is indeed a minefield.   I hope just a small dose statins will regulate your cholesterol, good luck and west wishes x

I have stage 3 cancer, although took over 6 months to get that info, long story but surgeon said stage 2, 1st oncologist said nothing just that my oncotype score was low. It was only when my current oncologist recommended abemaciclib & I questioned why did she confirm stage 3 & was suprised I didn't know.

I went into shock tbh, I wish they had told me from the beginning as it is the large tumour size 10cm which determined it. 

Thank you for your kind support, treatment is a real battle but I'm hoping abemaciclib works!! 

Best wishes x