Osteoporosis diagnosis: switch from Letrozol to tamoxifen?

Hi, I wondered if you’ve been offered a dexa bone scan, which I understand can help measure bone density and (I guess) the level of osteoporosis.   Also, are you taking zoledronic acid (I have a monthly infusion) which is meant to strengthen bones.

For advice you might want to chat to the lovely experts at Macmillan. The line is open 8am to 8pm daily on 0800 808 0000.

best wishes 

Hi IrishGirl. Thanks for the reply.
Yes, had a dexa which showed osteoporosis. Was gob smacked. I’m having 6 monthly zoledronic acid injections - had one so far and another one due soon. But after the dexa I feel I’m now having to choose between two evils. Prioritise my bones with more risk of the cancer coming back, or accept increasing osteoporosis to decrease the cancer risk.

Thanks for the tip about the chat line. Will give it a try, though I’m not living in the UK at the mo so don’t know if it’ll work. Fingers crossed  

Hi, they have a number for calling from outside the UK. Hope this helps

+44 207 091 2230

I found out I had osteoporosis and was switched from letrozole to tamoxifen, only took it for a day or so, massive fatigue for me.  I switched back to letrozole Adcal and alendronic.  3 yr dexa shows no change in lower back but some change in hip. Told me to keep taking. 

Thanks Gardinia. I’ve managed to get a phone appointment with my oncology nurse next week so will try to get some advice. I’ve been feeling fine on letrozole so maybe better to stick with that and just try to increase my calcium and exercise. Wishing you all the best 

I started Tamoxifen 3 days ago and feel like hell. Too weak to stand. I will die of treatment long before the cancer kills me

Also, phone up the royal osteoporosis help line.  I spoke with a nurse about my results and she was helpful.  Told me I was on the wrong dose adcal, my gp has now doubled this,I do wonder if that is why I had some change in my hip. 

Thanks for the advice. I really could do with taking to a professional. Spoke to my oncology nurse yesterday and she said just take vit D and drink more milk. You don’t need calcium supplements. Which I find really hard to believe. She did try to refer me to an endocrinologist at the hospital but they won’t see me as they said there’s nothing they could add and oncology is qualified to advise me on this. Going in circles here.