Anastrozole and bone density

i think bone density is measured by scan at the start and then every 3 years or so. The best thing for bone density is exercise, good diet and making sure we have the right amount of vitamin D alongside vit K  (your GP could check with a blood test). Its fantastic that you are so sporty - so good for your bones to be doing that. I do resistance training for a whole body workout as well as cardio. Personally I find some things irritate my joints more than others - dairy is one for me, amongst others. Things that help me include a healthy diet - see world cancer research find diet. See what suits you. I also like sour cherry for really achy joints. I have also found that the coatings of my anastrazole make a difference to my side effects and it may be worth trying different ones to see what suits you best. I got on really well with a brand that has now been discontinued so back trialling other brands to see what works for me. My GP will hopefully give me another brand specific prescription when we find the right one again. Your AI brand and bone scan could be organised through your GP if your oncologist is unhelpful. Ive found my GP to be incredibly supportive even though we mostly communicate with these strange online appointments. Its very time efficient and I find the GP listens and helps me on my way.

Also, I know lots of people who have asked for second opinions.  I went to the marsden for a second opinion, but you could ask for local recommendations and ask for the GP to refer you for advice. 

Thank you so much this is really helpful.  I'm going to book in to GP and have a conversation with them. x

Hi Shazza150333fa12 

Thought I’d share my experience as I was also on Anastrozole (just finished 7 years of it). 
I was diagnosed at 59, started anastrozole after surgery and before radiotherapy. My oncologist requested my first dexa scan to check bone density at the start of my hormone treatment. He said they need a baseline so that they can monitor if it’s affecting the bones. That first dexa scan showed osteopenia (pre cursor to osteoporosis). No big deal apparently for a woman of my age, but a concern because of my treatment. I got the results at a post rads oncology appointment and was told to book to see my GP to discuss. She advised me that I didn’t need bisphosphonates but should take daily calcium and Vitamin D. I’d already started doing that so just carried on with them. I have had dexa scans every 2 years since then, which I have to request through my GP. Each one has shown a bit of deterioration but apparently not enough to warrant bisphosphonates. Now that I’m off the Anastrozole I won’t get scans every 2 years but I’m going to request one at 3 years as I feel it should be monitored. 
So that’s my situation. It sounds like you should have had a dexa scans at the start so in your position I’d definitely contact your GP to request one as I’m assuming you don’t see much of the oncology team now? Hope you can get this moved forwards. And just to add, I understand from what I’ve been told, that it takes a good while for the bones to be affected hence the scans are only every other year. Love and hugs, HFxx

Just to clarify (I’ve tried unsuccessfully to edit my post above) that I mean dexa scans every 2 years, not yearly times 2! Apparently every 2 years is standard for monitoring as changes take a good while to be manifested xx

Thank you for taking the time to respond.  So helpful.  I will definitely be asking GP to help with all this and get Dexa scan done. x