I have had breast cancer twice2 different kinds. First was nine years ago and had lumpectomy and radiotherapy. Second was in my other breast 7cm from chest wall to nipple , fast growing, breast and nodes removed. Started Anastrozole and had dexa scan 3 months later. Was told I would have one every 2years. When I enquired re the second one I was told I didn’t need one as my first was fine.
My joints and back ache but as I already have a damaged spine it’s always put down to that, hips are both bad when walking any distance . but my main concern is I get a knife like pain in my ribs if I turn quickly or two far. Was told by breast Nusre it’s common after radiotherapy but year on year it is worse. I have stopped asking for support, GP says to speak to breast nurse , breast nurses tell me I don’t need any follow up, or speak to Gp. Anastrozole is possible the cause but who knows. I’m 71 and so tired and fatigued.
Hi Dogtoys
I sometimes think radiotherapy is the gift that keeps on giving. I still get various twinges almost 4 years on. Unfortunately I don’t have experience of anastrazole to offer as my cancer isn’t hormone sensitive, nor have I had DEXA scans. If you are concerned about symptoms, please do keep pressing your BCN and GP for help.
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I have metastatic Triple Negative Breast Cancer, in remission
Hi Dogtoys
I agree with Molly23, go back to your GP's practice and push for another Dexa scan. I found out about this from this site when I was first diagnosed and asked for my first one. Luckily I did as I was pre-osteoperosis, so I am automatically given one every 2 years because I have to take AdCal. I still take it even though I have finished my 5 years of anastrozole.
Anastrozole can cause issues with the bone density because it is removing the oestrogen from your body and therefore your doctors can recommend you be sent for a Dexa scan. Just because 2 years ago it was fine, it doesn't mean that it will always be that way - and you are saying that your hips are bad, so that should be a good reason for them to get you a scan. Push for it and get something on your phone to show the Doctor if needs be - a quick search shows that the reduction in oestrogen caused by Anastrozole can cause issues with bone density.
Because they caught mine (even before taking Anastrozole), mine hasn't got any worse because I take the Adcal daily. (9 years later - I'm 60 now and my Mum had had 2 hip replacements by the time she was my age!)
It's just one tablet (tastes a bit like a refresher sweet) and just a scan every 2 years. The NHS won't be dealing with issues of broken bones should I fall over. So, it's a good way of saving the NHS money!
Kindest wishes, Lesley
Hi RoseViolet
I can't remember about piercings being mentioned in my letter. I took my earrings out, but I don't think I needed to as they only scanned my hips and below. It's not the same as an MRI. (i.e. it's not a tunnel thing, it's a scanner that goes over your body that they position over you).
Ask for a Dexa scan - I asked when I was given Anastrozole and the appointment was organised by my oncology team. If you have problems with your bones, they will put you on Adcal, if not, then they won't. But I would always ask for a scan every 2 years whilst on the Anastrozole (or Letrozole).
Kindest wishes, Lesley
