and it says that “AIs can cause bone thinning (osteoporosis). Before you start an AI, you will have a scan called a DEXA (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) scan, to check your bone health (density)”.
Letrozole is an AI drug (Aromatase Inhibitor).
My surgeon is keen for me to start Letrozole as soon as we know my oncotype sample is safely in the hands of the oncotype lab (hopefully this week) but there has been no mention of any bone scan.
I do know that my paternal grandmother had osteoporosis and I have her genes (and build)-I’m small-medium boned.
It’s unclear to me whether a bone scan *needs* to take place ahead of starting Letrozole or do they just periodically scan you once you’ve started the drug?
Last week I inundated my BC nurse with so many Q’s via email and phone-she never got back to me:) so am loathe to throw yet another Q. at her.
Surely, I have a right to know the answer though, before starting on Letrozole, correct?
I genuinely feel that I am being a pain in the ass to my BC team but surely these are sensible questions to be asking?
Yes it is, they need to have a benchmark of your bone density so that they can monitor it regularly, you will probably find it will be done every 2 years.
I had one done a month before I was diagnosed as my mum has osteoporosis and as I have spina bifida her GP said it would be a good idea for me to have one done, so when I had my oncologist appointment prior to starting rads and prescribing my hormone tablets he wanted one done and I was able to refer him to that.
It is a very easy process just like an xray and does not take too long. You lay on a bed and they take images of yoru spine and hip areas.
Also never think that you are being a pain in the ass, you have questions they need answering, that is what they are there for, in the same way that is why this forum is so wonderful as there is always someone on here who will have asked the same questions as you have and will be able to help
Maria I think as long as you have the scan close to the start of taking the Letrozole it will be fine - I had mine about a month after starting the drug . As has been said it’s a base line measurement so they can monitor if there is any change over time, quick and painless scan but obviously needed especially if you have family history of osteoporosis. Good luck x