I had a DEXA (bone density) scan shortly after starting to take Arimidex and my bones were fine. Lately I have had the common joint pains here and there and am wondering if my bones are thinning already - 18 months on the “stuff”. Has anyone experience of having their bones checked regularly for density against their original baseline? I see some ladies are having bisphosphonates for thinning bones but were these cases established at the baselining stage, or after they had started to ache and creak? I guess I’m wondering how/when they decide to administer these infusions.
I don’t think thinning bones causes any pain. There are no symptoms but a greater risk of fracture. I had a dexa last year and one just last month and my thinning bones have improved slightly - I was prescribed Calcium
& Vit D after my first scan showed thinning. The aches are probably caused by the Arimidex. Mine started shortly after starting Aromasin.
I have been on Arimidex for about the same time as you. When I had my original DEXA scan before I first started taking Arimidex, my hips were fine but my spine showed some signs of thinning so my consultant said that I should have a DEXA scan every year to monitor things.
I have my scan a couple of months ago and it showed no change at all. I take Adcal D3 twice a day so I don’t know if that has helped to keep things at bay or not. I get plenty of aches and pains but seems to have nothing to do with my bone density so I would imagine you have nothing to worry about.
Why don’t you ask for another DEXA scan if you are concerned? Have a word with your BC nurse.
My sister has had a bone density scan each year. She has been on Femara (letrozole) for three years and following her recent scan it was noted that the bone density had deteriorated. She has now been prescribed alendronic acid to build up the bones again. This is given in a once-weekly pill.
I asked for a bone density test as on arimidex but did not want to give me one. I am having chlostrol test, thyroid and sugar just to check. I was asked if I had a family history of osteoporisis and if I ate dairy foods.
I am halfway through 6FEC and was told it would be followed by 5years on Arimidex - my Mum died with extreme osteoporosis and I don’t drink milk or eat yoghurt - not very keen to take the Arimidex path - bit of a dilemma I am going to have to face up to it soon -
I don’t eat milk products either (both because lactose intolerant and also cos it’s recommended not to by so many br cancer professionals) - but you can get calcium from dark green leafy veggies, dried figs, whole sardines, soya milk and tofu if made w calcium if you are happy to eat those, almonds and small amounts in grains too… tho whether you can eat enough to counteract the drug I don’t know. Have you asked about calcium carbonate supplements too? I take one a week. (I’m on letrosol)