Medication Dilemma for my mom

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My mom was diagnosed with grade 1 breast cancer in Jan this year. She has had a masetctomy and now has been told to take Exemestane for 5 years. This is her second mastectomy as she had the other breast removed 20 years ago, also for a grade 1 tumour. She had no further treatment after that op.

She had to have a routine bone scan when she started on the meds, but this showed that she has early signs of osteoperosis (osteopena) and has no been told she must take Bisophosphonate due to the fact she is on the breast cancer meds. The side effecst for these bone tablets are horrific, she has not yet started them and is asking me for advice on whether its all worth it.
She is questioning does she really need to take the Exemestane as she has had bilateral mastectomies now and is aged 70. She is scared that the combination of tablets are going to zap her quality of life. She is already experiencing hot sweats, irritability, mood swings, joint pain and constantly feels exhausted. She is getting frustrated and i hate seeing her like this.
I am trying to give her the best advice i can, but its difficult and reading up on these things is a minefield. She is reluctant to ‘bother’ her surgeon plus the hospital she was treated in is miles away from her home, she doesnt drive and will have to rely on me or my brother taking time off work to take her.
The chances are if she didnt take the breast cancer meds then she wouldnt need to take the bone meds (the side effects of this really are horrible) I want her to be happy in these years of her life, not feeling crappy because she is taking meds that might not actually be helping her at all

Im so confused :-/

Any advice?

Kate

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Hi Kate and welcome to the BCC forums

I am sure your fellow users will be along soon with shared experiences and support for you and your Mom, please also feel free to call our helpliners as they can offer you both further support, practical information and a listening ear. Lines are open 9-5 during the week and 10-2 Sat on 0808 800 6000

Best wishes

Lucy

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kate,
Like your mother I too have osteopenia, diagnosed by a dexa scan. I had a mx last year and a grade 2 cancer. I am currently on Letrozole to suppress oestrogen. I am 52 and post menopausal.
I did speak to my surgeon about my risk for osteoporosis and taking these bone strengthing drugs. She did not think it necessary for me and I must say I am pleased about that as like you have mentioned I think they come with some dereadful side effects.
Her recommendations were that I continue to be monitored (I think by dexa scans) and to take calcium and vitamin D supplements. She also recommended lots of weight bearing exercise including, walking and swimming.
In other words, although I am at high risk for osteoporosis, I am being monitored.
It is very hard to know what your Mum should do given, that the full circumstances of her dx are not known. But, I do urge that she goes back to the hospital perhaps with you or your brother, to outline the concerns that you speak of. Failing that perhaps a call to her BCN might be useful or alternatively I believe the National Osteoporosis Society has a helpline you might call to get advice www.nos.org.uk or you can email the nurses there. Indeed seeing your post has reminded me that I need to call them to enquire how frequently I shoud have a dexa scan.
I do hope this helps.
WS