Hi, Don’t know if anyone can help, feeling a bit lost! I finished rads in April which followed surgery and six rounds of FEC-T. Just before the rads started I had a DEXA scan and was told they would let me know if there was any concerns, 8 weeks later I saw the consultant and it turned out the results weren’t as expected. Since finishing rads I’ve also started on zoladex injections (I’ve had two so far) and exemastane. The consultant didn’t really give us talk much info by said he was very surprised and my bone density was much lower than average. He has referred me to see a specialist which will be in the next few weeks. While waiting to see the specialist I just wondered if anyone had any advice or wisdom they could share? I probably sound a bit silly with everything else that has happened but I was so upset. Before all this I was really active and now I feel scared to do most exercise, I was due to run a half marathon in a couple of weeks but have stopped training because I’m worried. I just feel a bit scared to do anything, the information I’ve read up so far isn’t really to helpful. I’ve also had a lot of lower back pain since the rads which is making me more anxious ??♀️ I’ve exercised all though my treatment and it’s really helped me though. I don’t know if anyone is able to offer any advice? x
Hi The whole of this journey just keeps throwing extra problems at us doesn’t it? I have also been diagnosed with osteopenia which they think is linked to my taking Letrozole tablets. At first they just put me on calcium and Vit. D supplement. After 2 years I a second DEXA scan which showed my osteopenia was a bit worse. Last year I broke my wrist and they have now put me on bisphosphonate tablets. Osteopenia is mild osteoporosis with 2% or less bone density loss so it is not as dramatic as it sounds. I don’t know how old you are (I’m 65) but some bone loss is normal for women post menopause. Hope this reassures you. I am sure your appointment with the specialist will reassure you further.
Hi Sar_ah - I also had a DEXA scan at the time of rads and just before starting Tamoxifen, and I too was told I have mild osteopenia, so a lower than expected bone density. I seem to think my consultant said that chemo can cause/add to this. He also told me that exercise is really good for bone density, impact exercise not cycling for example - so running is particularly good. I wasn’t a runner before treatment but have taken it up for that reason. I also take Adcal calcium and vit D tablets twice a day. I’m sure your consultant will reassure you when you see him/her.
BC just keeps giving doesn’t it, and it’s just draining - please don’t apologise, you are not at all silly for being upset. If your back allows, I would definitely keep up the exercise - good for physical and mental health.
Sending you my very best wishes and happy to chat more if I can help.
Evie xx