Bone density in younger women??

MagsB

Hi All,

Just want some friendly advice! I was diagnosed with BC at 27, had mastectomy, immediate reconstruction, chemo, rads, herception, 2 yrs of zoladex, 3 yrs so far of tamoxifen, with another 2 yrs to go.... so basically the works. I am now 31.

Anyway, the problem is - 3 weeks ago, I was out for a walk, fell in some mud and managed to snap both bones in my forearm... such a nasty break for such a simple fall. At the hospital, I was told by an orthopedic surgeon in the ER that my bones didn't look as dense as someone my age... I've been in contact with my breast surgeon and I'm being sent for a bone scan next week to double check my bone health (to make sure there are no mets - I'm not that concerned with that - I think I am fine), but I'm not sure what's going to happen after that scan, whether they will investigate further? Has anyone else had problems with bone density??  Is it easily dealt with? I was never offered a baseline DEXA scan, so would it be easy for them to determine if there has been any loss of density??

Anyway, I am a little down about this - I have been through so much, but I've shaken it off and got on with life. I am usually such a positive person, but this has really upset me. Sometimes this bad luck seems never ending...

Anyway, just wondering if this has affected anyone else?

Thanks,

Mags

sdrayton

Hello there.

Gratefully, I haven't had any problems with bone breakage, but I was told to complete a DEXA scan each year to make certain that my bones aren't thinning excessively. Sadly, like you, I did not have a baseline scan before chemo, but my endocrinologist thinks that my bones have always been relatively thin.

He recommends an annual DEXA, along with daily calcium plus vitamin D therapy (I take 1200mg and 600mg, respectively, broken up throughout the day), along with a weight-bearing exercise routine at least two to three times a week.

A bit of medical history about me: I was diagnosed at age 31, had neo-adjuvant chemo (CAF), a lumpectomy, more chemo (taxotere), rads and am just about to complete my five years of tamoxifen therapy. I'm 37 now.

I noticed from your profile that you're in Ireland, so I'm assuming that you've always been "sun shy" like me. Although I'm a California native, I'm red headed with very fair skin and light blue eyes and have therefore always stayed out of the sun and use sunscreen religiously. These are significant contributing factors to a lifelong vitamin D deficiency that new research indicates may have played a role in our propensity for breast cancer in the first place.

Luckily, the tamoxifen is lessening our bone thinning, but it may be only temporary while on the drug. Like I said, I'll complete my 5-year therapy in a couple of months and I'm planning on having my DEXA scan not long thereafter to see if there's a density difference.

For now, I guess we'll have to lift weights, down calcium pills, and try not to fall. Ugh.

Best of luck.

Lauren3

I have no advice but wanted to wish you good luck!

Tabb2000

Hi there-  Im 31 years old and was just diagnosed this past Jan.  I've also been through the works of chemo, surgery, radiation and am now of tamox for 5 years.  My Dr.s do believe that there is something to bone loss in younger women with breast cancer who have undergone these treatments.  Im currently on a bisphosphonates clinical trial.  The theory is that I'll take these pills (kinda like Boniva) for three years and it will strengthen my bones, which in turn can also lessen my chances of a mets developing in my bones.  They think that if you have soft bones, a cancer cell can slide in and start a tumor.  If your bones are stronger, the cells have a harder time making their way into the bone to start tumor and it has been proven that recurrence is much less likely for women who have been on these pills.  This is a phase 3 trial, so the data is there. Please private message me if you would like further detail.  Best of luck!

MagsB

Hi All,

Thanks for the messages.

 I had the bone scan - no mets! Even though I was sure I'd be fine - you do start to worry, every time! But at least that's one less thing to worry about!

 Well, I was speaking to my breast care nurse when she gave me the results - I asked her about the dexa scan and she said that I probably have been affected by the treatment and should ask about getting a scan at my next appointment - which will be in December...! But I think I will follow your advice and maybe start some course of calcium & Vit D. And I suppose I should invest in some weights for my arms... Yes, you were right Sdrayton - I'm lovingly described as "pale & interesting" (i.e. pale and pasty!) and considering we have just experienced our wettest summer since records began, I don't see too much sun. In fairness, I do walk everyday, so I do get out, but I'm sure my Vit D is on the low side... The joys of living in Ireland!?

But when I think about it, I never broke a bone when I was younger (and I've had some spectacular falls!), but since I was diagnosed, I broke my coccyx  2 years ago and now, both bones in the wrist. I know if you land wrong - anyone can break a bone, but it's just that the arm broke so easily...

 Anyway, I got my cast and wires out - without anesthetic, not nice! - on Monday, so I am slowly trying to get the wrist moving and to keep the swelling (hopefully not lymphedema...) at bay.

 At least I know I'm not imaging it about the possibility of problems with the bone density... I'm better armed (excuse the pun!) when I go see my Dr in December!

 Thanks again!

Mags