Worsening osteoporosis - any correlation to breast cancer?

firstmate

I was diagnosed with osteopenia 2 yrs prior to a bilateral mastectomy.  I am now 2 yrs post-mastectomy for DCIS and my bone density has declined significantly in the last two years.  I now have osteoporosis.  All my blood. liver, kidney, thyroid, and parathyroid tests have been normal, so there is no evident cause for the decline. I am wondering if anyone else has had this same response and whether there is a correlation with breast cancer.

I have been advised to start taking Forteo, which is a synthetic parathyroid hormone (even though my parathyroid function was normal).  This medication is given as an injection every day for two years.  I am also wondering if anyone else has expereince taking this medication. 

Thanks for any information or support you can give.

gale1525

I don't have experience with Forteo, but I had a slight case of osteopenia before breast cancer, and when I was dx my family doctor got me started on Actonel right away, because he said the chemo would make mush out of my bones, now 2 years later the bone loss has increased slightly, but I think it could have been alot worse it I has not started the actonel right away.

firstmate

Thanks for your response; but, I have been on Actonel for the last 4 yrs and I did not have chemo.  So, it does not make sense to me that my bone density has decreased so much in 2 yrs.   However, I am glad to hear that yours has not decreased significantly.  Take care!