Update on osteopenia

Momine

When Istarted AIs almost 5 years ago, my spine bone density initially took a nosedive to -2.3, i.e severe osteopenia. I just had another DEXA, 2 years after the last one. My spine is still -2.3, so no further deterioration in the last 2 years. My hip lost a little density, but is still well within normal range. So, I am thankful that my doc didn't freak and start me on drugs, and I wanted to post this to let others know that bone density does sometimes stabilize on its own. The only thing I do is a fair amount of exercise, including weights

muska

Hi Momine,

Thank you for posting this. I appear to have a somewhat similar impact from AI - spinal density deteriorated and was -2.1 after two years on arimidex. Hips remained OK. I started Prolia recently and the main argument that pushed me to do so, was some reduction in bone mets that had been reported in women who received Prolia. I also continue to exercise regularly and do weights too.

LizM

My bone density was pretty stable in the osteopenia range in the first five years on an aromatase inhibitor. It started to get worse in years 6 to 10, with the most decline (osteoporosis) in years 8 to 10. I took Fosamax in years 2 to 8, Reclast in year 9, and will be taking Prolia next week. I completed 10 years of an AI in August.

Hopeful82014

LizM - congrats on finishing the 10 years! That's great. Were you able to stay on one A/I the entire time or did you cycle between them?

It's interesting to see the different bone regions in which changes manifest. I've just gotten my latest scan results and, while the spine is stable, the hip shows "significant decline." My readings had been stable since 2010 and I had a DEXA 6 weeks before starting Femara, so it's pretty clear that it was the A/I, particularly since I've been even more conscientious about taking calcium & Vit. D since dx and I do a fair amount of weight-bearing exercise. However, there's no way I'd quit the A/I.

I started Zometa in May, so it will be interesting to see how it stabilizes.Like Muska, my primary motivation for this was a possible reduction in bone metastasis and this scan reinforces the decision to take it.

LizM

Hopeful, I took Tamoxifen for 3 months before I had an oophorectomy, then took Arimidex for a year before I switched to Femara due to side effects. I was on Femara for 9 years. I've been off Femara for two months and feel no different, which has surprised me a little. I received my first Prolia shot yesterday, with zero side effects so far. There is a huge difference for me in the side effects between Reclast and Prolia. I had 24 to 48 hours of flu like symptoms with a headache from Reclast. I am hoping the Prolia reverses my osteoporosis. I went from -2.1 in the spine to -2.7 from 2014 to 2016,

SpecialK

LizM - I have been on Prolia since 2012 with no side effects. Just wanted to provide the disclaimer that it may take up to two years before you see any marked improvement. At the two year point I was back into a normal measurement at every point, and had been right at the break point (lol!) between osteopenia and osteoporosis before starting Prolia. I was osteopenic, but stable for 9 years, prior to breast cancer due to a total hyst/ooph at 45. I had very clear bone impact from chemo and 6 months of Femara, had a baseline same day as the mammo and US that led to diagnosis. My MO has indicated that as long as I am on anti-hormonals I will be receiving Prolia.

Hopeful82014

Liz, that's terrific that you were able to do the vast majority of your treatment on Femara. Good luck with Prolia - I hope it does indeed take care of the osteoporosis.