need some help on the bone density issue

I've been on Reclast, which is another version of the same thing Zometa is made of. (Google "reclast zometa" and you'll see a comparison of the two.) It's an annual infusion, though I think Zometa is more frequent. I've had no side effects whatsoever. The only way I know I've had it is the bandage after the IV. For all I know they could be infusing saline. I know some people get SEs such as joint pain but I've literally had no SEs whatsoever.

I've taken Zometa for 1.5 yrs. My first DEXA scan showed spinal osteoporosis (I had always been active and strong) so I asked to increase Zometa to every 3 mths. which I've taken for a year. Just had my 2nd DEXA and now I have 7% bone loss in the femur/hip area in the past yr. despite the Zometa.  My onc was very concerned and changed my tx. to Denosumab every 3 mths. to try to get this under control. I had my first injection last Thursday and have had fewer aches and bone pain since. Hoping for a turnaround or I won't be able to continue Femara - not my favorite med but I sure don't want to have to stop taking it. 

If I were in your shoes and your onc confirms bone loss, I would get started on Zometa or an equivalent before to manage the problem before it gets worse.  It can get much worse. I hate being hypervigilant about losing balance and falling or breaking a wrist, arm, rib, hip, knee or spine compression. BTW, I had flu-like symptoms a few days after the first Zometa..not bad at all. After that, I asked that all infusions were given over 30 mins. instead of 15 and no more problems. No side effects from the Denosumab.

I still have normal bone density and my own plan is to do nothing.  I posted on this topic a few weeks ago.  Anyway, the place to do research is with Dr Miriam Nelson who is the expert in this field.  She is at Tufts.

In my own case, I expect that calcium, vitamin D, and weight bearing/strength training exercise will see me through the remaining 4 years of anastrazole.

One of the things I read is that any women who start out with normal bone density are highly unlikely to end up with osteoporosis.   Also, my learnings from the work of Dr Nelson is that exercise alone is sufficient to rebuild bone density.  This is even true of people in their 90s.

So worth checking into. We should be exercising anyway.  Good luck. - Claire

MAJOR WARNING:  I had a networking meeting with a friend of mine today and he asked me not to raise my (very toned) arms over my head.  Too distracting.

But important counsel as networking my way into something great career-wise.  I need to work this one (but not with male direct reports).

I am so thrilled for you.  We need to work on real, not imagined, issues.

I was relieved to learn that bone density was NOT on the list.  Equally relieved when I met with my internist last September and he pronounced me in perfect health.

I will go with both.  Wonderful news, and hope Friday's visit goes just fine. - Claire

First of all, you are always entitled to go pick up your own test results.   You don't need to wait to see your doctor.   Secondly, yes, some women go from normal to osteoporosis in a very short time.   I have gone from normal to osteopenia in one year and am only 46.

If your density is normal, that's great - I wouldn't go on a drug either.    But just be aware that supplements don't always do the trick.