Did you lose bone density on Arimidex or another AI?

Thanks so much for posting this.  I have my first DEXA scan next week (just started Arimidex).

Glad you have done so well.  Good news!

otter, that's great news! Thanks for sharing and congrats. Sounds like all your extra effort paid off.

FWIW, I have a friend who is a 12+ yr BC survivor and she saw about a 4% rate of bone loss the first year on an AI. She wasn't worried at all when she started the drug (had good bones and good family history) so I think she didn't do anything special to mitigate possible bone loss. So I wonder (hope!) that perhaps this is one thing that could be under our control. Otter, maybe you can share all your tricks (or write a book!

I've had bone loss while atking aromasin and arimidex.  However, my bone density is still in the normal range - it was just a lot better before the AIs. 

My Dr. has me get the bone density test at the same place every time. He says that different machines and labs will have a different results. If you didn't have your scan at the same facility that might be the difference.

Agreed. My bone endocrinologist said to get it on the *exact same machine.* (some facilities have more than one machine). The serial number is on the printout.

I had osteoporosis way before my DX, but my onco has never ordered any bone density test for me. I have no comparisons from the one long ago. I'm on Femara and I'm sure that it's affected my bones. I can feel the aches. Hopefully that will disappear when I go off of the AI's next May.I never quite understood why this testing was not a priority for my Dr. I didn't push it because my insurance won't cover anything that has to do with Osteo....It was a preexisting condition when I got this insurance so they poo-pooed it.

artsee, sometimes we have to be our own advocate. I had to request a scan prior to any BC Tx; my doc ordered it based on my request. Since AIs can deplete bones even in patients without prior bone issues, it seems like the insurance should cover your scans every 2 yrs, regardless of your pre-existing bone Dx.  The DEXA scans cost about $300, so maybe they won't fight it, or maybe it's worth paying out-of-pocket. (I know it's not free but it's cheaper than many medical Tx (like my $5000 B-MRI) or even some work done by the dentist!

Very normal before AI, massive loss but still technically within the normal range during first year on AI.  Taking calcium (with mixed feelings), Vit D is good, I do exercise.

Edited to add:  I've got a family  history of osteoporosis, and the AI came just on the  heels of chemopause.

I have no family history of osteoporosis, but since I had not gone through menopause prior to BC, I'm wondering if that's why my bone loss was more dramatic than someone who had already gone through menopause. Who knows. I'm doing everything I can except taking more pills. Jo I too have huge pill sorters for all the stuff I take. I feel your pain. Thanks for the prayers. They are greatly appreciated.

Based on my limited experience, many docs aren't thinking too much about our bones. I think we have to take the lead.

Hello.  I have had bone loss while on Arimidex but who can say whether it's the drug or age or genetics?  Had normal bone density at 52 just prior to dx.  Started Arimidex and 2 years later was osteopenic.  Now two years later have osteoporosis.  I had been pretty good about taking calcium and Vit D, but not great.  I did exercise regularly.  Now I am faithfully tracking my calcium and Vit D intake and still exercising.

My MO recommended once a year Reclast (I already have GI issues) and although I was hesitant, I had the first infusion back in August.  MO thinks I'll probably only need it one more time as he plans to take me off Arimidex after 5 years (1 year to go!).  So now I'm taking Nexium (never took it before the AI) and Reclast (most likely because of the AI and the GI issues the AI caused). 

Thank you for posting your good results.  I jumped on this discussion board after going on Arimidex + Faslodex.  My bone density has been in the normal range and I know the dangers of bisphosophonates so I want to avoid taking them.  I'm encouraged by the posts of women have maintained good bone health with exercise, food intake, calcium and Vit D.

I am horrible at eating all the nutritious food I need to eat (I make myself eat blueberries and yogurt each morning and take no joy in it.  Wish I could!) so I need to  supplement because I want to make sure my heart and bones stay healthy too!

Hi, Otter - just saw this on the active list.

Must be all the abalone we eat - I was fine after 5 years on Arimidex.  No change in bone density, base line test b4 starting, then every 2 years, slight improvement!!!

And the calcium in Rolaids, according to my doc, is not good for us, quote;" You could chew on the white stuff they use to mark football fields & get as much value"  but agree the good calcium/magnesium I still take, and getting my Vitamin D up from 17 to 63 blood test, and free weights, weight bearing exercise, and prunes ( yes, seriously!) all make a difference. BUT, the most important factor - genetics.  If your mom has/had "good bones" that's the best predictor, according to my docs.

Held all the joint pain at bay with monthly acupuncture and monthly massage.  Good luck to all.