DEXA scans

The DEXA scan is so easy, and not at all about mets. Please do not waste a bit of worry on it. Reading your Dx, you are more than likely going to get it as a baseline for any future monitoring while you are on Tamoxifen or an AI, because those drugs do affect done density.

A DEXA test has nothing to do with cancer at all! It is to measure bone density as related to osteopenia or osteoporosis.

Some of us happen to be a bit predisposed to developing osteopenia/osteoporosis based on our genes/family HX. Drugs/Meds can also come into play which is why it needs to be monitored if you aren't already being monitored.

'Thanks' to my very huge family HX on both sides it was a forgone conclusion that I would develops it - also early natural menopause (44). I was osteopenia for many yrs before my IBC DX and TX. I did go on to osteoporosis after TX but it's being handled/not progressed with Fosamax for several yrs.

Bone density is/can be effected by the drugs used with TX BC including estrogen blockers after active TX is done.

The DEXA test is quite easy. You lay on an X-ray table, legs are positioned to get the best view(s) of hips then X rays are run. Probably less than 5 minutes total.