Osteoporosis

HoneyCom · March 2017

Taking Femara has led to osteoporosis &my oncologist wants me to take Fosamax or Boniva and see a bone density specialist. I told my oncologist

I will not take anything for the osteo as I don't want to put more chemicals into my body. The Dr. then suggested Tamoxifen, which can lead to uterine

cancer, blood clots or cataracts. Has anyone else had this situation? Many thanks.

Moderators · March 2017

Welcome to our community, HoneyCom. You may it helpful to read this section here on bone density and medications (post menopausal), specifically Tamoxifen. Bone strength. There are helpful suggestions on how to help build bone density naturally, and the role Tamoxifen could play in bone strength. We're all here to help you navigate this path. Sending you hugs

windingshores · March 2017

My oncologist was going to switch me to Tamoxifen from Femara if I did not succeed on getting onto some Osteoporosis meds. However, I am sensitive to some and can't take others due to health issues that contraindicate. At my last appointment, I was ready to switch MD's to stay on Femara, despite the miseries associated with it To mu surprise, my oncologst agreed that afib makes the clot potential with Tamoxifen worse, and that my history of thick uterine lining could also be a problem. She kept me on Femara, at least until it's been 5 years (I've done 2).

The rate of change for my bones on Femara was the same as before Femara, 5% over two years. Not good but not so sure it's the Femara anyway.

wintersocks · March 2017

I am just about to stop Letrozole after 5 years to switch to Tamoxifen. Part of that reasoning from the BS was that as I am osteopenic it would not be a good idea for me to stay on it any longer. The Letrozole added to the bone thinning problem for me but did not cause it. That was Coeliac disease. She is very adamant that I come off Letrozole cos of the risks to bone. I have had several Dexa scans which show the bone loss to have remain pretty much the same despite Letrozole. I have been on calcium and Vit D supplements for many years.

Tamoxifen - of course there are risks with this drug and the s/e you mention are some. However it's always risk v benefit. steroids can cause cataracts (I have a cloudy lens from the steroids taken for chemo) and chemo/rads can cause further cancers. I will be taking Tamoxifen and for me the benefits outweigh those risks - that I have anyway simply because I have had chemo and rads.

ChiSandy · March 2017

Fact is that once you have cancer (or any other serious condition), you can never be made entirely whole again no matter if you’re cured. There comes a point in life when you can’t fix one thing without breaking another, ad infinitum. There is no such thing as a win-win situation in adult medicine—every treatment and procedure carries risks. You have to weigh the odds, but as importantly, assess your priorities in life and what you’re willing to worsen and have to endure to make something else better.

Emily2008 · March 2017

I agree, Sandy. Unfortunately.

I am a 44 year old woman with osteoporosis as a result of breast cancer treatment from 2008. I had a Prolia injection in January, and will continue every 6 months for several years until/unless my bone loss improves or they invent something newer and better.

savgigi · March 2017

I stopped Femara after almost 3 years because of 2 fractures and osteoporosis. I will not take Tamoxifen because of existing risk of clots. I am taking Boniva without problems but had a reaction to Fosamax. My MO, RO and BS supported my decision.

Osteoporosis

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