Newly diagnosed AH and have osteopenia

Options
AtypicalInMN
AtypicalInMN Member Posts: 1
edited November 2017 in High Risk for Breast Cancer

48 yrs old with only having having my grandmother with BC at age 81. Extremely dense breasts (D4) ecently was told I have a higher background uptake of estrogen receptor cells based on prior MBI readings and last magnified mammogram indicated changes and possible calfications. Biopsy results came back with atypical hyperplasia and will be meeting with my doctor in two weeks to discuss. Surgery, medicine, or waiting. Concern on taking tamoxifen because I have osteopenia. Most likely still periomenopasual but had an ablation 8 years ago and flashing for last 2-3 years horrmone tests indicate I could be possibly be finished with menopause. My primary dr is concerned for me with going on tamoxifen and having further density reduction in my bone mass. Has anyone has this happen and would you be inclined to have surgery. Personally, I want the whole damn thing out and have an elective mastectomy.

Comments

  • cive
    cive Member Posts: 709
    edited November 2017

    There are a number of different medications they can give you for osteopenia which the AIs (alternative to tamoxifen once you are through menopause) also aggravate.  So I wouldn't let that alone prevent me from taking tamoxifen or an AI.

  • Hopeful82014
    Hopeful82014 Member Posts: 3,480
    edited November 2017

    Bone density generally benefits from tamoxifen therapy:

    http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/hormonal/serms Go to the bottom of the page: "As a benefit, SERMs also can improve bone density, which reduces the risk of osteoporosis." (Tamoxifen is the best known of the SERMS.)

    Most of the other side effects of tamoxifen are carefully monitored and responsive to intervention.

Categories