Hips are Good--Femurs not so much

[Gerri]

Hi Sassy,

So sorry that you are going through such a painful time. I hope you find a solution soon.

I don't have any experience with Forteo, but thought I would share my experience with my bone health. I was on Tamoxifen for 2 yrs, then Femara for 4 yrs. Due to my osteopenia, I was receiving Zometa every six months. I was not improving so my onc and surgeon decided to take me off of Femara and Zometa and put me on Evista (raloxifene) to strengthen my bones. It is a SERM just like Tamoxifen, but for post-menopausal women. There have been several studies done (STAR, MORE) that show Evista promotes bone health and may prevent fractures. While it has not been proven to prevent recurrence of breast cancer, it has been used in post menopausal women at risk of developing breast cancer.

I did not really have many side effects when I was on Tamoxifen or Femara and the same goes for Evista. I do get leg cramps, which are a possible side effect, but something that I can deal with. I have only been on Evista for a little more than a year so I don't know if my osteopenia has improved or not. I'm sure my onc will order another bone density test at my next appointment.

Best of luck finding a solution to your problem.

[StephN]

Shoot! Sassy, sorry to learn of this further complication with your legs. You already suffered a stress fracture in your foot last year. Good move getting a new specialist to see.

The only member here I can recall on Forteo is SuzanW. But I think there is at least one thread on this drug, with others either starting it or interested.

Guess I lucked out with all the Zometa I was dosed with EVERY 3 WEEKS for quite some time! No problems with my jaw or elsewhere.