Bone density scans - how often?

Caroline UK · 04-26-2007, 04:40 AM

I've been reading Debra's thread with interest, and have a question of my own.

I've been told by my oncologist that she will send me for another bone density scan in 2 years' time. Before chemo last summer, the scan showed I was osteopaenic (not sure on figures), and now I'm on Arimidex and Calcichew Forte.
2 years sounds like a long time to me. I'll discuss it with her next time, but in the meantime, I would welcome hearing from anyone with experience of this. Is bone loss generally so slow that it isn't worth testing more regularly?

Becky · 04-26-2007, 08:05 AM

Mine is sending me every 2 years as well.

rosamarie · 04-26-2007, 02:22 PM

Hi Caroline
I see you are from London, same as me. I was diagnosed with severe osteoporosis at the Royal Marsden after a DEXA scan, quite a shock. I was then sent to a cash strapped NHS hospital in Surrey and the Consultant there has said I can't have another scan for THREE years. I have spoken to the NOS and they said that 2-3 years is about the norm. They say that it takes a time for bone loss to register on a scan. There are blood tests (bone marker tests) that can be done after three months to see if you are still actually losing bone, but I cant persuade anyone to do one of these, perhaps you will have more luck. I am taking Protolos and Calcichew.