Dexa bone density scan question
 

My onc. has scheduled a dexa bone density scan for me before we talk about Zometa infusions as a preventative for bone mets. The tech. told me to stop calcium supplements for 24-48 hours before the test or it may show up as a blob on the film. Is there anything else in the protocol to get a good reading? (I'm thinking that they scan you on your non-dominant side, but I'm not sure. I also think they only do the hip, but my friend also had her arm done, because she's got osteopenia.)

Any tips would be appreciated as, if I decide to do the Zometa, and that's a BIG IF, I want to get an accurate test, because the the outcome depends on whether my insurance would pay for the Zometa.

Thank you,

Vicki

Hi Vicki,

Like your friend, I also have osteopenia. I've never been told not to take my calcium before the bone density test, so I don't know if that is normal or not. Also when they do mine they do my left hip and my spine. The test is a very simple one.....you don't even have to get undressed as long as you don't wear any metal :).

Pat

I just had mine done and I hadn't heard about not taking calcium, although I suppose it does make sense. I probably should have stopped taking my clastoban (a pill) as well. It would be interesting to know for next year. I take clastoban because Femara was destroying my bone density. It's an easy quick test. sometimes they only do the hip, sometimes some of the colon vertebral. Don't wear metal in your bra. anything metal you will have to take off.
good luck hope the test is good.
sarah

Hey girl

They do the non-dominant side hip or at least tell them too. They also do the lumbar spine and neck.

I was never told to not take my calcium either.

Where I work there are no restrictions on what you can take. We scan the spine and hip.

My dexa scan went from osteopenia to normal after just one Zometa infusion. I'm very curious to see how it will look next year after more zometa

Henny

I never stop my calcium before a Dexa scan. Have had 3. I'm allergic to lots of things, including dairy. Have been taking calcium & Vit D ever since my first pregnancy (almost 14 years). Lost some bonedensity in the first two years of Arimidex use, but it seems to have stabilized. I have been running, though, this summer, and the Fall Dexa even showed a tiny improvement. Go figure!

Love

Jacqueline

I was told to not take calcium the morning of my DEXA.

Question for all of you: How often is it recommended you have the DEXA done? (annually or bi-annually?)

Hi Harrie -
My thought is that frequency of DEXA scanning will be different depending on the results of the early ones and whether we are on a hormone suppressor.

I had so much Zometa that it is not necessary for a while and also hormone negative. Getting my vitamin D level up was more of a concern for maintaining the bone health I have.

Keeping up some weight bearing exercise and activity is also part of my routine.

The main thing for people just finished with chemo is to monitor them at that time, and take appropriate steps to either rebuild lost bone or to maintain a good density level.

I was told not to take calcium the day before my dexa and have the scan every eighteen months.

This stopping calcium before the dexa scan is very interesting. One would think calcium circulating in the blood stream or newly taken up in the bone structure would not affect the scan. I'm going to ask one of the radiologist who I work with if there's any literature on the subject.

The annual DEXA is recommended for me because I am osteopenia and am on the AI.
My insurance has denied payment and I am in the process of appeal.

Thanks for the great information!
 

Hi Wonderful Women,

Yes, we can! What a fantastic amount of information in a short amount of time!

I appreciate your input and being left-handed will ask that they scan the right hip.

See you online,

Vicki