Chemo and bone loss questions
 

My questions are how often and how badly do chemo-therapies lead to bone loss, thinning, osteopnia and ultimately osteoporosis?

Today I was handed a copy of a bone density scan recently done on me that shows moderately severe osteopenia of my thigh bones (T scores of -2.1 and -1.7) . Two years ago the T scores were normal but since then I have undergone 6 rounds of Taxotere and Carboplatin. Now I know those drugs did a number on my bone marrow, since my complete blood counts were in the tank after the chemo was completed 4 months ago, but I was surprised to see such a dramatic impact on my bone density. I have been taking vitamin D3 supplements even before the chemo started and I have now started supplementing with calcium. So I am wondering if I should expect the bone loss to get more pronounced and when does Boniva, Fosamax, etc. start to be indicated for cancer patients having received chemo.

bird

Re: Chemo and bone loss questions
 

I too was shocked to find that I had osteopenia. Once you get this verdict, your primary care physician should immediately prescribe something to boost bone density. usually it is fosamax or Evista. You may be able to convince them to give you Boniva or Zometa, if your insurance will cover it.

I was given Evista. Calcium is a must with Vit D.

-shobha

Re: Chemo and bone loss questions
 

http://courses.washington.edu/bonephys/opbmd.html#WHO

http://www.nof.org/osteoporosis/bmdtest.htm

I hope that there is something useful in the above links,Rare.

Marcia

Re: Chemo and bone loss questions
 

I had density loss too. Did not have much improvement on Boniva but Actonel is working well. Also taking Calcium with D

Re: Chemo and bone loss questions
 

My T score was -2.37 and -1.87 post Chemo, as a base line before commencing an AI
I'm 39 and in menopause from Chemo. I'm now taking Arimidex and unfortunately in Aust we can not have a bisphsophate covered by the Govt unless you have a fracture, so it's only vit D and callcium suppliments at present.
My Onc will do anotherDexa scan in a few months to see how my bone desity is holding up.

Re: Chemo and bone loss questions
 

Thanks everyone for the replies. I will check out the suggested links and try to learn as much as I can about bone loss and its risks.

Seems like every day since I learned I have breast cancer, there is a new "bag of worms" I have to deal with. And now I have two doctors (primary and oncologist) who at present appear to waiting on the other one to advise me on what to do. Well maybe I am too impatient, but I like to get on with what needs to be done.

Thanks again everyone--

bird

Re: Chemo and bone loss questions
 

Re: Chemo and bone loss questions
 

Hello Bird!
I also have osteopenia in my left femur after 6 rounds of Taxotere and Carboplatin and 9 months of Zometa. My doctor told me that is no big deal, that everyone has a moderate osteopenia and should not scare me. Gave me Osteocare.
Felicia

Re: Chemo and bone loss questions
 

Pinkgirl-- I put estrogen in males in the same category as breasts on males--well almost the same. I think male estrogen can help maintain bone health but as with females that are ER+ it is just as bad news--especially for those with Her2+ cancer. And breasts on males--I have been trying to come up with something more useless and so far I've had no luck. All I can see them achieving for males is causing trouble at times--like in the case of my breast cancer. If this evolution thing works so well as some say it does, then why haven't males evolved over the millenniums to the point they have no breasts??

felicia--Thanks for passing on the encourging words your doctor gave to you. I'll check into the Osteocare to see if it is available here. Catchy name for a calcium supplement which I assume it is.

bird