[Barbara2]

My thyroid numbers were in the high, normal range, and I also had a report that said I was entering osteopenia due to Arimidex, so my onc sent me to an endrocrinologist. I have always wondered, though, why he didn't just give me a bisphosphonate; why was it necessary to see an endrocrinologist. I never did know the answer, but was glad to get the bisphosphonte to start slowing down what was happening in the bones.

Prior to breast cancer, my bone density tests were very good.

The endrocrinologist put me on Actonel for the osteopenia. One year later the bone density test showed improvement in density, so I am still taking it.

I think most oncs want to prevent osteoporosis, so they give the bisphosphonate early on in order to slow down the decreasing of bone density; some oncs even give a bisphosphonate when the patient starts Arimidex or an AI of some kind.

I also have read where cancer looks for weak places to set up shop and multiply, such as areas of the bone that have decreased in density.