Re: Hope for those with AI-associated musculoskeletal complaints
Food for thought - I had my ovaries removed in August 2005 so I could take an AI instead of tamoxifen. 4 days after removal, my gyne wanted a dexa just so he knew what we were dealing with. I already had mild osteopenia.
I was on Herceptin alone and since I was getting infusions, the gyne talked to my onc about getting
Zometa which I started every 6 months.
Onc dexa scanned me every year - slight degression but he was happy that Zometa was keeping me stable. I started Vitamin D supplementation when I found that my daughter, mother, sister and cousin (later 3 also had bc) had zero circlulating Vitamin D (my daughter was 8).
Took 4000iu per day. 6 months later, I measure 46 for circulating Vitamin D. 6 months after that, total normal DEXA - "over normal". Good hard bones. Insurance wouldn't allow more Zometa. One year after that, still good hard bones and I am still on Arimidex (6 years now).
I also do not have joint pain (as my mom has and my cousin has mega big time). Neither my cousin or mom keep up with Vitamin D (daughter does as we see this as a potential metabolic problem in the family - potential risk for us for bc - low Vitamin D).
This works for me.
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Kind regards
Becky
Found lump via BSE
Diagnosed 8/04 at age 45
1.9cm tumor, ER+PR-, Her2 3+(rt side)
2 micromets to sentinel node
Stage 2A
left 3mm DCIS - low grade ER+PR+Her2 neg
lumpectomies 9/7/04
4DD AC followed by 4 DD taxol
Used Leukine instead of Neulasta
35 rads on right side only
4/05 started Tamoxifen
Started Herceptin 4 months after last Taxol due to
trial results and 2005 ASCO meeting & recommendations
Oophorectomy 8/05
Started Arimidex 9/05
Finished Herceptin (16 months) 9/06
Arimidex Only
Prolia every 6 months for osteopenia
NED 18 years!
Said Christopher Robin to Pooh: "You must remember this: You're braver than you believe and stronger than you seem and smarter than you think"
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