HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post - Hope for those with AI-associated musculoskeletal complaints

Becky · 06-29-2011, 05:41 AM

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.

06-29-2011, 05:41 AM	#3
Becky Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Stockton, NJ Posts: 4,179	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. __________________ 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"