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Lionne posted 12/4/2013 21:26 PM

You guys rock. Really. This question is for me.

I'm at higher statistical risk for breast cancer. Family history, repeated lumps/biopsies, some dysplasia, Ashkenazi Jewish descent, etc. I don't have the BRCA gene. I have two screenings yearly, MRI, Mammo, one every six months. I've been on Evista for 5 years, the recommended therapy duration for reducing cancer risk. I also have osteopenia, osteoporosis, it fluctuates back and forth. I had been treated aggressively with bisphophonates. I also had a significant D deficiency, now treated. My osteoporosis/osteopenia has been stable for two years so I've had no specific medicine since 2012, when I had a Reclast infusion.

Question: Should I consider calling my bone doctor and seeing if the Evista should be continued for the osteo? Or should I just discontinue it now as directed by my oncologist?

purplejacket4 posted 12/4/2013 22:21 PM

Ask your bone doctor. From the oncologist's POV your done but make sure your doctor handling your osteoporosis is ok with that decision.

tushnurse posted 12/5/2013 07:56 AM

Yup what PJ said. Of course you could just be stubborn like my mom. She had breast CA, and had lumpectomy and radiation and flat out refused Evista due to her already struggling with menopause symptoms primarily hot flashes.

She is 20+ years out, cured. No relapses, and no more issues. She is now 70, still has an occasional hot flash, please god don't let me take after her on that front. She exercises diligently, and takes calcium with D, and has a DEXA scan of a 45 year old.

So I would say check with the Endocrinologist about the bone density stuff, and go from there. Be sure to stay on top of your screenings, that is what will save you in the end.

Lionne posted 12/5/2013 10:27 AM

Thanks, I was able to get an appt with the doc who manages the osteo in Jan. My sister also refused to take tamoxifen when she had a mastectomy at 48. She is cancer free 20 years later. I've had ZERO side effects from the Evista, and breezed through menopause easily. Exercise stopped after d-day, I was pretty paralyzed and anyway my dexa scans continued to plummet despite my gym addiction. Of course, I also had that undiagnosed d deficiency.
I'll keep taking it, try to get back to my exercising.
Thanks, ladies.