They Want Me to Start Taking Prolia
@Kouponkaren (5497)
United States
January 13, 2022 8:46pm CST
I have been very upset for a week now. Last Wednesday I went to see my oncologist (I was diagnosed with breast cancer 2 years ago) I see her every 6 months.
I don't really like this oncologist and am actively looking for a new one after last week. But here is why I am most upset:
At the end of the appointment, she was heading toward the door I asked her if she had gotten the results of my bone density test from last July. She said that she had and went to get the results off her computer. She said my left hip, both femurs, and spine are in the low-density range and I have found out since then that I have osteopenia (for those of you who are familiar with that term).
Then she said she wants me to start on Proliam which hardens bone. It's an injection every 6 months. I started reading all of the side effects which can include the weakening of my jaw bone which is irreparable and esophageal cancer. I was totally freaked out and told her I would have to do some research on it. She seemed to be in a hurry to get me started on it and gave me a request for bloodwork which has to be done within 28 days of my starting Prolia.
The more I read about this medication, the more I don't want to take it. I am not a fan of a lot of meds, which is why I wanted to do some research. I saw my general practitioner yesterday. She recommended my taking it, and also said that once I start, I will have to take it for the rest of my life because if I stop, my bones will immediately start to weaken.
I am 61 years old. I don't want to commit myself to this shot which could cause damage for the rest of my life unless it's absolutely necessary.
So, if I don't take it, my bones may just continue to weaken and I would maybe be in the osteoporosis range soon. If I stop taking the estrogen-blocking medication which is helping me not get breast cancer again, I could get breast cancer back. UGH.
I am thinking of not going on the medication just yet, but instead, for the next 6 months, trying to follow a bone-boosting diet, and get LOTS of weight-bearing exercises, which in itself helps bones get strong. Plus adding more calcium and vitamin D to my diet. And then in July of this year, have another bone density scan done and see where things are at.
What do you think?
6 people like this
5 responses
@Kouponkaren (5497)
• United States
14 Jan 22
@JudyEv Oh, I am sorry. I didn't mean to worry you. And you know they have to write those things on the meds so they don't get sued if something happens. The attorneys probably write it. Perhaps if I was older it wouldn't be as big a deal to me. I just don't think I am ready to commit to it right now. Ha ha, sounds like I am committing to a relationship or smething!
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (381949)
• Rockingham, Australia
15 Jan 22
@Kouponkaren Thanks for the information. I'm seeing the dentist next week. Now you do have me worried. 

1 person likes this
@Kouponkaren (5497)
• United States
15 Jan 22
@JudyEv Ha ha, good plan! Once you are on it, you aren't supposed to stop taking it because your bones will definitely start to weaken. Just be careful about having any dental work done...other than cleanings. Make sure to let your dentist know you are on Prolia. And definitely eat the chocolate!
1 person likes this

@just4him (323168)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
14 Jan 22
I think you're actively seeking exercise, and supplements are the better route to go. Doctors are quick to prescribe medications that give more risks than benefits. Also, see if you can find a new doctor in the meantime. Look for a holistic doctor. That keeps coming to my mind as I write this comment. That might be the better route to go with your bone issues.
Another thing that alarms me is that she had the results of that scan a long time ago and is just now telling you about it and only because you asked about it. Seems there's really no hurry if she wasn't in a hurry to give you the results. Don't be hasty.
1 person likes this

@just4him (323168)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
16 Jan 22
@Kouponkaren I'm sure it would feel good.
1 person likes this
@Kouponkaren (5497)
• United States
17 Jan 22
@just4him Yes, I think it would feel very empowering.
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@Kouponkaren (5497)
• United States
15 Jan 22
@just4him Thanks Valerie. I am really annoyed that she had the results so long ago and never bothered to let me know about them. I want to call her up, and be like Donald Trump and say, "You're Fired!" Ha ha. That would feel so good!!!
1 person likes this

@FourWalls (86618)
• United States
14 Jan 22
I think: do you live in a city big enough and have good enough insurance where you can go get a second opinion?
1 person likes this
@Kouponkaren (5497)
• United States
14 Jan 22
My insurance is awful, but I think I may go get a second opinion anyway and pay for it out of pocket. Most doctor's offices give me a pretty good discount. Thanks for the suggestion.
1 person likes this
@Kouponkaren (5497)
• United States
15 Jan 22
@LadyDuck It may not be enough to help the damage that the other medication is doing.
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (135696)
• Marion, Ohio
14 Jan 22
That sounds like a good plan to try first. Hope it works
1 person likes this
@Kouponkaren (5497)
• United States
15 Jan 22
@wolfgirl569 I hope s too. It's scary though. Because if it doesn't work, my bones will not be in good shape.
1 person likes this






