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Sunday, July 27, 2008 marilyn asks

Q: After 5 years of tamox., and 4 1/2 on femara as well as fosamax, my oncologist took me off femara

due to bone loss. Apparently the fosamax did nothing. The nurse pract. said the bone loss usually reverses itself. Is this true? Am looking for "natural" vitamins, etc. to treat the bone loss. Am off ALL rx's. Am tired of it! Had B.C. 91/2 years ago with no problems whatsoever. Thanks.

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PJ Hamel, Health Guide
7/27/08 5:33pm

Hi Marilyn: Bone density loss is very common with aromatase inhibitors like Femara. Sorry the Fosamax didn't work! You can definitely halt your bone loss, and possibly even reverse the proces and gain some back. Calcium and vitamin D, supplemented by magnesium to make sure the D is being absorbed, are key. Make aure you're getting 1500mg of calcium a day, and 1000IU of vitamin D3, including both supplements and dietary sources. Weight-bearing exercise (e.g., lifting weights) is also very helpful, as is all exercise. So - a moderate amount of sun (not enough to encourage skin cancer!), calcium and D3 in your diet, and exercise will all help. Good luck - PJH

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By marilyn— Last Modified: 11/17/10, First Published: 07/27/08