Wellness

[Theresa1121]

I was diagnosed 3 years ago and very scared of taking the medication and injections. y body is hypersensitive to most prescription medications and I have done a lot of reading on the negatives of these drugs and personally do not want to go on them.

I have chosen to take and over the counter "Bone Maximizer II", watch my diet and have joined a gym where I take AquaFit water classes and a BodyFit class with a weight lifting workout. I also walk as much as I can.

From what I know, most insurances will only pay for a Dexa scan every other year so I am due soon again and will find out the status.

It is a personal choice and hoping you can make a decision based on your own circumstances and comfort level.

[Financialgrl]

As part of my cancer aftercare I take Arimidex which causes bone loss and I now have osteoporosis in my right hip.  I too, have been put on Prolia.  My insurance requires that only a hospital or infusion type facility can administer this so I have to see my oncologist twice a year while on both Arimidex and Prolia and I require a DEXA scan every year while on both drugs.  

Prolia is helping but the oncologist told me to speak with my dentist before beginning bc it is one of those drugs that can cause necrosis of the jaw possibly loosening your teeth, etc.  When I began, my dentist said the latest info at the time was to go with the twice a year injectable shot vs the IV specifically for this problem so that's what I do. ALso to make sure I keep up with my cleanings.

Onto other issues - Prolia can cause added back/joint/bone pain (for me Arimidex does as well).  It affects me for about a week but calms down.  The first year I took Prolia I got extremely nauseous and for about 3 days I could not keep any food down.  This is one of the potential side effects - (in non medical terms easier to understand version) is that it stirs up the acid in your stomach which rises and causes extreme acid reflux in some.  This was what I was experiencing so doctor said the day before I get the shot to begin on one of the OTC drugs for acid reflux and take for 3 days.  That works; however, when I take Prolia I take it easy and use those 3 days and sit up in bed and catch up on my reading and eat more bland food.   The infusion nurses said the number one complaint ppl tell them is that for about a week after the shot they feel mild flu-like symptoms.  

For me both Arimidex and Prolia are the gold standards for my cancer aftercare so the above are just what I do to get through the side effects of both drugs.  If you anticipate potential side effects you will be able to find your own workarounds to remain on the drug.