Hello, Ladies.
Someone here (maybe weisssoccermom) mentioned a while back that females should get a baseline bone density scan after radiation treatment. I forget her exact words (and can't find them) but she said many women suffer with hip fractures years after pelvic radiation treatment. I took this suggestion to my Rad Onc at my 6 month post-rad follow up visit last year and he said (like he always does) that a baseline wasn't necessary because "there are no long term side effects from radiation." I went to my PCP and he too said he didn't think a bonescan was necessary. But I was insistent and he said he could justify it because I am now post-menopausal (chemically induced from chemo). So, I went for a dexascan - thinking I was getting a baseline.
My results: At 50 yo, I walked away with an Ostoeporosis and Osteopenia diagnosis. I have been a runner/athlete all my life and eat very well and my 90 yo mom (who just passed away) didn't have osteoporosis until well into her 80's - so this isn't a lifestyle, nutrition, or genetic thing. My oncologist agreed that it is a side effect from treatment. I have yet to decide if I will go on medicine (with its own side effects) or chance it with supplements and weight training (they told me I can't build bone at my age - just maintain what I have). They highly recommend meds - b/c once you have one fracture, you have a higher chance of another. I am now a 50 yo woman who is advised to refrain from many activities I have always enjoyed as they come with a fracture risk. I was about to seek a second opinion when the virus situation hit, so I am not sure yet what I will choose.
Thank you, weissosccermom (or whomever posted this information a while back)!
Lakeswim