Good News.....bone growth!

You may recall a year ago I was diagnosed with osteopenia, the early stages of osteoperosis.  This is a result of a preventive hysterectomy I had in February 2010.  For the last year, I worked closely with my naturopath to select the best calcium supplements and to incorporate more weight bearing exercises and eat more greens.   I had my annual bone density scan in late September to see if my numbers have changed.  The scan measures two areas: lumbar and hip.   I was excited and nervous to see if my treatment plan was making an impact.  I know it is very difficult to reverse osteoperosis so I was hoping my numbers were the same and did not get worse.  I was overjoyed to hear my hip measurement improved meaning my bones were growing stronger.  It didn't get worse.  It actually got better!!  Yeah!  My lumbar measurement essentially stayed the same.  I'm ok with that.  So, I'll continue with green smoothies and juicing and exercising with weights.  My naturopath is now using a new calcium supplement she is having really great results with other patients.  I switched to that one for a 3 month trial.  If we see a change in my NTX urine test (shows how much calcium I am turning over; expelling through my urine) then I will stay on the new supplement; otherwise, I will switch back to my other two I used for the last year.  Either way, I'm moving in the right direction and am so thankful for strong bones!!

The last couple years I have been getting PET scans in March and September.  My March 2012 scan came back clean.  Since I've been cancer free for 3+ years and healthy, my onc and I agreed to move to yearly PET scans instead of 2x per year.   So, September came and went without a PET scan.  I have mixed feelings.  Part of me wants one to have the reassurance of clean health.  However, it is an incredibly stressful event plus the repeated exposure to radiation is not a good thing.  I don't miss that.   My next scan will be in March 2013. 

All is well and I'm thankful for my health, strong body & mind, supportive friends and amazing husband!!