The Day My Bones Failed a Test I Didn’t Study For

Several years ago, my doctor sent me for a bone density test. As a breast cancer survivor on Tamoxifen 🤢, he explained that some degree of bone loss was likely in my future.

I’d already suspected as much. My oncologist handed me calcium and vitamin D supplements about 37 seconds after prescribing the Tamoxifen.

She explained that the supplements were preventive — not a miracle shield, but a way to slow the process down.

So off I went for the bone density test. I was pleased to discover it was basically a giant X-ray machine and not some exotic torture device involving needles or other devilry.

A few days later, my results showed up online. No explanation. No reassuring note from the doctor. Just one unfamiliar word.

Turns out, I kind of flunked the bone density test.

Osteopenia.

My immediate response: Okay.

My follow-up response: What the heck is osteopenia?

Since I had results but no doctor yet, I scheduled an urgent appointment with Dr. Google.

Dr. G informed me that osteopenia is a fancy medical term meaning: “Your bone density isn’t what it should be for your age, but you don’t have osteoporosis yet.”

He then gleefully added that most people deal with this after age 50.

Since I was barely in my 40s, I muttered rude things about Dr. Google and kept reading.

When the doctor’s office finally called, the nurse confirmed everything I had learned online. The only new information was that I didn’t need medication yet, and that I should take calcium and vitamin D.

I told her I was already doing both.

I asked if there was anything else I could do.

She hesitated, then asked if I exercised — with the tone of someone expecting a firm “no.”

I told her yes, actually. I run or cross-train 5 to 6 days a week.

She did not hide her surprise well, but recovered quickly and said that was amazing and I should absolutely keep it up.

I briefly considered telling her that, as long as throat-punching morons is frowned upon in polite society, I would indeed keep running.

I asked if any particular type of exercise was best. She said anything that uses your body weight is ideal. Running and strength training are perfect.

So while I was already running, finding out that it helps slow the progression of osteopenia turned out to be a great motivator.

And so far, it seems to be working.

I had another bone density test right before Thanksgiving. When this year’s results came back, I was thankful that I still don’t need medication. My highest fracture risk is only 3%. I tend to beat the odds — but even so, I’m not particularly worried, despite being a grade-A klutz.

The bone loss has progressed a little, but I’m still firmly in osteopenia territory.

So for now, I’ll keep running. As long as my body lets me. And as long as the sidewalks aren’t snowy or icy. I love cold-weather running, but I’m not interested in personally testing whether the doctor was right about my fracture risk.