Abemaciclib Verzenio for Stage IV

threetree

@eddiej - Juliana, that sounds like a fabulous trip and I'm so glad you were able to do that! You look so happy there, and it all looks so lovely. Thank you so much for sharing all of this with us.

Re your liver progression, I too had liver progression on Verzenio and Faslodex and started with about 3 lesions. They grew slowly, so my oncologist weighed things and I was able to stay on the Verzenio/Faslodex combo for a few more months. He wanted to get as much use out of those drugs as possible, and since things were growing very slowly at that point, I continued with that for a bit. At one point however, after I had consulted with two separate liver specialists, they counted 10 lesions, so I had to do a switch. My onc and I considered Truqap and Xeloda as next possibilities. He decided that I get too many side effects to try the Truqap (that was going to be the first "next drug"), so we went straight to Xeloda and I started it last January. Very quickly, my liver lesions became no longer visible on scans, and they remain that way at this time. He said that Enhurtu would probably be the next drug when this one fails, so I'm wondering if there isn't the possibility for you of Truqap or Xeloda before Enhurtu also. I think you sound like you have a real sober outlook about all of this and I really admire that.

Again, that trip to Italy sounds like it was absolutely fabulous and I wish you many, many, many more trips and fun in the sun! Please do stay in touch with us all and let us know how things play out. Sending best wishes and a hug!

eddiej

@threetree Interesting! Unfortunately, my liver tumors literally grew in my first two months of Verzenio. I didn’t have them before so that indicates the Verzenio had little to no impact. But- I am not an oncologists, I just play one on TV. 😂😂

I will let you know what is decided!
thanks for letting me know your story!! xox j

Rosebessie

@eddiej You look gorgeous. Im so happy for you to have gone to Italy. Thats like a dream holiday destination. I dont get to go on holiday for non health related reasons, but i love to hear holiday stories like yours. As for your treatment challenges, youre jn my prayers. This illness sucks 😪😪. I hope Enhertu treats you well. Love and hugs 🫂 🤗 ❤️ 💖

threetree

@eddiej - Just FYI, my liver tumors also started to grow after I started Verzenio, just very slowly. I'm no oncologist either, so who knows? Lots of luck to you.

marcials1

@Rosebessie sorry for the delay responding. I have been dealing with a disaster of switching oncologist within the same cancer center. It was a nightmare, but it’s over. When I was on Verzenio , I learned to deal with the side effects and they after sometime became routine and tolerable. I hope you get to that point. When I switched, I was actually bummed out because I had finally a place where V was acceptable. Best wishes getting to that comfortable zone! And you’re right if wishes were horses…!

@shanagirl I love horses, but never had any . My parents knew better than to get me one because I wasn’t responsible enough as a teenager! I’m so happy that you had that chance to enjoy them. Beautiful magical animals! Oh and I didn’t know I have option at all. I’m hiping that works for you!

To all the others here on this thread, I’m happy that I get to keep in touch with you even though I’ve moved to Xeloda. The vacation pictures look awesome. Wow! @eddiej keep that attitude!

marcials1

@shanagirl I was talking about the half dose option lol. I do hope that works for you.

Rosebessie

@marcials1 Oh dear. Im sorry youve changed from Verzenio just when you had comfortably settled into a manageable routine. Honestly, im far from that point in my Verzenio journey. Im beginning to ask myself if ill ever get there because the side effects still a nightmare. I'll definitely raise the need for a dose reduction at my next week Oncologist appointment. Thanks for sharing your experience and I wish you a good treatment journey on Xeloda. I pray you last many years on it.

marcials1

@Rosebessie yes I have been off Verzenio for at least a year. Then went on Everolimus and exemestane then was lined up for a clinical trial but was rejected and have now been on Xeloda for 6 months and hopefully for a long time. I am wishing the best for you with Verzenio and hoping that you will get settled in. I do check in on this Verzenio thread from time to time and hope to see you have adjusted and are feeling well. Take good care of yourself. Marcia

Rosebessie

Thanks dear @marcials1 for sharing your Verzenio experience. Its been very helpful. Hugs🙏🏻🤗🫂

eddiej

Hi all, I was switched to Enhertu as expected. However, we didn’t expect the extent of progression. My liver, pituitary gland, my skin and for the first time since my de novo diagnosis, a mass in a breast. We also expect my brain again due to the headaches I’ve been having - my brain MRI is scheduled for this Friday, not a month from now.

Heres to praying hard this medication works miracles on me. Considering the spread to my pituitary gland and brain, my cancer likes to be special and go places most other cancers of its type tend to stay from. I always liked being a bit different…. so I am not surprised my disease is drawing from my actual person.

Started new meds but will keep going till completely stopped. Off to Boone NC in a week and half to celebrate a friend’s bday so she doesn’t have to be alone.- her DH passed away earlier this year. Celebrate LIFE,

Take care all! I’ll be back or just post to me, I bookmark my threads so I can keep up to date and come back if I can help or just to keep up with friends here too. Here is wishing you all peace, stability and many long years of high quality life! ♥️ xoxo juliana

lifelover

Hello, I'm recently diagnosed Stage IV after BC cells were found in a pleural effusion. My primary BC was diagnosed in 2011. I started letrozole a few weeks ago and a couple of days ago was very happy to begin taking Abemaciclib. I'm usually constipated and need to take a laxative but I've stopped the laxative and am waiting to see if I will have loose stools. Hoping not but I'm prepared.

Thank you to everyone for your helpful comments in relation to when to take this med, what foods might help, and for sharing so much good information. 💖