Abemaciclib Verzenio for Stage IV
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@birdsndognow I’m really happy that we can help in some way. Although we all know our doctors have the medical knowledge, some input from those dealing with the day to day is immensely helpful. I understand the anxiety of starting a new medication. I am also one of those people that react to just about every side effect. If there is one listed I would get it. However….that has not been the case with my most recent meds. I do get one bad side effect and it’s a real bi*$h but I can deal. So in other words try really hard not to be scared and keep positive thoughts and an open mind. I’ll be thinking about you and please keep us posted!
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Hi there. I can relate to your fears. I tend to have the “extremely rare” side effects to drugs and vaccines. What I can offer is that I’m 64 and both my parents are in their 80’s. My grandmother was a breast cancer patient for the second time into her 80’s. Verzenio has a good track record at both extending life expectancy and staving off recurrence. So being 70 or close to it in my case, wasn’t a deterrent for me. Everyone has to decide for themselves and here we respect that, so you are in good company. I’d also add that you can always ask your MO about starting at the lowest dose rather than the highest. I started at 150 and dropped to 100 when I decided the side effect of diarrhea was too difficult to manage. I’m sure you read all that…
There are so many tips on this thread that could help you and we will be here to cheer you on. I can honestly say that I’m glad I stuck it out for the long run. If I do ever need to go back to it or a similar drug, I do believe that I will. Please, please let us know how you decide. We are here for you.
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@seeq thank you for the information. GAS X I have tried and it's not too bad at all. I am encouraged by you moving down to 100mg and fairly confident the research says it doesn't change much in terms of progression but helps with some side effects. That's where Im at. thank you !!
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@tbos805 whoa ! Really !? Skipping breakfast or having it later has helped that much with stomach issues. Why do you think this makes such a difference? I am so game to try it. But eating lunch and dinner totally fine,? This skipping breakfast then high protein sets the stomach 'tone' for the day in a bettre place it sounds like. But I am so curious why that would be??
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@tbos805 also so happy to hear your markers went down.
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I know, right! What the heck??! I was just so desperate I tried it and no issues since. Zero. Maybe morning food is not compatible with a morning dose. 8 PM dose is perhaps not an issue because I never eat that late. I hope it works for you - please let me know!!
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Interesting about the dosing without food. I never had stomach problems but I have never been one to eat breakfast and didn’t eat with the evening dose. I’m wondering if I actually avoided one side effect. who knew?
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Hmmmm, interesting, @kathrynw1thasea !!!
@dutchgirl11 !!! ^^^^ Curiouser and curiouser!!!!
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This is the investigation of the year! Started this morning with bite of banana and then premier protein drink. I am trying this for next few days. What an odd thing. But if it works ! Stay tuned. Thank you for this suggestion
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@ birdsndognow - I was diagnosed in 2021 initially when I had a plural effusion and breast cancer cells were found in the fluid extracted. I started on Letrozole (AI) immediately and then Verzenio a month later. The Big D was never an issue. I attribute that to drinking lots of water and taking a very high count probiotic.
I, like you, had never really taken RXs during my life (then 68) since my body was sensitive to chemicals. Like my Mom who lived to be 91, I leaned towards homeopathic and natural things. At the hospital, the nurses could not believe that I was not on any prescription drugs.
The AI started failing me (tumor markers started going up and some progression to bones in my spine) in the fall of 2024, but that was not noticed in the scan I had in October. It was eventually determined that the AI was no longer working at the end of January.
Feel free to send me a direct message if you have any specific questions or look at posts I have put in the thread before.
Wishing you good luck as you begin your treatment.
Going2BeatThis
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