Hi mcat26
I’m really sorry that you find yourself in this position. Your story sounds very similar to mine. I am 66 though so I was put on Letrezole, later changed to anastrezole instead of tamoxifen because of my age. I’m on them for 10 years. I was also given Abemaciclib for 2 years due to my 7 out of 12 cancerous lymph nodes and high risk of recurrence. I suppose we are all individuals and have to make these individual decisions for ourselves. I know for me, after the research I had done and the response from my oncologist, 50 mg instead of 150 mg seemed the right option. My side effects have improved no end. Don’t get me wrong, I still have side effects but in the main, much better than before.
The thing is, we will never know if that was the right thing to do? The cancer may return and we may blame the fact that we dropped the dose. (It may have nothing to do with that?.) on the other hand, it may not return and we will have had years of lesser side effects and a better quality of life. 
Who knows. As I said, individual decisions.
Not sure why your oncologist poo pood it? Maybe do some more research yourself and speak to some other professionals for their opinions. What part of the country do you live in? Maybe that makes a difference??
The side effects are awful for most people, so don’t just lay down and take it, do your homework then make your own informed decision.
Wishing you all the very best 
Lilcock
Sent from my iPad
On 3 Aug 2026, at 20:48, mcat26 noreply@forum.breastcancernow.org wrote:
mcat26
3 AugustHi lilcock
I am due to go on abemaciclib, tamoxifen and zoledronic acid after I finish radiotherapy. I have stage 3 high risk occurrence due to 7 positive lymph nodes and tumour removed. I have done 6 rounds of chemo also. I’m 51, I am finding it really hard to decide about all these treatments especially after enduring months of feeling terrible and feeling when is it ever going to end! I met with my oncologist last week and I tried to say to him about starting off on a lower dose of abemaciclib and he was not interested. So thank you for bringing this to my attention because I am going to be persistent that I want low dose. I want a break from everything so I told him I won’t be starting anything until end of September. It’s very hard to be expected to take all these drugs and just get on with it, and deal with all the horrible side affects so I hear you!
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