Hello @starapple, I just wondered if you have started the Abemaciclib and how you are finding it? I finished radiotherapy this week and start Letrozole in 1 months time and then Abemaclib in January. My oncologist wanted to give me a break before I start it as I was quite unwell after chemo. Any tips or advice would be appreciated x
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Hi @hc1973
I hope your radiotherapy went well.
I started abemaciclib and letrozole at the same time-2 weeks post radiotherapy. My oncologist started me on 150mg dose for the first cylce(4wks). I had terrible stomach pains and diarrheoa was almost everyday (2-3 episodes per day). However, theyāve prescribed loperamide as this is expected with abemaciclib. However, on my 6th week, the nurse phoned me to stop taking it as my neutrophils went really low, hence, it is not on a safe level to continue abemaciclib. My meds was paused for like 2 weeks until neutrophil level reach at least 1. They have lowered my dose to 100mg which is I think much better. I still have diarrhoea but only 3-4 times a month. I always bring loperamide with me incase. Also had mouth ulcers due to low neutrophils. The nurse said that as long as Iām on abemaciclib, neutrophil level will be below normal, hence, prone to infection. I just have to keep myself away from sick people and crowded places for now.
I think you needed that break before you start your oral meds.
I still feel tired sometimes- I think this is all from the treatments I had. But I always try to be active- taking walks 4-5 times a week. It helps with the recovery. Also, I just recently returned to work.
We will get thereā¦tough journey but life must go on.
I wish you well.
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Thanks so much for your kind message. Iām going to give it all my best shot. I feel so lucky that we get to have access to these drugs. Hope you are well too x
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Hi,
I finished radiation last October, started Femara in Nov and Verzenio in February.
One advice to pass on related to radiation, do your stretching exercises! I wasnāt very good about it and wish I had. You will continue to have body changes and continued tightening for many months after radiation.
I didnāt notice any real symptoms to the hormone pill, occasional irritation and mood swings later in treatment, but no hot flashes; guess I was lucky, all minor.
I started out with Verzenio 150 twice a day. Yes tired but not like my chemo infusions, still able to get things done; just a little slowed down. The diarrhea was worse in beginning but tolerable and never needed meds to help with it; it seems less of an issue 6 plus months later.
Unfortunately my WBC and neutrophils just went below 1, so they took me off the verzeni for a week and are lowering my dose to 100 twice a day. I wish I could have stayed at the higher dose but in researching and finding this forum, the mid dose is still effective.
So donāt worry, youāve got this!! It hasnāt been that bad and worth the positive in keeping the cancer away. No regrets on starting it what so ever. Good luck to you, keep positive!
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Thanks you so much @lb_hopeful for your positive reassuring message. In all honesty I havenāt been doing many shoulder exercises so I will start those up again. Going for my 2nd Zolodex next week and start Letrozole the same day. Iām sorry to hear that you had to reduce your Abemaciclib dose due to low blood counts and I hope you are feeling OK. Iāve also read that the Abemaciclib is still as efficient at the lower doses and it sounds like you have done amazingly so far. Itās always a mental battle too though isnāt! Thanks again Helen x