Hello Ladies,
I was wondering if anyone else has had a similar experience to me on the palbociclib/letrozole regime. Since starting the drug in Jan 2022 my haemoglobin levels have been dropping. The latest result is 89. Also my platelet count has dropped to 94. My dose was reduced from 125 to 100mg last month due to low neutrophils (two months in a row with low neutrophils). I’ve just received the latest blood results after one cycle on the reduced dose and to my dismay the neutrophils are 0.6 and I will have to delay treatment again by a week. Do you think it just takes the body a while to adjust to the new dose or will I have to reduce the dose again? I’m really concerned that, although the drug combo is proving effective in treating the cancer, my bloods are struggling.
Best wishes to you all,
Jo
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Hi Jo
The same thing happened to me
I was low for the first few sessions and then they lowered the dose, which I was really concerned about but the doctor said it’s better to be regular with the treatment than have the higher dose. My first one with the lower dose was still low and delayed but then after that I’ve been ok and at 1.1 ish for my neutrophils. My oncologist said that the first month with the lower dose the body is still adjusting, so hopefully your next one will be fine like mine has been. I also found that when I adjusted to the lower dose I’ve been a lot less tired so will keep everything crossed for you x
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Hi
I am new hear and finished by first cycle of Palbociclib last week Tuesday, but after the first 2 weeks blood test my WBC was 0.89, so had to have another blood test a week later which had dropped again to 0.5 but was the start of my weeks break.
I had my bloods Monday and had a call today to say that they had dropped again and to have an extra weeks break and an extra blood test next week to see if they are back up and then they said they may reduce the dose from 125 to 100 i assume.
As this is my first cycle and now my second is being delayed I am worried that this is not going to be a smooth ride, my diagnosis went from being positive to cure to then being confirmed as secondary BC spread to my Liver so feeling a bit unsure how this is going to pan out.
Blessings to all.
Kris
Hi , I was diagnosed straight to secondary Feb 2024 bones and bowel , started ribociclib March 2024 my neutrophils low after first cycle , they reduced dose , still Affected my neutrophils only managed 4 cycles in total then it affected my liver function so had a few months break . However started abemaciclib middle dose Nov 2024 my bloods have been perfect and I have had stable scans . I’m sure if this continues they will change you to alternative .
I attend Maggies group for secondary breast cancer and it appears this is not uncommon having to switch drugs due to low neutrophils . Hope this reassures you xx
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Hi Louise
Thank you for your reply, are you on hormone treatment too I am on Letrozole too ?
How did you feel when your WBC were low and how low did they go, I don’t feel unwell just a little more tired than usual but I think that is to do with the time of year.
What area of the country are you as wondering why they prescribed you Ribociclib for first line of treatment and not Palbociclib ?
I don’t have a Maggies near me but I am going to a monthly group meeting arranged by Breast Cancer for Now, so will hopefully get some more support and answers there.
So you have been on your medication for nearly 2 years now, how are you feeling in your self and are you still managing to work and live life well.
XX Kris
Hi , I’m from The northeast . I also take letrezole , denosumab for my bones and zoladex to put me through the menopause as I was diagnosed at 49.
While on the ribociclib I was exhausted most days , fatigued , also joint stiffness of the remaining drugs and going into the menopause over night came With additional Side effects to .
Since starting the abemaciclib I feel much better but I have days in the week where I just rest , if I am Planning to do something the next day . I can’t function alL day , everyday like I did prior to diagnosis and starting medications .
I am retired now .
At maggies the group many ladies are on various medications but the target therapies , mainly prescribed palbociclib and Ribociclib x
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