I was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer at the end of February 2020- having initially been to my GP with a sore arm (side of mastectomy). My primary diagnosis was in 2007- so was completely she’ll shocked.
I have been prescribed letrozole (biopsy confirming same hormone positive cancer as last time) and Palbociclib. First round of Palbociclib made my white cells plummet so took 3 weeks and dose reduction to 100mg for second round. Just completing second round-as last time no major side effects until day 18 when I have developed mouth ulcers and my throat is red and irritated. Not sure if these are side effects or an indication my white cells are down again-and worrying that I am not going to tolerate this treatment.
Has anyone else had similar experiences? Would be good to hear from others-as like many others this isolation is at times making my imagination work overtime and increasing the worry about what is going to happen.
So sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis, those first few weeks or months of shell shock are really tough. Sending virtual hugs and love to you xxx
I was diagnosed in January 2020 with my secondaries and put on the same meds as you.
When I received my first pack of Palbo tablets, they came in a bag with Difflam mouthwash and some other meds, I think it might have been anti-diahrroea meds, I forget now. The Oncologist did tell me to expect mouth ulcers / sore throat and had prepared in advance by giving me the Difflam!
I’ve had 3 cycles of Palbociclib and had quite a drop in blood counts in the first cycle (but Onc still said I was within safe levels to treat despite my bloods being borderline).
My blood counts did improve with each cycle. I was told by my Onc and chemo nurse that usually it takes around 3 - 4 cycles for the body to adjust to the Palbo, apparently some women achieve almost normal and stable blood results by the end of cycle 4, some with dose reductions, others managing with the full dose.
I noticed that towards the third week or the “rest” week of each cycle, I would feel a bit run down and get a bit of a sore throat, perhaps with the odd mouth ulcer. Again my chemo nurse and Oncologist said that’s normal and bloods are likely to be down toward the end of each cycle.
Starting any new medication is always a scary and difficult time (my imagination likes to run riot also). Just ensure you follow the instructions you were given if you feel unwell, if in doubt always ring the chemo unit as that’s what they are there for and they will soon reassure you or tell you if you need to be worried xxx
ive had the same problem. Started on 150 but couldn’t tolerate that dose so has been reduced to 75. It affects my white blood count and I think I’ve only been able to tolerate three courses of three week course of meds over the time I’ve been taking it - five months. Had to have a two week break this time rather than one Was very disappointed the first time I was told to stop the meds but I’m used to it now.
First week of new course, blood test this Friday and next Friday. Although it’s been a bit up and down the marker on the full blood test that shows whether it’s working shows that it is. The marker when I started was 260 and has been going down gradually. Last time it was checked it had gone down to 68. I understand it has to be less than 26 so hopefully going in the right direction but was warned that it could go up occasionally. I live in France so not sure if you would have the same test as me. I would be interested to know. Stay positive as even though my dose has been lowered its still working. Just a bit of a pain having to isolate myself and cancel meet ups with friends when the wbc is low.