Struggling through Chemo
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Hi @Rona good to hear from you 🙂 I lost around 7kg so far, I can't eat as much as I used to, but it seems to have settled now.
The lower dose of 100 x2 daily abemaciclib seems to be suiting me better, although it's still early days. I think it took about a week or so for the diarrhoea to set in at the higher dose, and although it wasn't as severe as it could have been, it never settled down, and by week 5 I was really not feeling great and my appetite disappeared, and I was pretty fatigued and washed out, I couldn't imagine persevering with it for 2 years feeling like that. Apparently it can just settle down as your body adjusts to it, but that wasn't happening for me, it seemed to be getting worse. My oncologist decided to stop it, and try again.
I've been on the lower dose for close to 3 weeks, but had to stop for 3 days last week as I had a burst blood vessel in my eye which may or may not have been related, so a break again to let my eye settle down. Back on it again now.
I'm hoping the lower dose will work out, the benefits seem worth tinkering around with doses for a while.
The zoledronic acid was fine for me, the Letrozole/Goserelin combo is giving some minor aches and stiff muscles, but stretching and exercise sorts that out. I'm considering ovary removal as I'm going to be getting the monthly injection for at least the next 3 years.
Other than that I'm ok, and life is fairly normal.
Looking forward to a better Christmas this year 🙂0 -
Hi Ladies
@Rona great to hear from you! The zoledronic acid infusion made me flu like for about 2 days but I'm fine now, it was a bit like my reaction to some of the covid vaccines that I had. You're lucky you have avoided the hot flushes....I'm hot all the time.....I'm on the goserelin monthy injections and exemestane. @Katie46 I've also lost about 7kg so.far, which was about what I lost on the AC chemo but then put it back on with the paclitaxel then I've lost it again! I'm following the anti inflammatory diet at the moment. I have lost appetite too and have gone off red meat ....just don't feel like eating it much any more but am enjoying fish which I never used to eat much of! I get joint and muscle pain randomly and find moving around and doing my qigong helpful.
I'm also looking forward to a better Christmas this year... I was in the thick of chemo last Christmas 🎄 🎁
Have a great week everyone!0 -
Hi ladies. I was a bit quiet as I was waiting for my BRCA test results, which have come back negative. I will continue with letrozole and will start Abemaciclib and zoledronic for two years. I am also taking vitamin D, which has improved significantly since my last blood test, along with magnesium and vitamin B to help with my neuropathy. I definitely need a pill box.
Since finishing chemo and radiation, I have only lost 3 kg. However, I have been very active, exercising twice a week, swimming again, and joining a women's cycling group for a small weekly ride (on a tricycle, to be safe
). Thank you for sharing your experiences and you will see more of my updates too. Take care 0 -
Forgot to mention, I still work 4 days, 2 from home 2 days in the office and around. It is actually a good distraction0
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I have developed rash and itchy skin since on letrozole. My oncologist told me to keep it moisturized and take some antihistamines. I can still tolerate it but not sure how it is going to progress.0
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Hey GorgyS, maybe just try for a while under instruction from your Oncologist. Side effects sometimes settle down after a few weeks. Try and reassure yourself that they would stop this medication if it was harmful.1
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thank you Rona0
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Hi @GorgyS, I had some skin issues with the paclitaxel and found that sorbolene really helped, I use Redwins sorbolene which is great value, and my fussy skin loves it. I also mix in a bit of Palmers Skin Therapy Oil, I was using it on my surgery scar, and love the scent, so I started adding it to the sorbolene.
If it doesn't settle down I'm sure your oncologist will look at an alternative for you.
I've been on the lower dose abemaciclib (100mg × 2 tablets daily) for almost 4 weeks (with a few days break in the middle) and so far the lower dose is much better. I don't seem to be getting the same issues as before, other than my appetite is a bit reduced, I just have to eat smaller portions.0 -
thanks Katie46. I have started with 150 mg x 2 daily. I will be seeing the once in two weeks and will see what he says. I think the skin rash started with letrozole, but abemaciclib gives me a headache. Will see. Th0
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Hi @Katie46 @GorgyS @Coastiejas and @Rona
Just chiming in here to say 🌸👏🙌🙌🥳 “woot!! on your various stages of progress! I felt so happy to see this; wishing you all the best - onwards and upwards!
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