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Anyone have experience with both Letrozole + Ribociclib?
I was diagnosed with Invasive Lobular Carcinoma in March, had a double mastectomy with expanders, and will have implant surgery the end of October.
I started taking Letrozole about a month ago, and so far it's fine. Yeah, menopause symptoms, but nothing like some of the horror stories I've heard. I am likely going to start on ribociblib on Monday and am wondering if anyone had an okay experience with it? I've heard the scary stories, and would love some encouragement as to what to expect.
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Hello! My October 2024 diagnosis of invasive ductal carcinoma was followed by a double mastectomy with expanders and 4 founds of chemotherapy. I finished the chemotherapy in May 2025 followed by saline implants in June 2025. I started letrozole in July 2025 and Kisqali in November 2025.
Because I have had episodes of afib prior to the breast cancer diagnosis, my oncologist and PA followed me with frequent EKGs. So far, I have had no known heart issues with the Kisqali which has been my biggest concern. My blood work is scheduled about every 6-8 weeks and so far there has been no major concern about my white blood count, neutrophils and whatever else is carefully monitored with Kisqali.
My biggest reaction so far has probably been to the letrozole where I've noticed more arthritic pain in my hands, feet and knees but is not severe enough for me to treat. I try to exercise regularly since I know that is probably the best thing I can do for myself.
I am 76 so did not have to contend with the complication of sudden menopause. I think the potential for heart complications with Kisqali is one you want to rule out or have carefully monitored if you do have preexisting heart issues.
In other words, I have not had any critical issues so far...nothing that would make me want to quit the letrozole-Kisqali combination. Do not assume the worst case scenarios with Kisqali. My oncology PA told me her patients have more issues with aromatase inhibitors than with Kisqali.
Wishing you the best going forward!
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2 Reactions@angik, also see these related discussions: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/breast-cancer/ and here
How are you doing with the addition of ribociclib (Kisqali) so far?
I'm on both and have been since 2023. My only problems are white blood cells. Neutrophils recovery on off week but lymphocytes haven't recovered since radiation therapy almost 2 years ago.
Everything was going fine till visiting my daughter and her husband in Japan in late March.
I got some sort of infection. It started right before I left for the trip. GI symptoms. I dont run a temp but get shaking chills.
After I got home I got a groin abscess. Weird bacteria but it was susceptible and after a couple weeks I felt better.
I never had anything like this so I figure it's the white blood cell suppression. Guess it could be worse.
I didn't have explosive diarrhea, fortunately, but I won't eat raw vegetables since hearing about that. Always something. Could be worse.