1. < Breast Cancer

Deciding whether to go on abemaciclib (brand name Verzenio)

Posted by slapshotmary @slapshotmary, Dec 27, 2021

Hi everyone and thank you for my membership. I was diagnosed with stage III breast cancer and just finished all my treatments which included 20 cycles of chemo, 6 weeks of radiation every day and since October 22 anastrozole. During my last visit my oncologist wanted to put me on abemaciclib; however, I looked at the research and I don't seem to fit the targeted group. My last mammogram was good. It was approved by the FDA in October 2021. Any suggestions? I do have severe asthma.

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salamander | @salamander | Jul 2, 2023
In reply to @frogjumper "In my particular case it had little benefit vs the risks. The below were my numbers..." + (show)
@frogjumper

In my particular case it had little benefit vs the risks. The below were my numbers based on 10 years of therapy for 15 year overall survival. It was an easy decision for me on that one. I used this calculator
https://breast.predict.nhs.uk/tool
+ Hormone therapy 1.4% (0.4% – 1.6%)

Hope that helps 🙂

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I did predict and it was the 15 year that worries me for no hormone therapy.
Recurrance…
5 yr was 97% vs 96% easy decision
10 year was 90% to 91%
15 yr was 85% to 82%
Still don’t think I can take it.
I am afraid of how I will feel.
I took HRT before cancer dg. and felt amazing.
53 years old and perimenopausal.

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lynelyn | @lynelyn | Jul 3, 2023
In reply to @chickenmom10 "Have estrogen positive her2 negative breast cancer. I have been in anastrozole for about a year...." + (show)
@chickenmom10

Have estrogen positive her2 negative breast cancer. I have been in anastrozole for about a year. Had a follow up appt with hematology doc. They are asking me taking verzenio fir 3 years on top of what I am taking now since the fda has approved. Has any one been asked to take this?

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I have a similar diagnosis. I've been on Verzenio and Anastrozole for 1 year post surgery/chemo/radiation. I experience joint pain, intermittent diarrhea (manageable w/smaller meals, lower fat), and severe hair loss (wearing a wig now.) No infections so far. The +/- 30% reduction in progression from Stage 3 to Stage 4 at the 2 year mark shown in studies makes it a worthwhile effort for me. If you do go ahead with the Verzenio, be sure to fill your prescription at the hospital pharmacy, they will help enroll you in a program that waives the otherwise huge copay. Also talk to your Dr. if you have osteoporosis in your family and they can add preventative treatment. I hope all goes well for you.

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vicsmit | @vicsmit | Jul 4, 2023
In reply to @chickenmom10 "Wow. I’m so sorry to hear about your difficulties. I will also pray for you that..." + (show)
@chickenmom10

Wow. I’m so sorry to hear about your difficulties. I will also pray for you that you have a better outcome with your chemo treatment.

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Thank you!

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vicsmit | @vicsmit | Jul 4, 2023
In reply to @californiazebra "Wow @vicsmit that is a lot of difficult news for you. That's a good reminder that..." + (show)
@californiazebra

Wow @vicsmit that is a lot of difficult news for you. That's a good reminder that some of the side effects of these meds are not minor. So sorry to hear about your eyes and the MBC. I pray the chemo is tolerable and does its job.

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Thank you!

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kayhaun | @kayhaun | Jan 27 7:15pm

I took Verzenio but had intense stomach cramping that sent me to ER one night. Now I have stopped and will see what Dr advises when I see him next. I’m also taking Letrozole for 10 years and have started radiation for 5 weeks. Scans are clear after left breast mastectomy in October. Large lobal carcinoma and many lymph nodes involved. I am 86 but healthy otherwise. Sigh.

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ghnstuff22 | @ghnstuff22 | Jan 28 8:59am

Sorry to hear you had a rough time with Verzenio. I have been taking it for about two years. I will say there was an adjustment period in the beginning. Now it is doable. I do have cramping and/or diarrhea, but it is usually because I have had something acidic (lemon/coffee) close to the time I took the Verzenio. Hope you find out what caused it for you. Take care of you.

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1 reply
kayhaun | @kayhaun | Jan 28 1:47pm
In reply to @ghnstuff22 "Sorry to hear you had a rough time with Verzenio. I have been taking it for..." + (show)
@ghnstuff22

Sorry to hear you had a rough time with Verzenio. I have been taking it for about two years. I will say there was an adjustment period in the beginning. Now it is doable. I do have cramping and/or diarrhea, but it is usually because I have had something acidic (lemon/coffee) close to the time I took the Verzenio. Hope you find out what caused it for you. Take care of you.

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Thanks so much! I didn’t think to analyze my food intake. The cramping happened twice—I stopped a few days after first pains, waited about five days, then restarted. Several days passed in the second period and then I was flattened one night. Unbearable pain and gastro distress. Have stopped again and sure enough, no more stomach pain.

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1 reply
ghnstuff22 | @ghnstuff22 | Jan 28 2:32pm
In reply to @kayhaun "Thanks so much! I didn’t think to analyze my food intake. The cramping happened twice—I stopped..." + (show)
@kayhaun

Thanks so much! I didn’t think to analyze my food intake. The cramping happened twice—I stopped a few days after first pains, waited about five days, then restarted. Several days passed in the second period and then I was flattened one night. Unbearable pain and gastro distress. Have stopped again and sure enough, no more stomach pain.

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Another thing I noticed is that when I drink my water like I am supposed to, I have symptoms. When I am somewhat dehydrated, I don't. Not sure if there is anything to it or not. I just keep track of stuff like that.

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1 reply
kayhaun | @kayhaun | Jan 28 5:33pm
In reply to @ghnstuff22 "Another thing I noticed is that when I drink my water like I am supposed to,..." + (show)
@ghnstuff22

Another thing I noticed is that when I drink my water like I am supposed to, I have symptoms. When I am somewhat dehydrated, I don't. Not sure if there is anything to it or not. I just keep track of stuff like that.

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Good idea. I will also do so.

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