Has anyone tried Abemaciclib (Verzenio)?

Posted by keirahaley @keirahaley, Feb 15 9:23pm

It’s been a year of trying everything I could but it’s time to try out abimicyclib (not sure I’m spelling it right). I’ve done a LOT of integrative/CAM/natural protocols and also metronomic chemo, short course radiation, an epcam3 vaccine and a cannabinoid protocol. These may have helped but I still have new findings. So it’s time to go for the drugs I’ve been so terrified of. I’m hoping to hear anyone’s experiences with this drug? Means the world to me as I’m so desperate to raise my children I feel the weight of every decision.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Gynecologic Cancers Support Group.

Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | Feb 16 3:04pm

@keirahaley It's been such a difficult year for you. I'm relieved to know that you have also explored integrative medicine to supplement the conventional treatments. I'd like to share that while my diagnosis was different that yours, after a recurrence of endometrial cancer in 2021 when I did radiation therapy I did the same. I am still working with my integrative medicine physician (she's an oncologist, specialized in gynecological cancers and later did a fellowship in integrative medicine). Sometimes I feel like my integrative medicine physician is the only provider who looks and sees the whole picture for me.

I wanted to make sure that you know I've been closely following your posts. I have not had the medication Verzenio but I'm thinking some of the members in our here on Connect will be more helpful in that respect.

Here is a discussion here on Connect that addresses Verzenio. The discussion began a few years ago and was recent as of 2025. If you choose to post to the Discussion other members may jump back in.

-- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/abemaciclib-and-falsodex-treatment/

I'm thinking of your children and how much you want to be present for them. Are there family members who supportsyou and your children while you are going through all of this?

keirahaley | @keirahaley | Feb 16 3:42pm

Thank you so much for the link to the conversation!
Ya I’m in a pretty dark place right now and am really scared and feel awful with symptoms. I think there were new findings on my CT last week although I’ve only heard a little bit back from it. I’m eager to start a good treatment plan as everything I tried this year seems to have been lack luster. Yes I do have some help but I’m just so so devastated I can’t be the one taking care of them and being fun. I’m having a really hard time. Thanks for being here.

keirahaley | @keirahaley | Feb 16 3:43pm

May I know your integrative onc?

coco46 | @coco46 | Feb 19 3:18pm

I have been taking this drug for three years now and am told that I will remain on it, as long as it continues to work. I am taking it for stage 4 breast cancer along with hormone therapy as my cancer is estrogen receptive.

At first when I began on Verzenio, I was having nausea but if I took it with a meal, it was much better. Most people are more likely to experience diarrhea early on. I have heard though from others that the diarrhea will usually stop after your body gets used to the drug. Some people do have to switch to a lower dose for a while or take a break from it if the diarrhea keeps up.

After several months, like 6 months or so, I started having flags in my bloodwork like low white blood count among others. I also noticed more side effects like fatigue, hair thinning/falling out and my nails have become brittle with ridges, also dry and itchy skin.

The drug has worked for me, so I would recommend it to anyone who it might help. I had a large lump that has shrunk away completely and I even had a spot of my face that I had been suspicious of being cancer, it kept bleeding and scabbing over and never healing for months. It too has completely disappeared.

I hope it will work well for you and that your side effects will be minimal and easily managed. For someone who is trying to live for their children, it's definitely worth trying.

Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | Feb 19 5:59pm

In reply to @keirahaley "May I know your integrative onc?" + (show)

@keirahaley My integrative medicine physician in oncology at Mayo in Rochester, MN is Dr. Stacy D'Andre. My radiation oncologist at Mayo made the referral for me.

Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | Feb 19 6:01pm

In reply to @keirahaley "Thank you so much for the link to the conversation! Ya I’m in a pretty dark..." + (show)

@keirahaley I imagine it would be difficult to take care of your children when you don't have much energy and feel so devastated. What are the ages of your children? this must be so hard on them.