Alcohol and Abemaciclib

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Hi folks

I'm a young 55 year old who was diagnosed with breast cancer 3 years ago. So far I have been managing on anastrozole and have now moved to fulvestrant injections along with abemaciclib.

Throughout, I have been very much of the 'I'm not letting this change my life' mindset and have been very lucky to more or less carry on as I was, apart from some joint pain, trips to the hospital etc.

I have been mindful of what I eat, but no more than usual as my diet was quite healthy to start with and I do keep active - I have a huge veg patch and swim outdoors 3 times a week. However I do drink alcohol; only on a Saturday and Sunday, but I can happily sink a bottle of wine over the course of an evening!

Since diagnosis I've not been told to cut alcohol, nor amend diet etc, but I've been told to stop drinking now I have started the Abemaciclib. Not sure if I'd have been told, but I did ask!

I'm so miffed off about it, as we have an active social life and I like a drink! Its a huge change for both me and my partner and not one I really want to make. I just can't imagine going on holidays, summer time etc without having a drink now and then. It's part of our fun and I really enjoy it. It's only been 3 teetotal weekends so far (my partner has too in support), but we haven't socialised, we've just hid away. The thought of not drinking is making me quite sad to be honest.

When I asked why, my consultant said it can make the side effects worse. Appreciate that. I'm on week 4 and so far so good; some stomach cramps, but that's it. I also understand that the treatment can be harsh on my liver and of course so can alcohol. I've read here and there that a few drinks won't do any harm and I'd be willing to cut down. I totally appreciate what my family and friends say; that I should stop and put my health first, but surely I can have some fun!

So my question is, does anyone else drink whilst taking Abemaciclib? How do you find it? 

Many thanks in advance for anything you can share.

  • Ah thanks so much for your message Lee.

    I'm glad I can see a comparison between us and also that your consultant hasn't put it on the 'banned' list. Reading between the lines and listening to what one of the oncologist nurses said, I think my consultant has a real downer on drink!

    So, I think you're right, we both can keep an eye on our bloods and liver function and lets enjoy our little treats :0) xx

  • Thanks so much for your message.

    Sounds like a sensible approach. I've literally knocked it on the head altogether apart from 2 small glasses of wine one evening when I caved in and thought sod it!

    Like I've said to others who have messaged me, I think it's a balance and we can keep an eye on our bloods/liver function etc. So lets enjoy a tipple now and then.

    Good luck xx

  • I like several of them. They even do alcohol free ale. Becks blue is one of my favourite but buy a few different one just to find out what you prefer. 
    I also tried a very low alcohol wine but it was awful. 

  • Hi Elisab  I agree alcohol free wine is vile.  My husband and I make our own wine and it has no preservatives in it.  It is also lower alcohol as well about 9%.  I think I might gives Becks a try.  I love my wine Wine glassxx