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.
Hi HLB and a very warm welcome to the online community which I hope you'll find is both an informative and supportive place to be.
I’m Anne, one of the Community Champions here on the Online Community, and although I was diagnosed with breast cancer I don't have any experience with the treatment that you're on.
The online community is divided into different support groups and I can see that you've already joined the breast cancer group, posted and had replies.
It would be great if you could put something about your diagnosis and treatment into your profile as it really helps others when replying to you and also when looking for someone on a similar pathway. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. To do this click on your username and then select 'Profile'. You can amend it at any time and if you're not sure what to write you can take a look at mine by clicking on my username.
"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
