Oncologist telephone appointment today. I start Abemaciclib and Zolandric acid infusions - I’m so nervous and need assurance

Hi there - there are a couple of other active threads on abemaciclib so recommend reading through those. Diarrhoea is a problem for most it seems - but can be managed with proactive taking of the imodium tablets they’ll give you. Take some before you go out and keep some with you. And if it persists they can drop your dose to settle things. 

I’ve only had one session of zoledronic acid so far - was fine, in and out within 30 mins and only remember being a bit tired and achy the next day but it passes quickly. 
Good luck! 

Thank you so much for your reply.   It helps to hear hat someone hasn’t had much trouble  with zoladronc acid.  I will check out other threads again for abemaciclib.  I did read one a few months ago.   Best wishes.  M. X

I've had 4 zoledronic acid infusions with no side effects other than a bit more tired and low mood for a week each time

I had my first zoledronic acid an hour ago and have been advised to take paracetamol today and tomorrow and not wait for headaches or other symptoms.  I also signed consent to start Abemaciclib in a month’s time (my husband is having a prostatectomy this week and I can’t cope with unpredictable diarrhoea on top of him needing care….).  They were again reassuring - take the tablets at the first loose stool and be prepared to change your diet.  They said it usually sets in 5-8 days after you start and it doesn’t go on for ever - often 5-10 days - and that the most important thing is to keep taking it if at all possible - taking a reduced dose regularly still has huge benefits.  It reassured me, but I’ve not got experience yet. 

I have had 2 Zoledronic acid infusions so far. The first was alongside chemo, so any side effects were lost. The second seemed to make me slightly headachy but there could have been other reasons for the headache. I assume you have had your teeth checked? If not, get that done before the 22nd as some dental procedures involve more risk to you once you are on it. Things like routine hygienist visits should be ok. 

Oh that’s such useful information, thank you.  I’m sorry to read that your husband had pending surgery, this on top of you starting rejuvenate therapy.  I hope his surgery goes well.  
did they say in what way you may have to change your diet?  It seems most have their Zoledronic before starting Abemaciclib yet my oncologist has ordered this for me the other way round.  
I received the tablets today but I won’t start til Friday as I have a DEXA scan this Thursday and don’t want to risk being too ill to attend.   All the best to you. M x

Many thanks for this.  It’s good to know that your Zoledronics were without too much trouble.  I saw my dentist the moment Zoledronic acid was mentioned to me. My dentist took out a loose tooth and deep cleaned the rest, also X-rays done. He wanted to complete that before I started radiotherapy.  Thanks for your help and best wishes going forward. M x

Please don't worry, everyone is different. I've been on these since last August and totally used to it now. Keep a pack of Imodium close by, I think I used 2 during this whole time. You get used to what can set your tummy off, mine is white bread and pastry! Good luck and try to stay positive.

Oh that’s very reassuring, thank you.  I’m starting Friday because I have a DEXA scan tomorrow and don’t want to risk running for the toilet.  (No pun intended )  

Hi I have been on both these meds for Nearly a year now . The abemaciclib can cause issues at first but your body adjusts and and I have very little side effects to be honest . The oncologist rings me every few months but has found no reason to reduce the dose . I am on my second bout of cancer and was advised it increases my survival rate from 88% to 94% so it’s well wiorth taking . The first time I took zoledronic acid I was in hospital after contracting sepsis on removal of the picc line so never noticed any problems . The one 6 month later I was off work feeling very fluey bit got over it a few days later . Hope that this helps .