Abemaciclib & bowel problems

Thanks so much for advice.  Hopefully things will be the same for me.  I can deal with temporary side affects but more hair loss is really difficult for me after all we’ve gone through!  What was your diagnosis?  I am 53 and have gone through menopause so am taking letrozole.  Are you having zoledeonic acid as well!   How long are you going to take abemaciclib for? I think mine is 2 years,  gonna ring Secretary tomorrow?

I had ER+ breast cancer, had single mastectomy and was given the choice to have full axillary node clearance which I choose, then had a pet ct scan which I then got the all clear thankfully, the chemo etc was preventative treatment, will be on Abemacillib for 2 years, letrozole for 5-10 years and the zoladex for a while, I’m not having Zoledeonic acid, hope I’ve put your mind at rest xxx

Bless you.  You have.  Gonna speak to oncology secretary tomorrow to check.  Think we on same meds although I have been through menapause so slightly different.  How many rounds of chemo did you have and what medicine.  Did you lose all of your hair.  I do hope I’m not going back to square one with hair. 4x EC and 4x DOX with cold cap.  I’m so praying I will keep my hair (what I have left) xx 

I had 6 rounds, 3 of EC & 3 of DOX, I lost all my lovely shoulder length  blonde hair, I have a very short full head covering now and it’s quite dark but at least it’s growing, I’ve suffered nerve damage in my feet and also in my fingers/finger nails, no sensation in tips and I’ve lost a thumb and finger nail, finger nails keep filling underneath with poison & blood, been a long 5 months having them dressed & treated! But seem to be improving now thankfully xx

• I’m so sorry for you.  Jesus as if you ain’t been through enough already!!! How long after chemo did you lose your nails.  My fingers and toes are black but i do keep them polished )so I can’t see them!).  I’m glad you have a full head of hair, do you have any shedding at the moment?  Do you think you will lose it?  I can’t believe im still gonna spend months and months at the hospital.  God knows when ill be got to go back to work.  Are you working?  How old are you, if you dont mind.  Has your (other)hair grown back yet?  Best wishes. xx 

My nail problem started towards end of chemo, the ones were I lost the nails were really bad, I had to go to minor injuries and have them drained which was so painful, no shedding and I keep checking, don’t think il lose it, everything crossed but who knows!! my partner got me a silk pillow case which is good for skin and hair, I’ve noticed very fair hairs on my legs and it’s growing back downstairs as well! Lashes are finally back but not much growth yet in my brows, I do work and hoping to go back mid April, will have been off 15 months roughly, I know what you mean about being backwards/forwards to hospital, 2nd home now, meant to say I’m 54 xxx

Hi

I’m 53, diagnosed in June, mastectomy and node clearance in July.  Finished chemo 2 weeks ago, waiting for radiotherapy appointment.  My head hair and legs starting to grow back.  Eyes are killing me with no lashes or eyebrows. When did you finish chemo and how long after did your eye lashes start to grow. I’m so grateful for your positive vibes on the Abemaciclib.  I can’t believe all these side affects can happen for the duration we are on the drug.  I’m gonna relish in your positive outcome, thank you.  xx 

I was diagnosed Dec 2021, had mastectomy in the January 2022, node clearance March, then started chemo June, ended end September, radiotherapy 5 sessions in December then started my tablets just after Christmas, think my lashes started growing back this January, can feel some brow growth but not much, my nurse did say the longer you’ve been on the tablets the more your body adjusts and adapts to them . I remember my eyes being sore because you’ve no protection without your lashes, I did buy some false lashes that had been promoted by a fellow cancer survivor but never used them, I didn’t have any lashes at Christmas then they just seemed appear out of no where! I keep telling my onwards & upwards! Xxx

I am grateful I have been able to chat to you today.  It’s the first time I’ve cried today since diagnosis.  I was so disheartened after leaving my appointment, the oncologist never mentioned about hair loss until I got into the car and read the paperwork and the green form!  Did they talk to you about hairloss on the drug?  I have 15 rounds of radiotherapy and am dreading it now as they said neck, armpit and chest wall.  After chemotherapy I thought things would be a breeze but I got that wrong!  xx 

I fully understand you being emotional, if I’m being totally honest I felt like I had been hit by a brick after my treatment had finished, think reality struck as to what I had actually been through, the hair loss/thinning was just casually mentioned when discussing the drug and side affects, when I went for my medication review last week the 1st thing my consultant said was “ how’s the diarrorea??”  no mention of any other side affects, I had radiotherapy to chest wall, collarbone & nodes in neck, was just a bit uncomfortable having to keep still, but manageable, I’m sure once things have settled and you get into a routine you will feel more at ease, here to talk if you feel the need, remember take one day at a time xxx