I’m on Letrozole (hormone therapy and an AI inhibitor like Anastrozole) and start Abemaciclib next week - it’s not oral chemo though - Abemaciclib is a targeted therapy drug which inhibits cancer growth. But it is a “hospital” drug. I’m having my blood tests done next week to check I’m good to start. It has very good results (worth reading up on) for those at very high risk of recurrence. I’m being treated for Stage 3c lobular cancer with positive nodes and inter vascular invasion and I was told when I was diagnosed that I would be fortunate to be able to get this drug which hasn’t been approved for primary cancer for long. After a mastectomy, chemo and radio it is hard to move on to another phase and more side effects, especially as these are going to be going on for a long time…. Remember when you are reading here that there are generally many more comments from those struggling with side effects than from those who aren’t as they aren’t looking for advice or support. Your oncologist should have had this on the table as part of the plan rather than spring it on you - though sometimes things change. There are several threads about Abemaciclib you can search for on this forum. I hope it goes well for you.
Hi, yes I'm on cycle 6 of 24 cycles of Abemaciclib & been taking anastrozole for 12 months.
I have been given the opportunity as I am at high risk of a reacurrance. It isn't chemo but can have some similar side effects hence why closely monitored every month.
I was very upset at first as it came as a shock that I would need this treatment, it was approved by Nice last year for early breast cancer. I slowly came to terms with the situation and am now greatfull I can have it & hope it does the trick! It's an expensive drug _my oncoligist had to seek funding for me
Hi, I have to decide whether to go onto Anastrozole after mastectomy for DCIS which discovered some invasive cancer. Seems to be routine to offer it. Again a shock, as originally told pre op DCIS early pre invasive etc and no further treatment will be needed. Bit confused about the percentages and statistics, to put it mildly! How have the side effects of Anastrozole been?
Hi, when I first started taking it, I was taken off HRT at the same time so think the impact was greater, didn't feel great, had lots of hot flushes & aching joints...... Twelve months on the aches aren't as bad & flushes calmed down a bit.
It really is a roller coaster, as you progesss through treatment I found the same that they found out more & more about my cancer & my treatment plan expanded. It was hard to cope with.
I hope you continue to make progress, & find the anastrozole not too bad
Thank you....that's what people have told me, they either genuinely don't know or they decide to drip feed info - trust is such a large part of this new world, isn't it. Good advice to be prepared for roller coaster. Having to decide when to go back to work is added complication if I am likely to be hot mess etc. Think I will probably do it, probably starting next month, as long as bone density scan comes out OK - doctors seem to be quite keen that I do. Wishing you all the very best with your treatment. X
