CDK4/6

Hi - I am have been on a CDK4/6 inhibitor for coming up to 6 months. I have been able to carry on pretty much as normal with work and a busy life. I have been lucky as I know it’s not the same for everyone. I have definitely picked up more colds than I would normally have done. I have some joint pain and stiffness but moving helps. I have been lucky to not suffer from the stomach issues some people report. In terms of fatigue, I do get tired but not so much that I can’t function. I hope that helps. 

Thank you so much for your reply, it has given me some hope as I am aware many people are experiencing quite awful side effects

Hi similar situation here,  mastectomy and axillary clearance (8 out of 11)  8 cycles of chemotherapy and 15 of radiotherapy.   I am now on Letrozole and Ribociclib. 

My main side effects have been hot flushes and constipation for which I use golden linseeds daily.

My immune system seems to be doing fine although I took the offer of the flu jab just to be certain.  

I currently have the Ribociclib prescribed with 3 cycles at a time so have an oncologist review the week before together with a blood test.  For the first 3 cycles it was monthly reviews, monthly bloods and an ECG as the treatment can effect your heart.

I'm retired but I travel regularly on public transport,  socialise as normal and don't worry about wearing a face mask. 

I do think I am still forgetful but I don't know if that is because I am no longer working or remnants of chemotherapy brain which definitely affected me.

I just feel old, more aches and pains, less energy, but again that could just be me.  I retired on 1st August 2024, diagnosed in October 2024 finished radiotherapy in June 2025 and have been on Ribociclib since July 2025.  Any questions please feel free to ask.

Good luck going forward xxx

Thank you so much for your response, it is so helpful to hear of other peoples experiences and it good to know that your side effects are manageable. The immune system has given me a more positive eling and hope mine will be ok. Life is for living and I didn’t want to hide away from everything and everyone for fear of catching something - I am always careful anyway . My husband retired and wwere planning nice times together and then I was diagnosed . So similar to you - in that respect . Glad you are still travelling and living life . My knees and general stiffness are a new thing fore and I assume it might be the chemotherapy as I didn’t suffer with that before - it does make you feel old though !! thank you for sharing 

Hi Harvestmoon.  Do you now have bloods taken every three months before your next cycle of Ribociclib?  I seem to remember that you are on 400mg of Ribo.  Sorry for the questions I am curious as also on Ribo.

Lee x

Morning Lee

Good memory,  yes I am on 400mg of Ribociclib.  

Yes the week before I am due to collect my next 3 cycles I have a blood test and a review with my oncologist.  The oncology reviews have recently been changed to telephone rather than face to face.

Is it different for you?  I have been on Ribociclib since July.

Nikki x

Have you had any issues with hair loss or thinning ? 

Not at present.

Hi Nikki thanks for the information.  I have been on ribociclib for about 14 months now.  I have a blood test every four weeks.  So take ribo three weeks, one week off, then bloods and then go pick up next lot but then I have to have a denosumab injection every four weeks as well so maybe this is why they do the bloods every four weeks.  I have secondary breast cancer.  I have had hair thinning which I hate.  Also a very bad skin reaction so had to change from 600 to 400mg.  Other lady I know is on 200mg for primary breast cancer.  Take care, big hugs.

Lee x

Morning Lee

Interesting,  how the same drug is used in different ways.  I'm taking it as a preventative rather than a treatment as hopefully, although not confirmed,  I am cancer free since my mastectomy but with a high risk of reoccurrence. 

Take care

Nikki x