Have you ever considered stopping treatment?
I took Verzenio for six weeks and had side effects I could no longer tolerate. I stopped the drug. Now my oncologist suggests that I go on Ibrance at a lower dose. After giving it a great deal of thought, I decided I don't want to do it. I am still taking fulvestrant shots that I tolerate quite well. Is there anyone else who has stopped treatment?
May I ask what side effects could you not tolerate? I am also on Verzenio so I was just wondering.
I do not have a colon -- surgically removed. So I already have 5-6 BMs a day. One day on Verzenio, I had 17. I kept dehydrating. Three of four weeks I had to get IV fluids. Blood counts were affected as well as kidney function. I had an increase in fatigue. All of this may be due to my unique health issues.
Hi
. I was researching on the site about stopping treatment and came across your post. I wanted to check in on you and see how you are doing. Warmly, Patty, Team Member
I am doing really well right now. I've had a much better experience on Ibrance.
Scans have been stable the last few times. Thanks for asking.This really made my day! I am so glad to hear that things are going better! What made you decided to go ahead and try Ibrance after thinking that you didn't want to do it? Any words of advice for others who have also considered possibly stopping treatment due to their side effects? Warmly, Patty
Honestly, one of my surgeons convinced me. She said that each medication affects each of us differently. She reminded me that fulvestrant has not caused me any problems. Although Verzenio made me quite sick, she said she had other patients who experienced minimal side effects. She added that if the Ibrance affected me the same way the Verzenio did, she wouldn't blame me for stopping. She just wanted me to give it a shot and see if I could tolerate it. Luckily, Ibrance has caused me few problems. I'm grateful that she twisted my arm. Scans have been stable the last few times.
That is so awesome. I appreciate you sharing your story. It's a great reminder for the community that, as you said, people react differently to different medications - and also how important it is to have a trusting relationship with your healthcare team! 💙 Patty, Team Member
