Verzenio

[Upk4]

I have stage 3 lobular cancer. So far had surgery, radiation and currently on Letrozole. I am considered high risk. Did not do chemo because it is not always effective with lobular cancer. Oncologist wants to put me on Verzenio but I am reluctant due to side effects. I am 68 and a full time teacher and worry about the diarrhea among other side effects. Sorry to be gross! Anyone have any experience with Verzenio ? I appreciate your thoughts.

[Warrio]

I'm so sorry that you are having to deal with this. Imodium is a life saver on verzenio, making sure you take 2 at the start of loose stool and one every loose stool after that. Talk with your Dr and possibly a nutritionist about a diet that may help reduce the onset of the diarrhea. Low fiber diet helped a little for me. I.e. Cooked veggies vs raw. Asking about other additional medications to help control the diarrhea. Best wishes.

[ba5083]

I am 58 and have ILC (ER/PR+ HER2-) as well. Had a double mastectomy with surgical pathology reports stated they did not get it all. I did go through chemo even though my OncoType said it wouldn't do anything. Onc said he didn't want to leave any stone uncovered. I started on Verzenio in June 2023 after radiation at 150mg, dropped to 100mg and now on 50mg. Fortunately I have not had any issues to this point with diarrhea. I was told by my new ONC (switch for several reasons) changing dosages can sometimes cause diarrhea to flare up. Fortunately for me it has not. Also taking a different aromatase inhibitor very similar to Letrozole

Having said all that I am on a low glycemic diet even though I am not diabetic. I have read a lot of research about diet, cancer and the side effects of these drugs. I have also increased my Vitamin D. 92% of those diagnosed with BC are Vitamin D deficient with 80% being extremely deficient. It is important to test and not guess. I am currently taking 10000iu per day. Although it is in the normal range now it is still lower than it needs to be.

I am not sure if this helps with avoiding the the diarrhea but have also read a lot about gut health and I am currently taking a supplement called Akkermansia, It is supposed to promote gut health. It is expensive but I read 2 weeks ago that 8oz of pomegranate juice a day will convert to Akkermansia in the gut. Again not sure if this helps or not but for me so far I have been good. Other than lower WBC making me fatigued. God Bless!

[Upk4 in reply to ba5083]

thank you so much for your good advice. It is truly helpful. Good luck to all!