New drug

[Elfed]

My oncologist has suggested that I may go on Niraparib (zejula) when I finish my chemo.

If anyone’s taking this, how are they getting on, side effects?, success?

[Lewisriley47]

Hi I started on niarparib three weeks a few little side effects but the major one for me is not being able to sleep it's too soon yet to know if it's working.Best wishes Pam c

[Angie1412]

Hi I have been on it for two months. I did have a two week break as my platelets were too low. I am now back on them but only take two instead of 3 a day. Touch wood the side effects are minimal. Slight nausea and tiredness. Have another appoinment at end of October for bloods so we will see if anything has changed. Take care Angie

[Mptelesca]

Hi Elfred. I'm going on week 3 with zejula. I think that is the same drug. 1st week I was exhausted by mid afternoon. Last week was fine. I started taking B12 and it seems to be helping. I got most of my energy back.

It has decreased my appetite and I can't even smell wine as it makes me gag!

Other than fatigue and decrease in appetite I'm fine considering I was weirded out at the thought of taking this drug. I have to look at it as a gift.

Hope this helped.

Marisa

[Elfed in reply to Mptelesca]

If I loose my appetite, that would be a good side effect 😁

[Mptelesca]

Same here. I'm the only person I know who actually gained weight on chemo!

[Nancy222 in reply to Mptelesca]

Gaining weight is more common than you think

Within reason, it's a good thing. On the rare day when I don't eat properly, I sure feel it with increasing fatigue and lethargy.

[Mptelesca in reply to Nancy222]

Good point, Nancy. I was always craving grilled cheese, pastrami sandwiches, chil fries...I never ate that stuff until chemo! lol. Oh and coffee ice cream with caramel. You would think I was pregnant!

[Nancy222 in reply to Mptelesca]

Fish and chips. I could eat that every day. That wasn't the case for my first line. This is my third treatment and the cravings are so unhealthy. Fats. Sugars. All things I never craved before.

[Mptelesca in reply to Nancy222]

I love fish n chips! That is crazy about the cravings. Maybe it's our body trying to rebuild what the chemo is killing off. I never had such cravings. Now I keep candy in my car!!!! lol.

Good luck with your third round. Hang in there!

XOX

Marisa

[tips]

I'm on week 1 too and was hoping for loss of appetite side effect - but nothing yet !!! I do have a pain in my neck ( no not just the husband !) and pins and needles in my fingers. All very slight so I'm sure I can put up with them .. Good Luck with your treatment

[Mptelesca]

You are funny, Elfed! How long have you been on the PARP? I still have the numbness in my hands and feet from the chemo so I can't tell if the PARP is making it worse.

Thank you and good luck with your treatment. It will be great to compare notes as we progress.

Marisa