Any people's experiences taking Faslodex and /or Ibrance

[macor]

I had a mastecomy just over a week ago and yesterday the doctor mentioned about going on the above mentioned drugs. I had Stage 3 breast cancer in 2017 with lumpectony,chemo and radiation and just had a Stage 1 reoccurence in same breast which is why they did the mastectomy. Know there are several serious side effects, but am wondering about others personal experience with either one or both drugs. From what my insurance company tells me the cost is astronomical, so don't know that I would be able to afford them anyways without getting some help from somewhere. Any comments, advice or suggestions appreciated. Thank you!!

[Lionore]

I was on it for only a month. I felt no symptoms but my blood work, as expected, indicated low white cell count. Since I was also battling infection caused as it turned out by the implant. the doctors got me into surgery to remove both the local recurrence and the implant. Afterwards my oncologist said that I didn’t need to take IBrance anymore although I will be getting radiation.

As far as the cost, your treatment team should be able to help you apply for financial assistance through nonprofits or the company which is Pfizer. Most people end up paying little or nothing out of pocket but be prepared to disclose your income.

[SeattleMom]

Hello, macor!

I took Faslodex for nine months and wish it had lasted forever. Just a monthly injection into hip area on both sides. The Ibrance can leave you very fatigued but has led to great success in delaying progression. It was my first line of treatment and worked for 33 months prior to mild progression. I started my third line this past June with Capecitabine.

Regarding the expense of Ibrance treatment, you can apply for total or partial compensation through the Pfizer Corporation. Follow this link:

pfizeroncologytogether.com/...

Your oncology can also advocate directly with Pfizer on your behalf! Be sure to inquire with him/her. God bless you and good luck!

Linda in Seattle

[macor in reply to SeattleMom]

Thank you! The social worker at hospital is going to inquire on my behalf. You mentioned Ibrance leaving you very fatigued...did you have any side effects from the Faslodex? They have me scheduled for the 1st injection of that on Sept 15.

[Hidden in reply to SeattleMom]

Hi I am on fazlodex injections for 6 weeks now. Could you tell me how long it took to work for you please. This is now my last hope as all medication failed. I'm just living inhope at the moment but sometimes it is difficult. Hope all goes well for you.

[SeattleMom in reply to Hidden]

Hello, Firebird10!

Faslodex was my second line of treatment after 33 months on Ibrance/Letrozole. I started on Faslodex in late August 2020; and it took almost three months before my tumor markers began to drop significantly. They continued to drop for the next six months before there were signs of mild progression in May 2021. It was at this point that I was switched to Xeloda (aka capecitabine) I have a Petscan scheduled for this afternoon to check on progress. God bless you with much success on Faslodex!

Linda XXOO

[Hidden]

I am on fazlodex injections. I have had 6 injections and there was no pain when having them. Some have experienced pain and so I was expecting some, but no, it was all good.

[macor in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your input. I wish you the best of luck in your treatment

😘