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Cshipley123 profile image
19 Replies

So after 10 months of taking Ibrance and letrozole I have two new liver lesions. The next step for me is Faslodex and a pill I can't remember the name. (just saw doctor yesterday). What side effects should I expect from the faslodex as I'm an academic coach (teacher) and still working. Also, is anyone in a study at John Hopkins? I was hoping to get a longer time with the Ibrance as side effects are minimal.

Colleen

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Cshipley123
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19 Replies
KarenHale profile image
KarenHale

I was on Ibrance and letrozole for about 18 months and it just stopped working. I just switched to the Faslodex shots with Afinitor but that didn’t work as well so I’m going on chemo Taxol and I’m going to stick with the Faslodex shots. good luck there were no side effects that I saw with the Faslodex shots I actually felt less tired than when I was on the Ibrance.

Cshipley123 profile image
Cshipley123 in reply toKarenHale

That's the pill that I'm going on. I couldn't remember the name. I did taxol the first time around. I was sore but that's it.

Sebina profile image
Sebina

I'm on FASLODEX and Verzenio and I have no side effects from FASLODEX but from Verzenio I do get diarrhea but I keep it under control with Imodium and cannabis oil!

Have you ever tried a coffee enema for the liver detox...

cancertutor.com/coffee-enema/

Jerseygirl45 profile image
Jerseygirl45

I have been on Faslodex for 11 mo and I don't notice any side effects.

Snowcone16 profile image
Snowcone16

I got 4 months w Ibrance and letrozole...I am now on afinitor and exastamene.

Staceyness profile image
Staceyness in reply toSnowcone16

Me too. How's it going? You and I sound similar in our experiences. I have scans and results this week. Praying🙏🏻

Snowcone16 profile image
Snowcone16 in reply toStaceyness

I’m good. No side effects for most part. I’m not optimistic that this one will work though. I have a lesion on scalp that doesn’t look better. I think I’ll handle it better than I did when Ibrance failed. I went into Ibrance appt with high hopes...honestly, it never crosses my mind it would fail. Mentally, I’m good. Ups and downs but I still feel in control of my emotions. I have scans November 30. I thought to move them up but I figured it wasn’t likely w holiday schedules. How are you? 😊

Staceyness profile image
Staceyness in reply toSnowcone16

Sounds so much like me emotionally and physically. Had my scan results on Friday and it was decided to stay on affinitor and exemestane because there was a mild improvement in my liver Mets. So two months to try not to think about everything. My daughter is getting married in July and my son graduates high school in June. I’d love to have my hair for those events. Bain, I know😉

Hope you are doing well. Hang tight to Jesus. He’s got all of us in His hands and He loves us very much.

Staceyness profile image
Staceyness in reply toStaceyness

Ugh. Vain!

Snowcone16 profile image
Snowcone16 in reply toStaceyness

I’m so glad for you that the Afinitor is working! It gives me hope too! ❤️

Snowcone16 profile image
Snowcone16 in reply toStaceyness

I have 2 kids too. One is a high school senior and the other in college. We do have a lot in common.

Cshipley123 profile image
Cshipley123 in reply toSnowcone16

I have a senior in high school and an eighth grader!

Nelsonyong profile image
Nelsonyong

Hi Colleen, my mom was on Faslodex since August. Going for her 5th shot tomorrow. She got mets to lung. Did Xray last week and her onco happy. No progression ie stable. Blood test for cancer markers also within normal range except CA15-3 where increased from 150 to 300. She experienced slight side effects like Uti. Overall she is stable and happy. She also no complain of pain during injection as her nurse change the needles to a smaller one. It really helps and you may check with your nurse if she willing to use smaller needles. Faslodex is a great drug and I hope it works on you. Take good care and don't worry too much.

Kimr2081 profile image
Kimr2081

I was on Faslodex for 11 years before the cancer appeared again and i had absolutely no side effects other than maybe a sore butt cheek if the nurse wasn't good with the injection. Hope you experience the same!!

diamags profile image
diamags

I've been on Faslodex and Arimidex for 5 years now. Other than sore but cheeks -- per Kimr2081 -- no terrible side effects. Sore joints -- walking helps a lot. Hot flashes, I think that's the Arimidex. It's very, very tolerable.

I got about 4 months from Faslodex but the afinitor requested by my oncologist was not approved - too expensive for the medical scheme plan I am on! Absolutely no side effects on the faslodex so was bummed when progression showed up in my liver. I found it an easy treatment and even the sore cheeks did not happen.

Cshipley123 profile image
Cshipley123 in reply to

What was your next treatment when the liver lesions were found?

in reply toCshipley123

My liver met was found 4 months after starting tamoxifen (I had a mastectomy to remove a couple of lumps - no lymph node involvement - then radiation as a precaution then tamoxifen). I was put on letrozole and had good results for almost 3 years when markers went up and subsequent scan showed the liver met had grown from less than0.5mm to some 3cm. Medical aid refused the next drug my oncologist wanted to use so went onto oral chemo - Xeloda which I tolerated well. Then the met grew again to some 5 cm and she switched me to Vinorelbine with not much effect.Then the faslodex was allowed by medical aid so we went that route but the lesion has continued to grow - fairly slowly I gather - and a mediastinal node has been noted on the last scan. I am not on any treatment right now as I am basically asymptomatic but as soon as that changes I have IV chemo to look forward to which terrifies me.

How are you doing?

mariootsi profile image
mariootsi

I'm on Ibrance and Faslodex. I don't find any issues with the Faslodex except maybe being a little more tired for a couple of days. Being able to get the shots is such a gift. Good luck!

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