Ibrance honeymoon over

[jstickrod]

It's been a good run, but after 18 months on Ibrance and Faslodex, indicators are telling my oncologist it's time for a change in meds. He put me on Xeloda, which I start in 2 weeks. Of course, I'm scared of the side effects and how this new drug will react in my body. Anyone have experience with this chemo drug? How are you doing on it? Ibrance was such a kind drug to me - I'm worried how much different this Xeloda will feel.

[Livinthedream]

Please print this dana farber research out and give to your oncologist. dana-farber.org/newsroom/ne...

No personal experience with xeloda, but let us know how it works ok?

[worldtravel75 in reply to Livinthedream]

thank you - I am going to take this article to y oncologist next week - I am in the process of setting up a second opinion with dana farber

[barbarac76]

Hi. I started Xeloda in mid-February after Ibrance/Faslodex stopped working. I'm on 7 days (1500mg in am and 1500mg in pm), then off 7 days. So far, the side effects have been minimal. My liver enzymes were elevated after the first week, but they have returned to normal. The soles of my feet have gotten red, but I'm not experiencing the burning sensation of hand/foot syndrome. If you search for Xeloda from previous posts, you can get more practical information from the women on this site who have been on Xeloda, especially regarding hand/foot syndrome. My oncologist told me to use a cream called Udderly Smooth (Extra Care 20 that contains urea) on my feet throughout the day, and especially at night.

I read the article that Livingthedream posted. Sounds encouraging. I plan on discussing this with my oncologist next month.

Hope things go well for you. It's always a tough time when you switch therapies.

[Survivornow]

I read a new article that said taking 7 weeks off your medication, then starting it back up gives your body a chance to reset itself and the meds begin to work again.

[Godbeforme in reply to Survivornow]

you know, I read that article too and now I can't find it again! could you be so kind as to post the link if you have it? thank you and God bless you! Nevermind, found it ty.

dana-farber.org/newsroom/ne...

[KarenHale]

My letrazole and Ibrance also stopped working after 18 months. I am on my third cycle of Xeloda and I really have minimal side effects. I also don’t experience the hand foot thing. My tumor markers went way down so so far so good. Good luck.

[Godbeforme in reply to KarenHale]

hope this helps you; I am researching these drugs to the best of my ability before I go to the onc because right now I've only been taking letrozole for 3 mos. and I want to be knowledgeable if I have any say as to which of the 3 cdk4/6 inhibitors I get prescribed ...

God bless you!

dana-farber.org/newsroom/ne...

[NPmary]

I know someone living 10 years very well on this med another person over 5 years. Best wishes, Maary.

[1998withStage4]

Since MBC diagnosis in 1998, I’ve been on over 20 types of therapy, some alone, some in combination and some repeated years later. Having progression is no cakewalk. It’s a hard concept to wrap your head around. With Xeloda, find out if you can ramp up dosage rather than starting at the highest dose and working backwards. Those I know who have done that have experienced fewer side effects and it hasn’t seemed to impact effectiveness. When I was on Xeloda, I was well enough to go on a 2 week European river cruise. You can do this.

[Toomanyquestions in reply to 1998withStage4]

Wow you must be an amazing person to have coped with this for so long. Do you follow a special diet or exercise plan? I’m stuck in a bad place at the moment so it’s amazing to read your post. Thank you x

[1998withStage4 in reply to Toomanyquestions]

I developed Crohn's Disease from all of my treatments which impacts what I can safely eat. I don't consume dairy products and have to limit fiber intake. I normally eat Asian style foods. A year after I was diagnosed MBC, I completed a 3 day 60 mile walk and then did it again for the next few years. That entailed training walks to prepare. Today, I do about an hour of yoga 5 days a week. Nothing fancy. I use a website called DoYogaWithMe.com for my yoga practice.

[mariootsi]

I know med change is scary! I think all of us dread it. It is inevitable.

I wish you well and no side effects.

Love,

Marianne

[NPmary]

Yes, both of them. I met them in a support group.