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Meds to boost neutrophils

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As some of you may know I have never been able to take Ibrance as directed. I have to wait three weeks each cycle to get them up to 1.5. I just took a month of as my oncologist suggested to see if this would help. After one week break my neutrophils at 0.6. This is better than the normal 0.4 but it takes so long for them to improve. Last scan I had two new Mets to my bones although my oncologist wasn’t worried as they were small. He said we would decide my next scan what to do. He has never suggested anything to boost my neutrophils. I keep thinking if I took the Ibrance as directed maybe it might work. Frustrated beyond words. He said the next route would have to be chemo. I thought there were other drugs to try. Might just be me but chemo seems like the last choice. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

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57 Replies
Mindysooty profile image
Mindysooty

Hi Sarcie, So sorry to hear this, I'm sure I'd be just as frustrated. Your neutrophils are very very low at 0.4 and 0.6 so I'm not surprised at the Ibrance - mine was stopped when my neuts went down to 0.7, but I was lucky they came back up. When I asked the Onc what I could do to raise the neutrophils, she said absolutely nothing! You can eat veg and do the juicing etc which will help boost the overall immune system, but for the neutrophil part of your wbc, there's not really anything you can do to raise it. Other more knowledgeable ladies on here may have something different to tell you, I'm just going on what my Oncologist told me but, if you've seen some of my other posts, I'm not overly impressed with her to be honest and find more info on here than from her. I'll be interested to know myself if anyone comes up with anything.

Re: alternative treatment, I'm assuming Ibrance is your first one? If so, I'm pretty sure there's other options rather than IV chemo (you don't say IV chemo but I'm assuming that's what you mean?). However, we don't know your full medical history so maybe it's based on that. Again, some of the ladies on here will have suggestions and ideas for you based on their journeys so it's probably worth making a note of anything anyone suggests, and taking it through to your oncologist and scoping it all out. I'm sure someone on here did just that and it worked - can't remember who it was now but someone's onc was putting them on taxol and after arming herself with info from this forum, the Onc had a re-think. It just shows you how powerful arming yourself with info is though doesn't it and how much being a part of this group can help.

Best of luck to you, do let us know how you get on.

Josie xx

in reply to Mindysooty

Yes. I did mean IV chemo. Originally he said there were other drug options but he seemed to change his mind. I did mention Zometa to him after seeing it mentioned here and he started me in that. All of my Mets are to my bones. Basically every part of my body (bones) has Mets including my skull. I thought somebody had mentioned an injection to raise neutrophils but I might have imagined that. Thanks for the kind words.

BangorBelle56 profile image
BangorBelle56 in reply to

I am on Neulasta injection to boost white blood cells, but not sure if it is only for IV chemo patients.It is quite expensive but it is def worth asking about .

in reply to BangorBelle56

Thank you. I will put this on my list.

worldtravel75 profile image
worldtravel75 in reply to

Neulasta is only used to boost WBC - as far as I know it does nothing to your ANC

Barbteeth profile image
Barbteeth

I’ve looked up how to boost neutrophils and there’s a drug called Neupogen which apparently boosts the production of neutrophils

However this may not be suitable for us on Ibrance but surely worth asking your oncologist about

There are many conditions where patients have neutropenia and it’s treated so maybe this is a solution?

However if it was I guess we would all be on it...sorry I’m no help

Barb xx

in reply to Barbteeth

I will write that name down to ask him. I just don’t want to give up on Ibrance as he said once you try something else you can’t go back. I think I’m worrying that I’m burning a bridge with this treatment and we only have so many bridges before there aren’t any other treatments.

Teddielottie profile image
Teddielottie in reply to

I don’t think the injections to boost white blood cells are routinely used for Ibrance patients , just for those on IV . ( and are expensive too !).

I did have them as a one off ( for 5 days ) post a breast reduction op while on Ibrance , to reduce risk of infection (along with antibiotics ) . I remember my NHS onc having to get permission to prescribe them ! They worked well and my wbc and neutrophils went up ten - fold that month ...it was a small injection in the butt done at home by my husband and the side affects of mild pain were tolerated . Good luck Sarcie x

in reply to Teddielottie

Thank you for your info and kind words.

Dianne417 profile image
Dianne417 in reply to

Hi, Sarcie! So sorry to hear about your dilemma. I'm not sure it's true that once you go off palbo you can't go back. I was on palbo and letrozole, just like you, and am now on a trial drug. Once I develop resistance to this medication, I can enter a trial where I would receive palbo and Faslodex injections, if they are still accepting participants.

I, too, have bone mets and my oncologists keep telling me that they have plenty of drugs to keep me going before infusion therapy, which I've always been told is the last "big gun."

in reply to Dianne417

That’s what my oncologist told me in the beginning. Sometimes I think it depends on how busy he is as to how he thinks. I will fight for myself and make sure I don’t just follow blindly. Good luck with your trial.

Dianne417 profile image
Dianne417 in reply to

Thank you, Sarcie! Good luck to you, as well.

Nmartinez15 profile image
Nmartinez15 in reply to

Can you do 3 and 2 weeks off? My onc suggested that to me bc my wbc was 1.8 after 2 weeks. She said I maybe need two weeks off.

in reply to Nmartinez15

We have been checking my levels every 7 days during the off days to see when it goes back up but it just won’t make that leap.

kearnan profile image
kearnan in reply to

Well, if you had even some progression on Ibrance, isn't that why they would take you off? I seriously think my onco just goes by the booklet provided. She was surprised that I had it so rough on my first week off. I was scared by how sick I felt. Meanwhile others feel fine on it. My onco finally said my wbc were too low to stay on it BUT THIS WAS AFTER the horror of the infection, the holes in my leg that were not healing (she even took photos) and that it took four months recovery, not one as they said. So she did this after I went through the hell. I had a scan last Thursday. Monday, I went to my appt. with her and she "forgot" to get the CT scan results on the new cancer tumor they had found while I was off of Ibrance. I was annoyed and she said if you went to stay around another hour and a half, I can get them to you and we can talk. I said No, I have been here for three hours area (blood work, injections, etc.) I said I am going home and if you get them and they are bad or worrisome I would expect to get a call from you and if not, then I will see you next month. I was not worried about the scan anyway. I never worry about them...what is going to happen is going to happen. I was just annoyed that she forgot. She is a little dizzy sometimes like that.

in reply to kearnan

Good lord, you go to get reports, etc so not to have them is crazy. My oncologist said that the two new spots are small and he doesn’t consider them progression as they are still in my bones and sometimes he sees tiny spots on one scan and they are gone the next. He said he will only worry if they are still there on the next scan or they are bigger

MyMiracle13 profile image
MyMiracle13

Hi. What is your Ibrance dose? Maybe you can start on the lowest which is 75 mg. Also, the cut off for the ANC for Grade 2 neutropenia for you to continue taking Ibrance is 1 not 1.5. 1.5 is the cut off for IV chemo. If you read the package insert of Ibrance, you will find it there. I am on 125 mg Ibrance and my ANC is usually 1.06 or just barely above 1 and I’ve been on Ibrance for 18 cycles now.

in reply to MyMiracle13

I am taking 75mg. My oncologist wants mine to be 1.5 before starting each cycle because they drop so low. If it was only 1.0 I wouldn’t have any neutrophils by the end of the three weeks.

Buffwright profile image
Buffwright in reply to

I find this so interesting. I’ve been on Ibrance 100 for over three years. My typical neutrophils are .8 just before starting the next dose—my doc isn’t worried about that. I don’t think i’ve Ever been tested mid cycle.

When I had chemo in 1994, I was given neupogen when I spiked a fever near the end.

in reply to Buffwright

Do your neutrophils drop lower than 0.8? From my first cycle of Ibrance they dropped to 0.5 and that was when they were at a normal level. I had 8 weeks off for hip replacement surgery and a month off my previous cycle to bring them up but they still bottom out. My oncologist is worried I will catch something and not be able to fight it.

kearnan profile image
kearnan in reply to

Well everybody's situation is totally different. Better to ask your onco. I was on Ibrance for only three cycles. Knocked the heck out of me on my week off. I could literally not get out of bed. Developed an infection in my thigh (that I would get yearly and antibiotics would knock if off before cysts developed in my inner right groin area that would, if no antibiotics, would get so infected that I could not even walk or put clothes on because any pressure on it would cause me immense pain. They took me off the Ibrance and put me on antibiotics. I got upset when after the first week nothing was happening (in the past before Ibrance, it would kill the infection). Five week of antibiotics and it was just getting worse. I wound up having to have invasive surgery on my inner thigh in which they cut tunnels in my upper groin area. I was referred to three different surgeons in which they all told me this would need to be done, but that the recovery would be excruciatingly painful. They could not stitch the holes (and they were holes, not slits) in my leg as they need to heal from with. Expected recovery time one month. Took four months to close, I could not walk, I was in so much pain. I knew it was because of the damn Ibrance that my body could not fight it off even after being taken off the Ibrance. I am now heavily scarred there. So when I went back to my onco, she said they were taking me off the Ibrance for good (I think she was also surprised by how awful it looked and how it was just not healing). So your doctor may realize that if you do get sick and your wbc is so low bc of Ibrance, that if you did catch something, your body could not fight it off. I was then put on Verzenio. It's a pill you take twice a day with no week off. I just was so happy to be off the Ibrance but even though my onco told me she was taking me off, I was ready to refuse to be put back on it. She tried me at 150 mg. 2x per day on Verzenio and it was awful and I stopped after two weeks. She then tried me at 100 mgs. twice a day and it was the same. She then lowered me to 50 mg. of Verzenio twice per day and I feel so much better. I do not have the fatigue, I do have some side effects but they are manageable, I feel the same every day unlike the Ibrance which I never knew how I would feel day to day. For many women, Ibrance if they get through a year, it works for them a long time. For me, I felt so sick. I wish a bit angry thinking my onco should have realized that my wbc was too low to continue on Ibrance until this whole surgery happened but they are not psychics either. So your doctor may be right in why he is choosing to take you off, worrying that you catch something your body may not be able to fight it. At least he is making this decision based on what he knows about your medical history, rather than taking a chance. Best of luck but you should ask your onco the very questions you are posing here bc everybody is different, people are on different meds. Only your onco knows your medical history. I will post my experience on this board with certain meds but never give medical advice bc I am not a doctor and I don't know your medical history. You are entitled to ask your doc these questions.

in reply to kearnan

Thank you so very much for your reply. I am so sorry for what you want through. That sounds horrendous 😞. I believe you are right as they warn me to avoid people when the neutrophils are so low. I tend to over think things and my oncologist is better educated than me. Verzenio sounds better than Ibrance as I’m always tired and useless. I will talk to my oncologist about it.

kearnan profile image
kearnan in reply to

Verzenio can be harsh. I was started on 150 mgs twice per day (no weeks off on Verzenio). One of the major side effects is explosive bouts of diarrhea. I bought loads of Imodium before starting it but I had the paradoxical effect of having severe constipation for the first two weeks and then the D kicked in. I could not leave the house (and drink loads of water bc you can easily become hydrated). So I told my onco I stopped by third week. She then put me on 100 mgs. twice per day and again I had the same side effects and it was hard to manage the diarrhea and I was scared to leave the house. She then put me on the lowest dosage at 50 mgs. twice per day and that was the trick. It now works fine for me and although I alternate between diarrhea and constipation, I have learned how to manage it and what sets it off. I have no other side effects. I am not as tired as I was on Ibrance, I know I am going to feel day to day now. But the higher doses were awful for me. Once onco told his patient that he never had a patient last more than 6 months on V bc of the side effects. But at this lowest dosage, I feel normal almost.

Sister3nkc profile image
Sister3nkc in reply to

Sarcie....so sorry you are having these issues. I would think ANY new mets are a progression????? I have been on Ibrance 125mg/letrozole for 4.5 years. My cell counts always drop. Two months ago the ANC dropped to 0.7, lowest in all this time. My oncologist checked them 4 days later and they had gone up to 0.9. She was not overly concerned. We discussed lowering the dose. Since she was not concerned about the ANC she said it was totally my decision. Because the treatment has been so effective (NO progression) I have decided not to lower my Ibrance dose right now. PLUS....I have seen many others on this site share information about their ANC and similar situations. It seems there is a lack of consistency with the doctors about what is an acceptable low range before the dose is lowered or the ibrance stopped. Look at the reply (to your post) by "Buffwright", this is what I am talking about, there seems to be much variance in what we are all told.

I don't know where you live or what type of insurance you have, but I would recommend a second opinion. I had to change oncologists 1 year into this stage 4 because I honestly felt like the first oncologist I was seeing could care less if I lived or died. I'm not saying that about your oncologist, but as it seems we are all told different things by these doctors it really makes you wonder what is right or best. I'm sure there are many factors to consider when a doctor makes decisions. If a 2nd opinion is not possible just try asking your doctor to explain to you in greater detail what he/she looks at when making decisions about your care.

Good luck and God bless...❤

kearnan profile image
kearnan in reply to MyMiracle13

That is great. From what I have learned if it works that well and long for you, you could have like many other ladies I know that have been on it for 40 cycles or more. The longer I read you are on it with no issues, the better chance that it will work much longer. Good for you!

MyMiracle13 profile image
MyMiracle13

Oh dear. Maybe you can ask your onc if changing to Ribociclib or Verzenio will do any good? I don’t have any experience on this but I believe those 2 drugs are in the same class as Ibrance. I also don’t know if these 2 drugs lower neutrophils greatly as well.

in reply to MyMiracle13

Thanks. More drugs to add to my list. When you don’t know what else is out there you don’t know what questions to ask.

kearnan profile image
kearnan in reply to

Also realize that Verzenio has a shorter progression life than say Ibrance which for women that have no issues, are on it for 40 cycles or more. Verzenio is supposed to last for about 16 months with falsodex before progression but nobody really knows. 9 months if just having falsodex. When I first started on 150 mg. of Verzenio, it was awful and I told her I would rather have 9 months with just the shots and have some quality of life. But I found the lowest dosage works good for me. I still have bowel issues but no fatigue like I did with the Ibrance. I would wake up one day on Ibrance and feel fine and the next day unable to get out of bed. I hated not knowing what to expect the next day. With Verzenio, I have more energy (though sometimes feel tired, nothing like the ibrance) and I feel the same day to day.

Selmac profile image
Selmac

I'm not a big poster here. I usually just read and try to learn all the terms and such. I do respond as I'm doing here. I was originally diagnosed in 2013. Stage 4 in 2017. Just bones, ribs, spine, shoulder, front of hip bones. I had been on femara. Felt great on it but failed. At stage 4 I was immediately put on Ibrance and Faslodex. 6 months later with scan results I had some progression. My Oncologist did a gene study and said I should be on Affinitor and Aromasin. Been on it for 19 months with slight improvement and no progression. I hope this works for me a long time as I think my options are running out. I thank God that I've never had low blood counts on anything I've been on. I really don't want to go back to iv chemo.

in reply to Selmac

It sounds like this combo is working for you. Thanks for your comment and good luck.

Evaf profile image
Evaf

Hi,

I have heard Cat's Claw could help and also infrared sauna and exercise. I am not sure whether this is true but worth trying. I would check that Cat's Claw does not interfere with any drugs you are taking.

Eva

blue50 profile image
blue50

Hi Sarcie, I'm in the same boat as you, with mets to the bone. I've completed two cycles of 75 mg and it takes at least two weeks for my ANC to come up (my Onc wants me at 1.0). She said if it only takes a week for my counts to recover she'd let me stay on Ibrance, but 2 or more weeks is too long. I've asked about doing 5 days on 2 days off or the shot but she wasn't too keen on those suggestions. She said I could try taking Turmeric, as she has other patients who have success with this to keep theirANC stable. I've only been on it for about 2 months so not sure if it's really doing anything. I repeat labs tomorrow. If I'm still below 1.0, she wants me to try a new drug in the same class as Ibrance. I would think IV chemo would be a last resort.

Peace to you and hope you don't have to go the IV route!

in reply to blue50

Thank you. He did originally mentioned 5 on 2 off but the last appointment he seemed to have changed his mind. I think the small progression has him thinking differently. I don’t think Ibrance has ever had the chance to work for me as I have never taken it on the way it’s prescribed. This forum is great for asking questions as I can give him the info from people battling the same time of cancer.

kearnan profile image
kearnan in reply to

LOL. My onco said her most aggravating thing is when her patients told her they googled something or that someone on another forum board tried this and it worked for them. Because we are different ages, have other health issues, are on other meds, etc. For what it's worth, I took the Ibrance at 125 mg. like it was prescribed with a week off and I found it hell. I was only one for three cycles. I would NOT have stayed on it myself bc I had no quality of living.

in reply to kearnan

I don’t have much of a life right now so if he takes me off of it maybe it’s for the best. I just fear when the first thing is gone that there are only so many left

kearnan profile image
kearnan in reply to

No, my onco told me there are several lines of treatment for us. I do not look ahead. I deal with my disease day to day. Ibrance I know works well for alot of women. I know one woman on Ibrance for over 3 years now (with falsodex) and at the highest dosage and she feels the same on her week off. She continues to work full time as a 5th grade teacher PLUS help her family run their cattle farm. But for me, I hated the Ibrance. I do not worry about something until its time to worry because to me that is just wasting time. It is what it is. Right now, I am fine with the Verzenio so until the time comes when it stops working, then I will see what the next line of treatment is.

Sunny2020 profile image
Sunny2020

Is there any way you can get another opinion? My Neutrophils were at .77 and my oncologist kept me on Ibrance 3rd cycle. He is also a blood doctor. He brought up Zometa first’ I didn’t know anything about it. And I have read where sometimes Ibrance doses are rotated instead of staying off weeks at a time. I can try to find the information if you would like. Your oncologist doesn’t seem to be well informed and if never hurts to get another opinion.

in reply to Sunny2020

I don’t have the option for another oncologist. I live in Canada and the area I live in is not large. If I was near a larger city there would be options. Canada does not have the same approved drugs as the US or England. We have more stringent approval tests which can be good in some ways but when you have cancer you want access to everything. I am going to have a long talk with him about where exactly my neutrophils need to be and what harm may come if we started after one week off. I certainly don’t want my immune system erased.

I’m not one for “herbal” meds as so many can interact with prescription meds.

kearnan profile image
kearnan in reply to

Good for you. I would not take any supplements based on another's experience on this board. I am not into the "herbal" supplements or juicing or fasting. And one person may take something that may make them feel better, but it would have disastrous results if someone else took that same supplement.

in reply to kearnan

I’m glad not the only one that thinks this way. I see extreme health conscious and fit people with cancer so if all those things worked they wouldn’t be sick. At least that’s my impression.

kearnan profile image
kearnan in reply to

When I was first diagnosed my onco said do not feel guilty. I was kind of surprised and said why would I feel guilty that I was diagnosed with breast cancer. She said bc when I tell some ladies they get all upset, they never smoked, don't drink, are vegetarians, run marathons, work out at gym, etc. and don't know what they think they did wrong. She told me cancer is just random. You don't even have to have somebody in your family have it before you. I said well, I do smoke, drink, eat meat, do not exercise, NEVER went even inside a gym and I certainly do not run marathons. I said I know its random so I would never blame myself. Now, if I had gotten lung cancer, I would have blamed nobody by myself bc of my choice to smoke knowing the dangers. But here I was diagnosed with breast cancer with breast cancer cells going to the lungs. I had just started the nicotine patch a week before and was having a difficult time with it. Once I learned it had spread to my lungs, I said the heck with this, pulled off my patch and bought a pack of cigs.

in reply to kearnan

So much in life is random.

Pbsoup profile image
Pbsoup in reply to

My very conservative, very reputable Onc did say that exercise might help raise neutrophils--this is after telling me there wasn't much else that can be done.

I am pretty active and had low counts on 125 for the first 3 cycles--but just lowered dosage from 125 to 100 this go round, so will see if that helps. as well. Like you, I want to stick with Ibrance.

In any case, a daily brisk walk or even more activity if you're up for it can't hurt, is good for you overall, and less risky than random supplements so may be worth a try? I know I feel pretty well otherwise, and have quite a bit of energy. I do believe exercise (and a very careful diet) plays a part. My mets are also to my bones--spine, as well as a tumor on my sacrum that doesn't "hurt" but I definitely know it's there.

Also if your Onc is less helpful, perhaps you can ask his NP or another nurse? They see it all and may have ideas of their own to offer.

He originally said he would try that but then seemed to change his mind. I think the small progression has him thinking it’s time to switch before things advance. My next appointment I will have a long list of meds and options that I have gathered here just to get him talking about the other drugs. I’m in Canada so I don’t know if I have access to the same drugs as you do or those in the US do. When they are at 0.4 I avoid people to decrease the chance of catching something and avoid my nephew as he has just started school and they come home with very little germ. Lol. Thanks for your advice. You always offer sound and logical ideas ❤️

Southside25 profile image
Southside25 in reply to

I've been on a 5/2 schedule for several months and have remained stable, in remission, and no progression. Ask your onc again to try the 5/2 schedule if only for a month or two and see if it helps. It's certainly worth a try.

Not that I think by any means that we shouldn't follow doctor's orders, but I think it's ultimately our choice...it's our disease.

Glad to know another Canadian is here. Well sad you are on here but you know what I mean. I’m in NS and they don’t cover Ibrance like other provinces do but thankfully my husbands insurance does. He is retired military and working so we have two health companies so that covers the cost. I praise our health care for a lot of things as I can’t imagine how we would pay for every visit and test like the US but our system is hurting which means we suffer too 😞

kearnan profile image
kearnan in reply to

I prefer our US health care although having cancer is expensive. They pay for most drugs and tests and we do not have to wait long. We can easily get a second opinion, get tests approved within a day or two. Plus, many of these pharmaceutical companies will give women the drug for free if they have high co-payments. I am now on Verzenio and just switched over to Medicare since I have been on SSDI for two years. Medicare expected me to pay $2,500 a month as a copayment. I cannot afford that so I contacted the pharmaceutical company (I am waiting to get approval to have Medicaid as my secondary insurer in which they would pay all copayments and deductibles and Medicare premiums for me). So I could not afford that so I filled out a form, I met the requirements of being on Medicare and having a Medicare Plan D (rx) plan, so they have agreed to give my meds until the rest of 2019 for free. I will know before then whether or not I am approved for Medicaid which pays for everything. I am expecting that I will be approved but the interim, I am getting my drug for free.

in reply to kearnan

That is good news for you.

NPmary profile image
NPmary

Can you get a second opinion? As long as my neutrophils are at least .5 I am allowed to take Ibrance. Since bones are not considered a vital organ like lungs liver brain you probably can continue Ibrance.

Take care.

Topaz_77 profile image
Topaz_77

It’s probably been said by others but I was given immune system booster shots to raise my WBC count. Eventually, my oncologist lowered my dose of Ibrance from 125 to 100 and then my immune system had an easier time adjusting in between cycles. It’s been working well until recently where I may possibly have some progression but we’ll see after this CT scan I have on Tuesday.

Bailey3266 profile image
Bailey3266

My ONC just sent my tissue from 2010 biopsies (which was my stage 1 cancer)to see what genetic matches would indicate what meds would be available to me once I need to stop Ibrance—he said I have 2 more targeted therapies that will work and also something about testosterone. I am in UCLA group and my 2nd opinions are from Dana Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) (which also tested my stage 4 biopsy tissue—& although I’ve not seen those results they are now being shared with my current doc and I believe I am in a bank that if my tissue is specific match for any new trials I will be notified). (That in and of itself took 6 months and I’ve never heard those results in 2 years since they’ve tested it—maybe cuz Ibrance is working things are status quo). But it’s a good feeling to have that as a card prior to IV BIG GUNS (which I’ve also heard good things; though I’m staunchly afraid of facing that choice—so I feel for you in that decision). ! they are both the top 10 in country and part of the Comprehensive Cancer Center. Not saying other ones have similar knowledge; so as I feel fortunate to have had second ipinuons and further testing on my biopsy samples I feel for you not having a second opinion. I know that sometimes there are WEVINARS that discuss therapies and you could look them up print out manuscripts and either highlight things that may pertain to you or simply ask him/her to consider the latest and greatest methodologies.

I’d definitely ask if your biopsy samples can be tested for genetic links dictating 2nd & 3rd etc lines of therapy.

I agree that all herbal remedies should go through your ONC and agree they may help some people some of the time; but may also do more harm with others.

I find it strange that my new UCLA ONC doesn’t care when I test my blood—in middle or in off-week; when I press him for an answer he says the off-Ibrance week is best...but again does not believe it makes a difference; but he doesn’t do both tumor markets either says they tell same story but scans are best—so some don’t pay attention to markets or same things.

In fact he wants to do scans at 4 months vs 3 & I’m uncomfortable with that as I think the protocol is 3 mos and he does only CT Scans—not PET Scans. I’d feel better with PET Scan as I think it tells more; but I gotta have faith.

He said he was involved with discovery of Ibrance from beginning and personally knows one lady who has been in 8+ years without progression! Fingers crossed you find alternatives and immunotherapy may soon be viable option as well; it has greater side effects so I think that’s why Ibrance and “other targeted therapies” are all tried first—but I would definitely ask:

1. Biopsy/genetic testing which may dictate other “targeted therapies” as being effective specifically for you

Then

2. Immunotherapy (I don’t know if it’s still in trial for breast cancer or not—maybe others know more;

3. Breathe

4. Before IV chemo I think many are just in Femara or Fulvestrant or similar AI’s and my doc also offered 2 other oral AIs before the shots—so that without targeted therapy may be viable option prior to iv chemo.

I hope this answer wasn’t redundant and my answer too long—I have trouble with brain fog and concentration and memory are difficult so thx for bearing with me and understanding!

Good luck.

(Ps. I think there have been posts on here about annual cancer meetings and webinars—so you can search that or on google!

Nmartinez15 profile image
Nmartinez15

Someone just post that while she take green juices her neutrophil stay stable. Also her doctor told her to go back juicing bc she stop and her neutrophil went down. You can fin her story here. I just read it and believe 100%.

AuntyJane profile image
AuntyJane

I am on Ibrance + Faslodex with mets to lungs. I struggle with same issue very low ANC once dropped to .2 after first 3 week cycle at125mg. Had to wait 3 weeks to get up to 1.0 to start 2nd cycle. Could only complete 2 weeks before it was .4 and waited another 3 weeks. Dose lowered for 3rd cycle to 100 mg but after 2 weeks ANC was very low. Part of my problem is I started with low WBC/ANC as I had a stem cell transplant with high dose chemo 25 years ago which affected my bone marrow. I have to be off 3 weeks before ANC comes up high enough to start again. I asked my onc about Neupogen shot as I had that after my transplant to bring WBC up. She said it only works if you. Are on IV chemo not Ibrance etc. Now on 4th cycle will see what happens. I asked about 75mg but my Dr doesn’t want to lower it. I feel your pain as I’m in the same boat.

in reply to AuntyJane

My doctor said the same about the shot. I am doing well on 75mg and one week on one week off. Maybe that will work for you

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AuntyJane in reply to

Good for you and hope this continues to work! 🙏 I do weekly CBC test to check my ANC count. I’m hopeful this second cycle at 100mg will be better. If not I think my onc will then tweak the number of on/off days. I asked about lowering to 75mg but she said no for now. Good luck!

in reply to AuntyJane

Good luck to you also. Mine was quick to lower to 75 so I could stay on Ibrance and not have such low neutrophils

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