The blues :(

[Annadm]

Hello fellow thrivers,

I’m on Ibrance 125/Letrozole. I’m curious if any of you get the “blues” sometimes on this med combo? I cry, I’m not hungry and could sleep all day curled up in a ball. And I’m on antidepressants.

Thanks and God bless

[Hidden]

Oh, gosh, Smurf, I'm so sorry about how you're feeling!

I hope that others who have similar experiences respond, but I just wanted to let you know that I'm thinking of you and that, needless to say, you are perfectly justified in feeling blue, curling up in bed, etc. This really does suck so much...Not what any of us imagined would happen.

I was on that combo for almost four years. Come to think of it, I think I did get "weepy" toward the end of the cycle, especially for the first year or so? I'm not trying to compare this to what you are going through, but it was very noticeable to me at the time. Right or wrong, I viewed it as a result of the meds, not really "me". Rationalization? Maybe, but it did pass and I've not had that feeling in a long time...I hope the same for you...

Take care, curl up as needed (!), be well,

Lynn

[Annadm in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Lynn

[Hidden]

Hi,

I'm sorry to hear that you are feeling down and tearful. This disease in itself is reason to feel this way. Have you spoken to your oncologist about how you are feeling? Maybe the dose of one (or more) of your drugs can be adjusted to help you feel better. I would not suffer in silence, but would seek help. I am thinking of you.

Take care,

Sophie ❤

[Annadm in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Sophie. However, I don’t feel like this all the time. It comes and goes. It’s so strange

[Hidden in reply to Annadm]

You’re welcome. I’m glad you don’t normally feel this way. I hope things start to look up soon.

[doomkiller]

Hi Smurf212

Oh yes. On the same meds as well as Zoladex. Do get the blues. Titally fedup with extensive hsur loss to scalp & eyebrows. Oncologist changed letrozole to anastrazole which hsd such awful side efects that I stopped taking ut 2 weeks ago. I should add that I was given a session of radiotherapy to my sternum to stop the breast cancer cells in its tracja in my chest. Feel like I"m in hell. In addition, I am only allowed to go to hospital & back. I was given antidepressants but after just taking 1, I felt like I was walking very unsteadily & gave it all vack to my oncologist. My heart goes out to anyone dealing with metatastic breast cancer. Can't wait for lockdown to end & of course, this Covid19 virus to be eradicated.

Probably the more serious side effects, manifest themselves in robbing us of being women & having a healthy sex life.

Yep. Stay strong. Chin up. I'm going to pick my oncologist's brain again when I see him bext week.

[Hidden]

I don’t know if it is the Ibrance or the Letrozole but my depression got a lot worse when I started them. When I spoke to my family doctor she said it was most likely my diagnosis and not the meds. I disagree with her because it’s been 2 years and I still struggle to function. My antidepressants were increased but that made me feel like a robot. I think a new one would be good but weaning off of my present one would be rough.

I hope it helps to know it’s not just you and that you aren’t alone. Perhaps if you speak with your family doctor or see if there is an oncology psychiatrist at your cancer care clinic. I saw the one here and he prescribed Vyvanse. He said it would help with the cancer brain. It does help a little, giving me more “get up and go” Please reach out to family or friends or to one of us here. Don’t suffer alone ❤️

[Annadm in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so so much ❤️

[Phillipians4and6]

I hope you feel better soon!!! Sending positive thoughts and prayers your way. ☀️☀️☀️

[Hidden]

Please reach out to your oncology team. Our mental health is so important .

I would keep a journal of how many days in a month that you are feeling like this . If it is everyday call your Dr. ASAP .

[Jerseygirl45]

Hi Smurf

I see you are on 125mg maybe if they try 100mg. I was on 125mg for a few months then went 100mg I think for 18 mo.

I think all of these meds give us the blues. I was diagnosed in July 2016 and just about three month ago went on antidepressants and feel so much better.

Please take care of yourself.

I will keep you in my thoughts.

Barbara

[Annadm in reply to Jerseygirl45]

Thank you Barbara. I will suggest lowering the dose to my oncologist. God bless 🙏❤️

[Barbteeth]

Hi there

I was on the same drugs as you after my diagnosis but on 100 mg dose of Ibrance

I cried every day for months especially when I woke up and remembered my situation which I thought was hopeless

I did see a therapist for a few months but it wasn’t for me...I tried antidepressants which made me feel worse so I stopped those

I think it’s the combination of the diagnosis and the horrid meds which take away from us what a woman is...our skin hair sex drive and confidence

I’m now on different meds and also two years from mbc diagnosis...I’m still here...do yoga ride my horse and just get on with it but when I look back to the early days with this..I was a wreck

I still have my crying bouts and feel scared but not as much...I think you will gradually get used to your new way of living

Share your worries and fears on here...these ladies are fabulous and understand exactly how you feel...we’ve all been there!

Barb xx

[hopenowandtomorrow]

Dear Smurf: So sorry you are having the blues. Please consult with your oncologist. I find if I force myself to get out & walk and breathe fresh air & be in nature, it helps tremendously. ❤️🙏❤️

[Julie2233]

I only had letrazole for a month and couldn’t cope with it at all. I felt so incredibly low but it didn’t feel real. I was back to normal as soon as it was stopped.

[Epinto]

Hi there. I have been on this medication for four years come this May. I have my hair thinned out and feel tired but all in all I feel ok. I truly believe it’s everything that is going on right now that is contributing to feeling depressed, how could it not? It’s scary enough to have the diagnosis and now this virus. If u continue to feel depressed like others here have mentioned speak with your doctor and give it some time to see how u feel. I myself have broken into tears just at the drop of a hat, but I feel it’s because of all these changes that we r going through! Perhaps that is what is making u feel this way and not do much the medication. Good luck to u.