Has anyone on Ibrance had covid?

[Lilykristymichael]

I am sure all of us here on Ibrance are extra cautious with covid raging the world. I am wondering if anyone on Ibrance or other chemo drugs has had covid and if they did how they came through. My husband and I are not participating in any holiday family gathering or attending church until things settle down what are your thoughts?—thanks much, Madlyn

[Hidden]

Hi Madlyn I was talking with my oncologist about being on Ibrance and low blood counts ( I have since quit taking ibrance due to progression ) and being at higher risk of Covid & complications if contracted. She told me that I would not be considered high risk . Since our initial conversation I have brought it up about 3-4 times and each time she has said no that I was not considered immune compromised . This is contrary to most articles I have read ???

I wear a mask when in public places , wash my hands, sanitize . I have a chronic dry cough and I have had laryngitis for 8 months not fun especially during Covid . I have considered wearing a shirt that says .” It’s Cancer not Covid “ lol

My husband goes to work everyday . I am careful but not living in a bubble . Life is short ....I want to enjoy it BUT put others at as little risk as possible . If I am feeling flu ish I stay at home now .

We will not be attending our extended family Christmas this year , cancelled hosting the thanksgiving holiday . Christmas will be my husband , our son and myself and if anyone else stops in , the turkey will be in the oven .

Thank fully I do not know anyone that has had Covid so far and only know of a few that have been tested .

Stay safe

Luann

[theresac1 in reply to Hidden]

Hello! I find it strange your oncologist is saying that you are not immune compromised. My oncologist and my pharmacists (whom work very closely with my oncologist) both are very aware of the lower blood count from being on IBRANCE! I have basically stayed home since March! My husband works from home and my children have their college classes all virtual. I too, am a teacher, and we are all teaching virtually. We have our groceries delivered and have basically not been out at all, except on walks, and doctor appointments. I read recently that people with cancer are 3x's more likely to get Covid if exposed. NOT to scare anyone, but to be cautious. I too, have wondered if anyone has gotten Covid with being on Ibrance. My oncologist says to make sure to wear a mask, wash hands, even show after we come home from being out. (I shower after I come home from my doctor's appointments). I pray that we all stay healthy! And that Ibrance continues to work for us.

[Hidden in reply to theresac1]

I agree that when our blood counts are low that we are compromised and we need to be especially careful.

[pattila in reply to theresac1]

I’ve been on Ibrance since June 2018, and monthly Faslodex injections. Since life is too short, and for our mental health, we’ve decided to live our lives as normal as possible under these trying times. My husband and I go on 3 mile walks daily and we like to breathe fresh air, so no masks for us, especially when bike riding. We did stop going to the gym because of the mask mandate. We go out to dinner often, and we do all grocery shopping ourselves. We only wear masks to enter restaurant and for shopping. For us personally it would be too depressing to be homebound.

[blms in reply to Hidden]

what state do you live in?

[Lilykristymichael in reply to blms]

I live in Michigan and am treated at The University of Michigan. Madlyn

[blms in reply to Lilykristymichael]

Dr.. Dan Hayes, your onco?

[Lilykristymichael in reply to blms]

Dr Cobain is my oncologist. She is very good.

[Hidden in reply to blms]

I was not sure if you were asking me but , I live in Ontario Canada. Luann

[Lilykristymichael in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much. I appreciate your valuable information. Madlyn

[Lakelifenh]

I had covid last March. I have been on ibrance for 4 years. I had just finished 21 day round and had 2 zarxio shots to bring up wbs count. First I got a massive headache, aches and pains. Then sweats, chills and I slept the better part of two days. Then vomiting and the worst burning sensation in my nose. Very little coughing. My Mets are in my lungs. Lost my sense of smell, which I still don’t have back. I later tested that I had the antibodies. I felt extra exhausted for about a month. I only delayed the start of my next round for 5 days. Only because I was afraid I wouldn’t keep it down. I let my guard down over the summer and spent time with extended family. But now I am back to staying home most of the time. They still don’t know how long the antibodies last and what they do for you.

[Lilykristymichael in reply to Lakelifenh]

Thank you so much. Your info is encouraging. I am hoping you stay well. Madlyn

[Zebra2018 in reply to Lakelifenh]

Thank you for sharing. It is essential that we shouldn’t put our guards down! Good bless youSima

[Hidden in reply to Lakelifenh]

i Am glad that you are feeling better . Let’s hope the antibodies are for a life time. Stay safe Luann

[pattila in reply to Lakelifenh]

Lakelifenh, I hope you are feeling better. Did you stop your Ibrance when you had Covid? Also what strength Ibrance are you on? I was on 125 mg initially but had problems with sensitive gums and teeth. My bloodwork indicated I needed the lower dosage of 100 mg. Hope you will feel much better in this new year.

[Lakelifenh in reply to pattila]

I was on my week off. I did delay my start day by 3 days. I started my ibrance journey on 125mg for about 2 1/2 years. Then lowered to 100mg because of gastro issues.

[Beryl71]

Yes, I'm with you there. With a vaccine so close its silly to take a chance. I had a bit of freedom in August and September but now it's indoor gatherings I'm not confident. Every one has been very careful before visiting me as individuals and it wouldn't be fair to them to take chances.My nurse told me some had had covid and recovered but given I had fluid in my lungs before starting meds earlier in the year I'm continuing to be careful.

[Lilykristymichael in reply to Beryl71]

Yes it is smart to be careful. Thank you. Madlyn

[AvidBooklover]

I had Covid in mid-March, along with two other of my employees, one of whom is my son. I had been fighting colds all winter. This was fever that was present for two weeks and three weekends, plus a wet cough and a general sense of exhaustion. Could not get tested as I did not have all of the "right" symptoms. BUT tested for antibodies in late May and again three weeks ago and they are present. Interesting thing...I am very high energy; my husband jokes that I had normal people energy during Covid. What I could not do is things like brainstorm. I could work, but original thought was beyond me. Interviewed three authors, but when asked to edit a manuscript...or do a marketing strategy, I could not!

That said...never felt in danger...was off Ibrance for three weeks til I felt 100% better. Told my doctor I wanted to do this and she agreed.

[Lilykristymichael in reply to AvidBooklover]

This is very interesting. Glad you came through ok. Madlyn.

[Nmartinez15 in reply to AvidBooklover]

If you get cold during winter take vitamin D and colustrum. They do not have effect in cancer treatment in negative way. I take vitamin D due to xgeva decreased my levels and it become a blessing to take 50k per week bc covid patient tend to be low in vitamin D. I have not been sick and I used to get the cold every year during cold weather.

[Lilykristymichael in reply to Nmartinez15]

Thank you. Good to know.

[blms]

Anyones docs suggesting covid vaccine when it comes out while on treatment?

[pattila in reply to blms]

The covid vaccine never been brought up by my oncologist. I’ve decided not to get the vaccine anyway because I’m very sensitive to medications and I do have allergies. Some of the possible side effects such as Bell’s palsy also worry me. Since there’s a 99% survival rate with medicine, I’ve chosen that route instead.

[Lilykristymichael]

Nothing mentioned toMe yet. I will ask at next appointment. Madlyn

[Lulu4545]

Hi everyone, Do you think the vaccine is safe when under Ibrance?

[Lilykristymichael in reply to Lulu4545]

My oncologist says the CDC has put no restrictions on giving us the vaccine. I will take it when it becomes available-Madlyn

[mou466]

Hi, just a quick note to answer your question. Yes, I’m taking Ibrance 100mg and had Covid two months ago. I had all the possible symptoms for 5 days. Didn’t stop taking Ibrance but had to wait an extra week before I was able to start a new cycle. So all good.

[Melpub]

I'm on Ibrance--75 mg, down from the 125 that was Really Exhausting--and that 75, plus Faslodex and (every three months) Xgeva has me feeling mostly okay except a little breathless--but energy levels good enough for a strenulous workout at the gym every other day. What I've learned from my oncologist is that although neutrophils look as low on Ibrance as they did when I was on chemo (the works! Epirubicin, Cyclophosphamide, Taxol) they don't seem to weaken the immune system in the same way. In other words, you're just not as vulnerable on Ibrance (when you have low neutrophils) as you are on standard chemo (when you have low neutrophils). How you feel seems to be a reasonable index of how you'll do: I felt rotton, exhausted, on chemo--I tried once to go to ballet class (that was a mistake!) and by my second chemo spent afternoons snoozing on the couch and trying not to throw up. But things are different on Ibrance. I think I'd have more energy without it and my hair wouldn't look so witchy, but I feel okay. I wear a mask everywhere except outside, and I don't go to restaurants or public places except the (extremely open-windowed!) gym that is very socially distanced. So I'm trying to avoid COVID but hope I'd be less than flattened if it struck.