Progression on Ibrance and Fasoldex

[Dogmomtocockers]

I was diagnosed in June with MBC in rib and sternum. About 1cm. I’ve been doing faslodex and Ibrance. My two bone mests have decreased but scan showed on Wednesday a new 8mm tumor in my lu g. Not what I was expecting to hear. My doctor said he wants to continue he on same treatment and another scan in 3-4 months. I was so shocked to hear the lung news that I didn’t even know what you ask. I am HER- but estrogen and progesterone positive. Any thoughts from anyone? Any experience with more cancer tumor arising in these meds? I am getting a second opinion in January. I’m so sad and depressed. My tumor markers went down to 40 but I don’t think those are reliable. I tend to have low red and white blood counts on Ibrance . I’m on 100 I range as the first 2 treatments my counts were so low.

[Pachira]

Sorry to hear your news! I’m currently still on Armidex so can’t tell you about Ibrance and Faslodex. I too feel very happy to find this site and I’m sure some of the ladies will give you some insight. My tumor markers have been rising over the past year and they did see a 5mm lung nodule. I had another ct scan last week and 2 mri’s of the brain and they’re not really seeing progression so I feel as if I’ve temporarily dodged a bullet. From what I’ve read I don’t think 7mm can be biopsied and often disappear the same way they materialized. Like you I was a bit taken aback at the nodules appearance and I’ve told it under no circumstances has it to get any bigger! Many on this site have good things to say about the combo you’re on so I’m sure your onc is right to continue. If it’s benign I believe the size won’t change much in 3 months. Try not to worry but maybe you can try some exercise which I highly recommend for lightening your mood. I walk a happy mile every day with Linda Sansome on You tube and it keeps me focused on staying healthy. Others in this site are much more active but anything we can do to help our body fight is important. I made Yorkshire pudding today for the first time ever, starting from a cold oven and I’m delighted with the result. It’s the little moments that give us joy. Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year!Chris

[NShaft]

I'm in the same boat. Last PET showed a 4mm nodule in my lung. I've been taking Ibrance, Letrozole, and Xgeva since de novo diagnosis with bone mets in 2018. Tumor markers are stable. I've read that 50% of people have lung nodules and most turn out benign. Lets hope this is the case for both of us! Onc says to check in 3 mos at next scan. I will join you in giving it a good talking to and forbid it to get bigger.

[Hidden]

I am sorry Ibrance failed. I was in your situation with mets to lungs as well. It is such a shock when that happens! Ibrance and Letrozole worked for a couple of years and then failed a couple of months ago. My oncologist put me on Faslodex first. See how I respond and then maybe add Everolimus. Another oral chemo.Like you, I am waiting for a second opinion I requested outside of my network. I'll share on this board if I learn important new information. I learned here that Ibrance is not our only option, so on to another option we go. Hang in there. Sending hugs 🤗

Anja

[Sparky95]

So sorry to hear your news. It is very similar to what I experienced. Originally I had two index tumors they were following. Then while on Ibrance and Fasoldex I developed a new one in my cervical spine. My oncologist felt that since it was only one new one we should continue to stay on Ibrance. When we got to five index lesions (including one in my lungs) she decided we should change treatments. We tried Piqray but I failed it due to the rash and other side effects. The good news is all my blood counts that had been low on Ibrance came back up. I will now try Afinitor. I had a decent quality of life on Ibrance and was disappointed that it stopped working. My goal is to have as many good days as possible. I hope they find you a good treatment that works.

Sparky

[ChrisVict]

I think you need to give Ibrance a chance If tumor markers went down ghats encouraging. The lung Mets is anew development or missed on the first go round? Maybe they will treat the lung differently than the bone Mets. I have extensive bone Mets and was in Ibrance for 1year and have moved on to other lines of treatment.

[TammyCross]

I see this is 5 months ago. I wonder what you have learned in the meantime, if there was progression, if you are switching meds. I started Ibrance and Fulvestrant 2 years ago. They were like miracle drugs. Large masses shrank to small, and bone mets disappeared. In last three scans, though, there have been new very small spots. The one last week showed avid uptake in the old ones, plus 1 new bone met and 1 new spot near lungs.

I had heard this combo works for 2 years on average, then it stops working. I seem to be average, was hoping to be exceptional. I know some people can go five years with good effects. My oncologist decided it is time to move on.

Choice was more aggressive meds (Verzenio and another hormone blocker) or try the new oral Fulvestrant, which is supposed to be more effective than the injections. So doing the latter, but don't have high hopes. Well, I always hope. It is a clinical trial so demands a lot of time, especially in the beginning: 9 hour days at the hospital for observing effects and testing.

[Dogmomtocockers in reply to TammyCross]

Oh I’m still kind of in a holding pattern. Still on Ibrance and fluvestrant shots. Do you have to stay at hospital for oral fluvestrant observation or the Verenzio? Praying for you!