Kisqali and Fulvestrant

[Karen2235]

I am on a combination of kisqali (3 weeks on and one week off) and fulvestrant injections. Just about to start week 3 with some tiredness and mild diarrhoea as side effects. Worried that symptoms will get worse. Have others tried this combo and what side effects have others experienced?

[Thrifty51]

I took Kisqali and Letrozole for 22 months before it stopped working. I had to reduce the dosage early on from 125 to 100 because of fatigue. It was great for me as I only had a couple of days per month of feeling tired and that did not get worse over time. For me it was much easier to take than the Xeloda that I am now taking.

I wish you the best of results with it.

Audrey

[Karen2235 in reply to Thrifty51]

Hi Audrey, thanks for the information. Yes, the fatigue is beginning to hit and I haven’t been on it for a month yet. What about your digestive system - I feel a little nauseous and have mild diarrhoea. My appetite is good though. I don’t know if it is the Kisqali or the Fulvestrant injections.

[Thrifty51 in reply to Karen2235]

I very rarely felt nauseous on Kisqali and definitely no diarrhea. I had such a good appetite that I gained 10 lbs. I've lost that now on Xeloda because I have constant nausea without if I don't take zofran and have to ear small meals.

[Buninga]

I’m on 600 mg Kisqali and 2.5 mg Letrozole. I’m on my 5th cycle. Feel fine. Take it first thing with yogurt and hit the mountain trail with my dog for an hour. No problems other than I find my skin in a bit bumpy with a bit of skin rashes on my arms upper chest and back. Not too noticeable but itchy. It quickly eases on my week off. I have great energy and I’m 65. Still work 1 week a month. My hikes really help! Energy out. Energy in. Good luck!!

[Karen2235 in reply to Buninga]

Thanks for the information. I have noticed changes to my bowel, increased fatigue and a few other aches and pains. I have a few other health issues which makes it more difficult to know which bit is causing what discomfort. I do however try to exercise daily by getting on my treadmill and agree that exercise does improve my energy level. Nearly at the end of my first cycle.

[Buninga in reply to Karen2235]

My first and second cycle I wondered if I was tired etc because of it. But I’m quite fine now.

[Karen2235 in reply to Buninga]

i hope I can hang in there. I seem to have some significant back pain as a side effect.

[Buninga in reply to Karen2235]

that’s unfortunate. Where is your cancer? Mine is in my upper chest behind my rib cage/sternum. I find the 3 weeks I’m on Kisqali I feel a certain pressure. Like a big hand pressing on my chest. The week off it goes away. And now I’m on my 5th cycle it’s pretty much over. Keep track of everything you feel that you think might be related. And let your oncologist know. ... The only thing I’m dealing with now is an itchy rash on my arms and back which I’ve told them about.

[Karen2235 in reply to Buninga]

My cancer seems to be in the same area as you. it is in my upper chest/sternum. Today, my back pain has reduced significantly. And i finished my first cycle of Kisqali last night. I am trying to keep track of everything however, the problem for me is that I have a couple of other health issues. As mentioned, I have scoliosis (curvature of the spine) and a spinal cord injury (due to bungled surgery when the tried to fix the scoliosis when i was 11 years old. I am now 65.) I had a right mastectomy 4 years ago. I am hopeful it will be easier with time. Thanks for your information.

[Buninga in reply to Karen2235]

Keeping my fingers crossed for you. The scoliosis ..:(. I had a left mast due to metaplastic triple neg BC in 2011 and a right mast 2017 that was ER+ . This cancer behind my sternum is linked to the ER+. And I have a lump on my T3 from an old injury. In the beginning with Kisqali I had pain. But this 5th cycle seems to be much more tolerable. And my chest pain much reduced. I am scheduled for another scan in the next couple months. And hoping my blood work in 10 days shows promise. ... Hoping your side effects subside.

[Karen2235 in reply to Buninga]

Thanks for the support and I hope your blood work is good. I don’t have the language yet but I am sure I will learn the terminology with time.

[jltorcz]

I am having trouble raising my neutrophil count after 2 cycles of Ibrance . I am actually switching to Kisqali, with latest studies indicating better efficacy, but cannot start until my neutrophil count is above 100. My doctor was thinking about neupogen injection if needed but didn’t know the research on the compatibility with Kisqali.