Ibrance vs fatigue

[cancersucks2]

Does the fatigue and being tired from Ibrance ever go away??

[sparks4me]

Hi. For me I had lots of fatigue and low blood counts so the dose had to go to 75. I’ve been on ibrance now for 16 months and my fatigue is minimal for about 3 days the last three doses of a cycle and continues for 3-6 days. Not bad. I can still workout, ride horses etc. just slower and less intense. I also get very cold very easily during those same days. Cold down to my bones. It’s more a bother than the fatigue. I hope this helps.

[Hidden]

I started in 2018. After 6 months, my fatigue remained. I had a good chat with my doc about it. She agreed it’s ok to reduce the dosage. I suggest you talk with your doc.

Also taking a 20 minute rest at least 4 times a week helps me a lot.

Good luck.

[cancersucks2 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks I will talk to her about it

[Hazelgreen]

I think having cancer is itself fatiguing as your body is under attack. Then, there is the "war" going on in your cells as the meds battle the mets. If you're experiencing pain that also drains energy levels as does strong emotion of any type .

You'll read much on this site about staying very well hydrated, and my experience is that this seems to help. Exercise and fresh air also seem to aid energy levels. I've not felt a need to change my diet so still indulge my sweet tooth whenever I feel a need for an energy boost.

I believe we can adapt to the extra fatigue our cancer meds may bring to many of us. It depends on what we tell ourselves. In my case, age may also be a factor in my level of fatique so I remind myself of this fact. As well, I tell myself that I can do what I really want to do, and this is usually true.

Warm wishes for your continued health,

Hugs,

Cindy

[cancersucks2 in reply to Hazelgreen]

Thanks Cindy. That makes sense. Jane

[Hidden in reply to Hazelgreen]

Cindy - I like your ideas about reminding myself about being able to do what I really want to do. I miss downhill skiing but I do not miss having get up early on a cold winter morning, putting all that equipment on, and dealing with icy spots. My preference is cycling which I can still enjoy. Thank you.

[TammyCross]

I found the fatigue was intermittent. When it hit hard, I found I could sleep for a solid hour and wake up refreshed -- if I was at home. I also learned about a study that found that Wellbutrin helps with the fatigue from breast cancer treatments, so I am doing that. (Keeps down anxiety and depression, too, and those contribute to fatigue.)

[cancersucks2 in reply to TammyCross]

Thanks Tammy. Jane

[Gratitude85]

I have been on Ibrance for 27 months and have great energy levels(just did a 20km one day tramp through mountains on new year’s day). I put it down to switching to a vegan diet and regular outdoor exercise in nature trails. In fact, in the early months when I felt fatigued, if I made myself go for a gentle walk I felt tonnes better. Drinking plenty of water and herbal teas is key too.

[cancersucks2 in reply to Gratitude85]

Good to know. Thanks. Jane

[Sister3nkc]

I started on Ibrance 125mg/Letrozole in March 2015, right after it was fast track approved by the FDA. I was on this treatment for 6½ YEARS, stopped that therapy in September 2021 when it was determined through CT scans that it was no longer effective. The fatigue was sometimes debilitating. I also had low white blood cell counts while on this combo. There is a war raging inside you, add side effects from medication to that and it can be difficult to find a happy medium. It affects us all a little differently, but I have seen many others say the fatigue was a problem for them also. I think age, genetics, lifestyle and the location of your cancer all play a part in how well you tolerate treatment. Try to get enough rest, I no longer work and I do not know how I would have managed working while on this therapy. Try to eat healthy and be as active as your body allows. Quite honestly I do not think our doctors always understand how terribly difficult this disease is to live with. Most try their best. Here, you will find that understanding that only comes from a shared experience. Namaste

[cherylgamson]

I started taking Ibrance with dinner instead of with breakfast, and now I have more energy.

[Pisces006 in reply to cherylgamson]

will try that, a great idea !

[Merma]

Yes, somewhat. It’s another thing to manage. I try to get good rest at night and take short rests if I need them during the day. However, I am still very active: swimming 3 to 5 plus miles a week, walking 3 plus miles on the days I don’t swim. My body has adjusted to the low hemoglobin levels.

Mostly, I manage my energy levels so that I can “recover” between activities. Some days, I may feel more fatigue than others. Then, I just honor the need to rest.

Hope this helps.

[Melpub]

They started me on 125 mg, and I was exhausted all the time. I'm now taking 75 mg and this is very manageable. Seems to do the trick, too--have been on the stuff since March, 2018.

[oilermama]

NOPE!! I have been on Ibrance for more than 3 1/2 years. I think what happens is that my body has basically adjusted to always being tired and feeling a little sh*****. But, like sparks4me says, I go to fitness classes, work with our Leader Dog puppy, and play mahjongg with friends. I also echo her response that I just do some things slower. For the benefit of keeping alive and going, I will struggle along with the Ibrance and its effects. I also think that the combination of the Ibrance and anastrazole has a ton to do with the side effects. Best wishes.

[mariootsi]

I'm taking 100mg Ibrance, 3 weeks on, 2 weeks off. My platelets go low. I'm always fatigued, but B12 shots help. I get them at my cancer center.

[Beryl71]

I'm on full dosage if ibrance and have only had a problem when I've been poorly and my neutrophils are low. Generally I'm as fit now if not more so that before I started treatment. I was prepared for all sorts of effects that I haven't had. Good luck! X

[Tillycat13]

HiI experienced this fatigue when I was on the initial higher doses of 125 then 100mg. My neutrophils were struggling to hit the minimum required levels to remain on Ibrance. However, after 18 months my dose was reduced down to 75mg 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off. I started this dosage cycle in January 2021 and have felt great ever since and my cancer has remained stable.

[Bexly]

I have never had fatigue from Ibrance. I’ve been on Ibrance 125 for a few years. I have always taken it at the same time every day....with dinner.

[Flag1947]

3 years and "No", additionally get exceptionally cold and can't get warm at night - symptoms similarly close to menopause, and now possibly pneumonitis.