This may seem ridiculously vain, but just because I have cancer doesn't mean I don't want to look my best for as long as I'm able.
I was wondering if any one who is on Ibrance and Letrozole has asked their oncologist if it is ok to have either Botox or dermal fillers. I had both before my diagnosis and the pandemic, but now my face looks like it could do with a little ironing!
It’s not silly at all! This is my 3d go round with breast cancer — I decided I’m gonna pamper myself. I’ve done fillers about 3 times. Effects last about 18 months. My onc is fine with it.
(I schedule a massage once a month too. Very therapeutic for my head and body.)
I go to a certified dermatologist who has specialized in this for years. Don’t go with a dentist or the like who just got a certificate. You may laugh but that happens! I know someone who had an unpleasant experience with that situation.
My dermatologist cautions that you should wait about 2 months after a vaccine shot. Because of our immune systems, the fillers can cause more puffiness. It’s manageable she says, nothing drastic, but she doesn’t want any patient having that issue.
Be good to yourself! You deserve it!
Hii! So, did you end up getting Botox? I'm also curious about that
I don't find it at all silly even though I'm much older than you, and have never experienced either procedure. I have admired the results on friends, but lacked the iniative to pursue facial improvements.
As has frequently been mentioned on this site, having MBC is enough of a downer; we don't need to deny ourselves self-indulgences. Life is indeed too short to not try to be happy while we're here.
Cheers,
Cindy
Hi Laskia
I used to do a little Botox to “11” lines between brows. I asked my oncologist if I could get some done a few months back but she said no “ not now but you can later”….I had been having some issues with my liver enzymes and I’m guessing she didn’t want anything else in my system…but now I’m stable, I’m thinking to ask her again.
I would recommend that you do check with your doctor though to be sure.
I’ve not had anything done now for around 2yrs due to pandemic and then diagnosis too….also feeling a bit craggy. The hormone therapy has definitely aged my skin.
I’m planning to text my oncologist next week to ask….I’ll let you know what she says..
Best wishes
Zoe xx
P.SI’m also on the same meds as you now… when I had the enzyme issues l was taking another med instead of Ibrance called Kisqali.
What side effects did you have with Kisqali? Was it similar or better than Ibrance?
Hi
I’m not very far into treatment, having been diagnosed in June/July last year only.
I only managed about 3 courses of Kisqali before having to have a break as my liver seemed to react and the enzymes increased hugely. At that time I felt lethargic, disoriented and foggy, and a nodule came up on my thyroid from my previous Hashimotos condition….I had lower back ache and hair thinning too.
However since Kisqali was my first medication together with Zoladex implant and Femara hormone blocking treatments…it is difficult in know if some of the reactions were also due to the induced menopause….as I also had heat rashes on my arms and legs, hot flushes and difficulty sleeping.
In comparison I’m ,so far, finding Ibrance better. My liver enzymes have stabilised, I generally sleep ok, hot flashes have improved ( but the weather also helps being cooler). My hair is still thinning though….fingers crossed I’ll get a better run on this than the last lot of meds.
I’m still taking the hormone blockers and I also do Zometa infusion once a month.
In my case my oncologist thought I must be very sensitive to Kisqali. Although I didn’t get any scans whilst on it, from my blood work results and also from physical exams, she was sure it was working….due to this supposed sensitivity we decided not to waste time trying reduced dosages and longer end of cycle gaps….and she suggested we try Ibrance, with the possibility of returning to Kisqali later down the road after I’ve built up more tolerance….as she was encouraged by the fact that this type of targeted treatment seemed to be reducing the tumour mass that she could feel in my left breast.
Hope this helps
Best wishes
Zoe xx
Hi Zoe,
Thank you for such a detailed reply. It helps me with a decision I have to make about staying on Ibrance. It is working for me, but I have some side effects, especially low neutrophils. My oncologist suggested Kisqali or lower the ibrance dosage to 100mg. I think I will stay on Ibrance for now. All the best to you!
Blessings,
Rina xx
Glad to help.About my oncologists response to Botox…I’ve decided to wait and ask her when I next see her to discuss my scan results ,face to face, in three weeks….so I’ll let you know then.
From what I’ve heard from others who had low WBC with Ibrance at full dose…most did very well after adapting the strength and also sometimes extending the break week to being two or even three weeks instead.
Good luck, hope you get onto a stable med regime asap….it can take a while. I’m almost there I hope….if the liver enzymes stay down. My oncologist said from the start that it take 6-12 months to get the initial meds right and that once they’re working we could reduce appointments to 3 monthly with meds sent to me instead of travelling to collect them etc…
Best wishes
Zoe xx
Hi Zoe,
Thanks again. It’s good to know that extending the week off is not only recommended but will help to increase my neutrophils. I had to do it only once because my neutrophils were too low to start a new cycle of Ibrance. It might be because I had covid during that cycle. Your hair thinning might stabilise after a while on Ibrance. That bothers me too, but I still have enough hair so that people who don’t know that I’m on MBC treatment won’t pick up that my hair is thinning. I’ve been on Ibrance for 9 months. Would love to hear more about Botox once you’ve spoken to your oncologist. Take care!
😊
Laskia,
I asked my oncologist if getting micro blading for my eyebrows was okay! And his thoughts on whether or not hair coloring was advisable, but not about Botox or dermal fillers. I agree…. want to look our best!
Best,
Colleen
I was considering microblading too! My eyebrows have almost disappeared. I thought this would actually be more of a problem than the fillers. Maybe I'll pluck up the courage and have that done too!
😀
It really was not bad at all. I never had any tattoos, because I don’t believe in them; for me at least. It felt like my skin was being scratched with a needle. She started out “light,” and I had them made a bit darker when she touched them up, two months later. I did not have any eyebrows to speak of. Now I DO!
Great question .you are not alone as I just spoke with dermatologist about fillers. I am on letrozole it never crossed my mind to talk with the oncologist. it will be interesting to hear what others say.I don't have medical advice however I feel the same and wanting to look good. I too thought it was be vain but I was told it is self-care
Best to you
I was on Xeloda and I got approval for Botox So I think it’s ok I really think the drugs make you age quicker so we need even more help. My sister just got eye surgery I don’t think anything invasive is the cards though
Sister/warrior if your DR. agree's I would get the hyaluronic acid filler over other fillers. I would not use botox injections, but you choose what is right for you, and what gives you joy, after speaking with your DR.😇
Hello again,
I’ve had my appointment with the oncologist today.
It went really well. All results confirm stability and reduction in primary tumour.
I asked about Botox and she said yes that it’s fine to do now. I also asked if there’s a better time to do it during the course of Ibrance and she said if I want to be extra careful then the last few days of the week off are probably best.
Every case is unique however and if in doubt I would recommend you check with your own doctor.
My oncologist waited until now to agree that I can do Botox as she wanted to get me onto a working treatment plan…and as I had previous liver enzyme issues she didn’t want me to do anything that might jeopardise that earlier. She has also told me not to take any supplements, vitamins, herbal remedies, over the counter medication, paracetamol, coffee, or alcohol previously. Now that I’m responding to the medication ,however, I will start seeing her every 2 months instead of every month.
Thanks. That's good to know - I can at least get my wrinkles ironed out!
Glad you're responding well to treatment. I'm concerned that my last report showed 'partial response to treatment'. Not what I'd hoped for. I see my oncologist every 3 months, so I've got another month to go. I think he is not in favour of anything other than the treatment I'm on.
I'm taking a load of supplements. It's so difficult to know what to do as there are so many mixed messages.
It's totally understandable to want to feel and look your best during cancer treatment. It can be a tough and stressful time, so anything that helps boost your confidence and make you feel good about yourself is worth it. I would definitely recommend consulting with your oncologist before getting any procedures done to make sure it's safe for your specific situation. It's also important to do your research and choose a reputable provider. Onsite Med Spa Mobile Concierge Service onsitemedspa.com/services/ is a great option for beauty treatments in a comfortable and convenient setting. Take good care of yourself, and don't be afraid to treat yourself to a little pampering!
It's definitely not vain to want to look and feel your best, even when dealing with cancer. And if you're interested in exploring cosmetic treatments like Botox and fillers, it's important to talk to your oncologist first.
I usually work with onsitemedspa.com/med-spa-se... because it offers a range of services, including Botox and fillers. They have a team of experienced professionals who can help you achieve the look you want in a safe and welcoming environment.
It's always a good idea to prioritize your health and wellness, especially when dealing with a cancer diagnosis.
First of all, I want to say that taking care of yourself and wanting to feel good about your appearance is absolutely valid, no matter the circumstances. As for your question, it's always a good idea to consult with your oncologist about any treatments or procedures you're considering. But, if you do decide to proceed with procedures, it's critical to choose a reputable institution, like rawbeautyaesthetics.com rawbeautyaesthetics.com/. They specialize in various non-surgical cosmetic treatments and have a proven track record of providing safe and effective services. Researching and selecting a reliable institution with experienced professionals can ensure you receive the best possible care and achieve the results you desire.
Verzenio and gray hair
Runny nose and sneezing 
Joint and Bone Pain. 
