I’m stage 4 in breast, liver, multiple bones and lung. Been attempting completely natural for over 2 years. Last scan showed some improvement but the breast tumor is getting harder and larger. So now going all in with what my amazing oncologist is suggesting. Started on Ibrance and Anastrozole this last week. Is it common to have some shrinkage in the main tumor when first starting? Or is nothing common? I have to walk this path to see how my body responds but just wondering if others had reduction in size of main tumor when starting therapy.
ps… I actually tried these this last summer but only for a couple weeks at too high a dose for me and gave up quickly. I’m now going to give it another try at 75 mg on the 5/2 schedule. Committed to staying on them as long as possible to see if they help shrink the main tumor.
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I found those drugs nearby completely reduced my tumour for 9 months which was fantastic. However the new drugs haven’t reduced the tumour (it grew back) but is stopping it from getting larger. Currently the tumour on my shoulder has crippled my right arm and hand which is very debilitating for a right hander and the pain is very bad. Some people have taken your medication very successfully for many years! Good luck to you 🌸
I noticed improvement with my symptoms within 30 days of starting faslodex which is somewhat like anasterozole , addresses the hormone positive aspect of our breast cancer. Ibrance/ faslodex has worked really well for me for 3. 5 years so far . I am also on 75mg Ibrance. I have found these meds easy to tolerate and am hoping they keep me stable - no evidence of disease for a long time !
Most doctors will scan patients after 3 months to check. They are hoping to see stable disease , not more tumors or larger tumors . Best case is tumors are stable (same ) or shrunk / resolved so they don't see them on scans . It took me 9 months or 3 scans to show no evidence of disease . However, first scan showed smaller tumors, which also was a relief .
You need to give it some time to work and I'm happy you are trying it again (at a lower dose and 5/2). Sending you good energy and prayers that these meds work well for you !
I was a health and fitness fanatic for most of my adult life (I'm 66), vegan/supplements, loads of raw foods etc, took very few pharmaceuticals. Diagnosed with de novo mestatic breast cancer in August 2022, mets to spine, liver and lungs. Apparently breast tumour was very large, and had broken through the breast. Started on Letrozole in August, Ibrance 125 mg in October. CT scan in December showed main tumour had shrunk, breast wound has dried up thankfully, oncologist really pleased with response. Hope you do well.
My wife is trying a combination of all (vegan/supplements/traditional) treatments. If you feel comfortable to discuss. Have you had a vitamin, glucose or inflammation profile done. My wife recently got hers back with the need for improvement on several fronts most notably on Vitamin D. Although on the low end of 30ng/ml many like (from my knowledge but not a healthcare professional) it closer to 80 ng/ml with the highest acceptable concentration being from the report is 150 ng/ml
Hi Following my shock MBC diagnosis in August 2022, after following what I thought was a healthy lifestyle for most of my adult life I now eat cereals, lean meats, fish, and vegatables. I've gone off fruit. The only supplements I take now are vitimin, D3, K2, and magnesium. I'm in the UK and have not heard of a glucose or immflamation profile. I'm not an expert on supplements and I think you have to be careful with drug interactions especially if you take herbs, my oncologist doesn't seem to know much about herbs or supplements, but is happy for me to continue taking vitimin D3 4000iu daily, she didn't comment on the other two I take. I also take calcium tablets which the oncologist perscribes. I have blood work done monthly so I can continue with Ibrance, and she's been pleased with the results. I'm sorry I can't be of more help. There are a lot of lovely people on this site who may be able to help more. Best wishes to you and your wife.
Yes. I had a 10 cm tumor on lymph nodes in my chest and couldn't breathe, terrific pain, fluid in lungs. Within five days of starting Ibrance and Fulvestrant, I was running up hill. I also had many bone mets. These not only shrank, they went away -- for two years. I find anastrozole, which I am on now, to have more side effects and less efficacy than fulvestrant, but we are all different. I commend you for opting for standard treatment. It can work. It can work wonders.
I have been very fortunate. My main, very large, tumor was reduced to clusters of cells in 10 months. And, I have been able to tolerate Ibrance reasonably well. Besides hair thinning, my biggest issue is diarrhea. Prayer to you.
I’m so glad to hear it’s been effective for you! I have found liquid bentonite clay to be fantastic for diarrhea. Not on,y does it help mop up pathogens and cancer cells but also helps regulate bowel movements. You might want to look into it.
you need to definitely use it away from your medication or other supplements. I’ve found it to be very helpful with gastrointestinal issues and candida and parasite clean up. (We ALL have parasites).
I believe the recommendations for beginner is one teaspoon to see how you do and then go from there. And of course drinking plenty of water. It has been so helpful to me.
I started on the highest does almost 4 years ago and after 6 months went on 75mg. 2 weeks on 2 weeks off. Am tolerating this but no shrinking just stable
I never have shrinkage in my liver. I did have some in my bones. My bones have been quiet since first treatment 7 years ago. No additional growth. Went to liver 2 years ago. I am happy if liver Mets stop growing I don’t look for shrinkage
The liver Mets have been more resistant taxol only worked 6 months. Piqray 1 yesr exactly and immunotherapy did not work.
Hi, I started out on 125 Ibrance then 100 Ibrance and unable to tolerate so I am trying 75. Hopeful that this will help. My tumors did shrink, however if side effects are like the other doses I took, we will have to go back to drawing board. The concern I have is what bearing it has on lungs as I have cancer in right lung. Hope this helps.
I have found out that some people do well with drugs and others not so well. For me It looks like I won’t tolerate Ibrance for the side effects but I am giving lowest dosage a chance. As far as how quick it works, it is different for each person. This is just my feelings about it.
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The Artist
Mom has stage 4 mbc. looking for hope. 
Starting Ibrance soon
Immunotherapy-Chemotherapy *Update #2*
