Exhaustion

tedmom

I am in my 2nd cycle of Ibrance/Femara and find that everything tires me out. Does it get better with each cycle or worse.

Hoping for some positive news

Zillsnot4me

I had to drop down a dose for it to get better.

blainejennifer

I'm stable at 125 mg. Ibrance, and entering my 6th cycle with Ibrance/Femara. My only SEs are thinning hair, no eyebrows and lashes, runny nose, and I get freakishly tired.

I'm still getting most everything done - just whining about it more. I have found that it is vital to get a least 30 minutes a day of some sort of exercise that pushes me a little bit, or I seem to get even weaker. And, you do have to be careful that you eat well, with adequate fiber and protein - which can be a real pain some days, as who has got the energy to do that?

My trick there is that I cook a big batch of beans, rice, and then mix them with various sauces and frozen vegetables and bang it in the microwave. Eating at night to take the Ibrance is the biggest pain in the fanny. I read (somewhere) that Ibrance distributes best with a meal of about 300 calories and 30% fat. I'm looking for an energy bar that meets that criteria for those nights when I have run out of f@#cks to give about cooking.

Pick one big thing to do a day. Learn to remind the people in your life that you might not look ill, but you are tired. I am in awe of those who are working on this protocol.

Oh yeah, brush your teeth and get into your jammies right after your evening meal. I can't count the nights I've gone to sleep in my clothing with furry teeth. Wear garments that can double as day wear and sleep wear, because there will be mornings when changing is too darn much. If there is a local service that delivers groceries to your door, the fee is worth it.

If it helps, the exhaustion doesn't seem to be getting worse.

Best of luck.

steelrose

Hi tedmom…

I just finished cycle #5 on Ibrance/Aromasin and I'm completely exhausted! I'm at 125mg and trying to hold on but WOW. The fatigue has been hard since around cycle #3, but it seems to have leveled out? Maybe?? Have you had your B12 checked? Mine was very low, so I just started taking supplements. B12 shots may give you a boost too!

Good tips, blainejennifer, thank you. Yes, exercise does help even if it's just a short walk.

Wishing you the best, tedmom…

Rose.

stagefree

quite a common se of femara .

lissalou

just started my third cycle of ibrance (125mg) and femara (2.5). The fatigue has started to lessen or level off. However, during the first two rounds the fatigue was life changing. I could sleep 12 hours a night and still take a 4 hour nap in the afternoon. In between sleeping and napping I didn't have the energy to do anything but sit and watch tv or read. It became very frustrating and depressing because it seemed all I did was sleep. I'm glad the fatigue seems to be letting up a little. My tumor marker numbers are going down every month so I hope this is a positive sign that the meds are working. Recently had my first dose of zometa. Had flu symptoms for about 3 days. Feeling achy with chills was the worst of it. My appetite has been lacking so I have been drinking the boost in the morning for protein. Just a suggestion.