Verzenio, Faslodex shots and Zometa infusions

Stacy53

I am miserable on these drugs , I get the Zometa infusion and FASLODEX shots once a month and take 150 mg Verzenio x2 a day . I stay in my bedroom with weakness in legs and I’m miserable. I could deal with the diarrhea comes and goes but I’m so sad and weak. My CA15-3 came down from 59 to 23 but I can’t go on like this . Can anyone ahead some light for me . I’m on these meds 6 months . I have spread to a rib and a gland under arm . I can feel that lump has since flattened out . I’m miserable, please help . Thanks

vlnrph

After my first week on Verzenio (and loperamide), I was crying on the phone to the nurse at the oncology clinic - abdominal cramps, couldn't eat or drink. I was given permission to stop it then started up again at 100mg twice a day. Much more tolerable with diarrhea pretty much controlled by two FiberCon tablets daily. I have resumed most of my prior activities, shopping, hobbies, etc. I began Zometa before radiation then added Faslodex after.

My most recent scans, after four full months of therapy showed the rib metastasis gone and no new sites seen so the triple treatment is working. Tumor marker dropped from over 100 to double digits.

You need to be able to function! Call and ask about a dose reduction.

Stacy53

That is so wonderful and I will ask to have the Verzenio lowered and see if that’s better . That so much and praying your terrific reports stay terrific for a very very long tome , like forever

pajim

Stacy, I would second that suggestion. If you're miserable you either need different drugs or a dose reduction.

Aside from just lowering the dose of verzenio, a second option would be to switch out Verzenio for Ibrance or ribociclib (I can't remember the street name for that one) They're all in the same class but Verzenio has a slightly different mechanism of action.

just remember, you're in charge of your quality of life. If you don't like your QOL, you get to change it. Don't let your doctor pooh pooh you. I'm lucky enough to have an oncologist who feels it's his job to keep me working as long as I like. Or on the road traveling as often as I like. So we often take breaks and stretch things our to accommodate.

I am glad they seem to be working for you! They'll still work at a lower dose.