Verzenio, Has anyone taken the drug for MBC?

Cancerjustgotreal

My oncologist wants me to start VERZENIO along w/ the Fulvestrant I'm already taking. But Verzenio has soo many side effects & I can't imagine my quality of life to continue if I take it. If you're taking it, or took it & stopped, please help me out & advise what your experience w/ it was?? Thank you!

Sadiesservant

Hi. I'm sorry you find yourself here. I know it's a challenging time for you (as I assume you are newly diagnosed). It takes some getting used to, this idea that we can lead pretty normal lives for quite some time despite the disease but I will say that this is a pretty supportive forum. We're here to help. I would encourage you to add your details as it helps members to tailor their response to your circumstances.

There is an thread dedicated to this topic called Abemaciclib Verzenio It's fairly active and you will find a lot of very helpful hints for managing side effects. I was on Verzenio for about 14 months and while it was a bit rough at the beginning on the full dose, I managed quite well with good quality of life once the dose was reduced. You need to keep in mind that you won't experience all the side effects - they need to list everything they encountered through clinical trials but most people will not experience the majority of these side effects. For me, I had diarrhea but it was something I could manage and was typically only intermittent. I also had to watch for mouth sores.

The big take home message is to not be afraid to ask for a dose reduction if you are struggling. There is no loss of efficacy on a lower dose. My MO was happy to play with dosing, having me go to one dose per day and even suggesting going to every other day. I hope this is helpful. My recommendation would be to give it a try as CDK inhibitors have shown good success.

Cancerjustgotreal

Thannk you Sadiesservant for your very in depth & kind reply. It was important to hear your own experience w/ Verzenio & I'm very grateful for the Abemiciclib Verzenio thread as well as all the other information you shared w/ me. That was very nice of you to take the time & especially uplifting to get as I'm not getting any time w/ my oncologist of 6 months (see her every 3rd month) nor anywhere w/ her PA who appears not to know much about this drug or any other options.

I've had MBC in the bone since late 2016 (diagnosed 2/17) but the cancer spread for the 1st time last June to my right Tibia out of nowhere. So of course, time to drop the Ibrance & Exemestane for more potent drugs & their side effects. It's Side Effects that have become the dirty word... I seem to get them ALL if listed on the warning. Original breast cancer, ER+, Her2-, diagnosed 2009 followed by everything they could throw at me.

What's your situation Sadiesservant (beautiful collie BYW)-? How long have you had MBC & where did it move to? I hope you're doing as well as possible. You're a gift to others, thank you again.

PS I'm sorry Sadiesservant, I didn't know your history would follow your post. I see it now & only want to say... Stay in it Girl keep fighting the fight. You've already jumped mountains, keep it up w/ a little help from your friends!