Ibrance/letrozole Tool Kit

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kitkit
kitkit Member Posts: 80
edited April 2019 in Stage IV/Metastatic Breast Cancer ONLY

Hello everyone,

I'm going to start with Ibrance/letrozole tomorrow and want to prepare to have on hand everything I might need for side effects. So far I have soft toothbrushes and a prescription for ondansetron for nausea. Also, tylenol for joint pain. Any more ideas for products that i could pick up today?

Thanks,

kitkit

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  • pajim
    pajim Member Posts: 2,785
    edited April 2019

    Hi Kitkit, SEs from Ibrance take a while to start so you likely have a week or two. Letrozole may or may not be the same -- it's been so long that I cannot remember. In the end it wasn't a problem except for the hot flushes.

    So if you have long hair you might want some scrunchies to get and keep it off your neck.

    Oh, and for the last few days of the Ibrance cycle I suggest having Purell or anti-bacterial wipes on hand. You'll want to wash your hands.

    Else here's hoping that you don't need any of the things you have bought. [you may not. Or you may. Only time will tell]

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  • kitkit
    kitkit Member Posts: 80
    edited April 2019

    Thank you!

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  • ann273
    ann273 Member Posts: 209
    edited April 2019

    Hi kitkit, I have been on Ibrance for 7 months. The main side effect for most of us is low neutrophil counts which make you susceptible to infections. Like pajim mentioned, try to keep some purell and hand cream (to combat the dryness from letrozole) with you at all times. If I'm getting on a flight and am on the last week of my cycle I keep a mask with me. I have really not needed anything else int he last 7 months.

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  • ShetlandPony
    ShetlandPony Member Posts: 4,924
    edited April 2019

    A house cleaner and a complete set of Downton Abbey DVDs.

    Seriously, fatigue is a common side effect, so it’s good to plan for ways to conserve your energy and spend it on the most important things. What do you do that is unique, vs. what can someone else do for you if you are tired?

    For possible mouth sores, baking soda and salt : 1/4 teaspoon baking soda and 1/8 teaspoon salt in 8 ounces warm water, to rinse with. Also a prescription for Magic Mouth Wash that contains lidocaine, Benadryl, and maalox. I got mouth sores on 125 mg but not on 100 mg. Some people never get them.

    For hot flashes, I liked cotton pajamas rather than a nightgown (sweaty thighs), and cardigans rather than pullover sweaters, so they can be ripped off quickly while you shout, “Why is it so hot in here?!”

    You’ll be ok. Cheers! (Raising glass of juice. But not grapefrut, Sevilla or blood orange, pomegranate, noni, or star fruit.).

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  • Christene502
    Christene502 Member Posts: 115
    edited April 2019

    kitkit - I have been on Ibrance/letrozole for 18 months. Side effects that I have experienced so far is - hair loss, fatigue, loss of appetite. I have long hair, It got so bad, that I finally had it cut to a cute bob... My hubby who loved my long hair, made a comment that my hair did need a cut due to meds... And said the hair cut came out really nice...

    Good luck to you... I hope it helps you like it did with me.

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  • kitkit
    kitkit Member Posts: 80
    edited April 2019

    Thanks for all the tips! I started the ibrance last night...felt a little queasy but no problems this morning. I'm reading that the SEs build up gradually? I am at work right now and feel totally normal. Two giant cups of coffee have made me feel quite alert! We'll see what's coming next....

    K

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