Newly diagnosed metastatic breast cancer: starting Letrozole and Palbociclib very soon

Hi all,

I had Stage 2 her2+ HR+ BC in 2017. I've recently been diagnosed with HR+/her2- metastatic BC. I'll be starting Letrozole and Palbociclib very soon.

I guess I'm after some positivity. How do people cope with this combo, how does it make them feel. 

I'm mid 40's and still working at the moment. I dont plan to completely give up work but how do people cope with the compromised immune system and side effects

Thanks in advance 

  • Hello KittyRVN, 

    I am sorry to hear you have been diagnosed with HR+/her2- metastatic breast cancer and I hope that you will meet others here who have been on the Letrozole and Palbociclib combination and that they will come and share their experience with you. I've had a little look on the forum for you for other members who have been on this combination and noticed that  mentioned in a reply to this Palbociclib thread that she was on the Letrozole-Palbociclib combo for metastatic breast cancer too so could be a great person for you to connect with. 

    I hope that work is going ok for you and that you can carry on working during your treatment and won't suffer any significant side effects. If you have any questions or simply wanted to talk things through with one of our cancer nurses, don't hesitate to give them a call on this free number 0808 800 4040  - their helpline is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. 

    Wishing you the best of luck with the start of your treatment - I hope it all goes well for you. Let us know how you get on if you get a chance. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

     

  • hello kittyRVN. i

    Im so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. Scary isnt it.?

    I havent been on here for a whille, but i saw your post and i thought i would try to brighten your evening.

    I was diagnosed  2.5 years ago with the same as you. 11cm tumour in my right breast. Cancer in my left and both lots of lymph nodes. They were going to operate but when i had my scan, it had metastasized into my spine and pelvis. Sounds awful doesnt it! But honestly it isn't.  Im on palpocyclib and letrozole too plus a bunch of other drugs. Im here to tell you that as drug combinations go its not that bad. There is a lot worse out there and tbh im still living life as normal. thetes lots i could tell you but id rather be here for you on your good days and your bad.  If u need someone to chat too or if i can answer any of your questions, dont hesitate to ask. You can live with cancer and win battles over it every day. 

    little

    I

  • Hi Kitty, sorry that you’ve joined the group.

    like Lucie says I am on Palbociclib and Letrozole for metastatic breast cancer in the lungs.  Apart from breathing issues, I have been fine with the treatment but I have given up my career and no longer work. As part of my role I travelled across Europe supporting projects in 30 countries and with shot lungs, I just couldn’t continue.  

    It’s funny but there are people who carry on the day to day without too much trouble. However everyone is different and you’ll have fuzzy head days, feeling *** days, staying in bed in pyjama days so take each cycle as they come and remember the only pressure will come from yourself so take time to listen to what your body needs.

    Micky52 did a cracking response below, amazing! It never fails to amaze me how lucky we are to be amongst great people. Lean in, feel the love, we got you x

  • I’m in aww of you Mickey52, cracking response, such a kind heart.

  • Dear Bassyxx

    Sorry to hear that you have your dignosis. Thanku for the kind words. 

    With everything that hits me in life, i try to stay positive. Of course there are days, you just feel like you cant face the world! I find good friends and family make a huge difference, and if you havent got that, then thats what we are here for. Probably the biggest family in the world, the we've all got cancer family! We will be here when you're low and when you have good day. Yes we like to hear about them too, because good days make us all feel that bit better too.

    Im here for both of you, if you need to chat. Keep fighting the big C and take care of yourself. Xx

  • Thankyou. Since I posted this I've been moved to abemaciclib instead of Palbociclib 

    Xxx

  • Thankyou. Since I posted this I've been moved to abemaciclib instead of Palbociclib 

    Xxx

  • I think my oncologist said the immunotherapy drugs end in ciclib so part of the same group. I tried Ribociclib too but they didn’t agree with me. 

  • hi I’m on same medications as you and have been for nearly 3 years now, I’m still working full time (very physical job) and feel great most days, I must admit my days off I like to chill and sometimes enjoy duvet day, you must take each day as you feel, I do have down days where I feel like what’s the point but mostly days feeling like I can beat this and a cure around the corner so for now just take every minute as you feel. I have had hip replacement because of this disease and I’m determined it’s not going to take anything else, just go with the flow, only you know your own body just remember you are not alone in this, take whatever you’re offered and I’m sure you’ll be living your best soon, all the best x