Palbociclib and Tiredness: What Users Say

• Bay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 22, 2019

Palbociclib for Breast Cancer, Metastatic "Found out I had metastasized breast cancer in September 2018. Started my Ibrance treatment along with tamoxifen October 2018. I had a tumor in my right breast 2cm. With the cancer spreading to my right armpit (four small tumors) and a pea-sized tumor in my throat area. I just had my PET scan this month, April 2019. The tumor in my right breast is almost gone. I only have one area under my armpit showing signs of cancer, not four. And the one in my throat is only half the size it was before. The medication is working!!! Praise God. When I first started taking it, food tasted weird but now everything is fine. You may be a little tired but you will get energy eventually. Stay busy, stay focused. Please stay positive."

• Sca...
• November 23, 2016

Palbociclib for Breast Cancer, Metastatic "I was prompted to write this after reading some of the negative reviews. God, how I wish this would work for everyone. I have only been on it for around 7 months, but my first scan was promising (I have bone metastasis and there were no new spots, and previous lesions appeared smaller). I go for my next scan in a few weeks. I'm so fortunate in that I've had no side effects. Your neutrophils will dip, and yes, I'm tired at times, but what else is new? I know that some are experiencing terrible side effects, but I wanted to chime in and say that not everyone experiences them. I do take spirulina pills, and they seem to help get my neutrophils where they should be (above 1.0). If you are a candidate for Ibrance, count yourself lucky and try it!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 1, 2017

Palbociclib for Breast Cancer, Metastatic "Diagnosed with MBC in February 2014! In breast and sacrum. Started Femara only, no progression till October 2015! Spread to two ribs and spine. Started Ibrance with Femara and scans got better and better until 2 months ago, scan showed no hot spots!! As far as I'm concerned, in remission!!! Side effects: hair loss, no taste, tired all the time, severe hot flashes, shortness of breath, joint pain, but I can live with it all!! Thank you Pfizer and everyone involved in the studies who lived and died so I may live longer!"

• tme...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 11, 2017

Palbociclib for Breast Cancer, Metastatic "I have been on Ibrance for a month and a half only. I'm also on Letrozole. I take both with my main meal at night. I have not had a scan yet. She's planning one in early March. My oncologist said wine with dinner is okay. I've heard many say alcohol is terrible to drink with cancer. I'm confused about what I should be doing with alcohol. A little or none at all? I'm trying to learn about health products and the benefits of mushrooms. It's still overwhelming, but I'm hopeful. I'm very tired on Ibrance. I know my resistance is lower and I am getting cold sores. I need lots of rest and quiet and peace. Love and light to you, Trinda."

• Jaz...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 28, 2017

Palbociclib for Breast Cancer, Metastatic "Initial breast cancer stage 2 in 2001 with chemo and radiation. Diagnosed stage 4 with mets to one rib in October 2015. One year on Zometa with letrozole and Ibrance for nearly two years. No serious side effects, and my tumor marker went from 220 to 83. No trouble with blood cell counts. Some tiredness and nausea. Small meals and lots of water help. Ibrance is now covered by Medicaid. With this leadership in charge, who knows what will happen to me. I can't afford it on an income of $2,000 a month. Eek."

• Val...
• August 8, 2020

Palbociclib for Breast Cancer, Metastatic "I was diagnosed with breast cancer, metastatic MBC (liver and bones) in Feb 2020. I am having my 5th cycle of Ibrance and Letrozole now, and I feel great. The first two months were hard to manage, I felt very tired, had no appetite, and lots of bad headaches. During my 3rd cycle, I started to feel suddenly better, and now I do not have any side effects at all. The combo works for me, but quite slowly. My markers are going down, my liver tests are better, but far from normal. But I feel great, like normal me. I will switch to another drug soon."

• Que...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 30, 2016

Palbociclib for Breast Cancer, Metastatic "I am stage 4. Took Metronome, had great results. Then Ibrance, just the 1st month I was on it, 3 tumors popped up. Got off it for 3 months, then went back. Well, it made the tumor bigger. Side effects: backaches while walking, sore throat, hair loss, weakness in arms, feeling tired all the time. My cancer PSA was 14. In one month on Ibrance, it went to 35. I see oncologist on the 9th. I'm sure my PSA will be higher, so I'm taking myself off of it."

• Ima...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 22, 2019

For Breast Cancer, Metastatic "My metastatic breast cancer appeared in my spine and hip bone 8 years after successful treatments for stage 1 BC. I’ve been on Ibrance, letrozole, and Xgeva after an initial round of radiation. After 5 months of treatment, I was in remission. Have now been in remission almost 3 years. Taking the same drug program the whole time. I have tolerated the drugs well. Only recently started to see hair damage. Always take drugs after eating, so no stomach problems. Occasionally a bit tired, but mostly feel good. Low white cells mean I’m very careful about exposure to germs. Swab down my airline seat with antibacterial wipes when flying. So far, so good. These drugs can work very well."

• joa...
• September 24, 2019

For Breast Cancer, Metastatic "Stage 3 fungating breast cancer with suspicious lung metastasis, I began taking Ibrance alongside Letrozole in May 2019. I was warned about the side effects and neutropenia, in which I have had problems with a little, but oncology has reduced my meds from 125 mg to 75 mg now, and I am doing great. Only a few manageable side effects: blurred vision, exhaustion, hair shredding. But all in all, this is a good medication, and my cancer markers have been reduced from 960 to 235, very happy for now."

• Fig...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 10, 2018

For Breast Cancer, Metastatic "I was taking care of my husband and missed my mammogram. By the time I was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, I had mets all over my spine, ribs, femur, and head. I was put on Ibrance and had 2 great years. Tiredness, yes, but nothing else. I was able to care for my husband until he died. Almost 2 years. It quit working about the same time, and now I am struggling to find something else. I wish I could have it back. I always took it on a full stomach at night. But it was great."

• Jul...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 27, 2023

For Breast Cancer, Metastatic "Absolutely horrific. I was rapidly losing weight, had no energy, and about half my hair and eyebrows fell out. Felt mixed up and life was not worth living. It took numerous infections, plus being hospitalized with sepsis because no one was listening in the health service, and it has now been stopped. Maybe big pharma is the true winner here."