Experiences with Lynparza (Olaparib) Side Effects?

Good afternoon. I was HER2 POSITIVE and had both breasts removed. Tumor was only in the right breast. I completely 5 1/2 mos of Chemo. Didn't have any side effects with Anastrozole. I had the Brca2 maker as well. I had my Chemo on August 30, 22, and completed Jan. 17, 23. February 28th had both breasts removed and implants put in. April 21st started radiation and completed radiation on June 7, 23.

My wife has HER2 Positive and Negative. She did 3 targeted chemo treatments and after 11 chemo treatments so she has just one left next week. Her surgery is in one month following last chemo. Not sure the extent of surgery just yet. She has radiation treatment after that. How did you do with radiation? And how are the hormone blockers treating you. My wife will be taking them for 5 years. Any thoughts? Thanks

Hi Ric, I had BC in 2018. I had a small tumor but it still was a grade 3 and my oncotype score was 56. So I had a lumpectomy, chemo and then radiation and I’m on anastrozole. It’s been 5 years , but another test done on tumor came back I would benefit another few years. I decided I would take it another 2 (total 7), but to be honest, the side effects to age really getting to me. I’m 63, and the aches and pains I experience are making me want to stop sooner. I did well on them considering, I felt I needed to do everything I could to prevent a recurrence. I do exercise (if I do t the aches and pains are worse believe it or not for me ). So at my next appt in January, I will discuss with my oncologist! It will have been 6 years on anastrozole! We’ll see. Best of health to your wife! Take care of yourself too. It’s hard on the spouses as well! Thank goodness my husband was supportive!

I should have mentioned, radiation was fine. I’d work and go to treatment after work. It did t make me tired, like it does for some. I had a little “sunburn” at the skin, but thankfully it wasn’t to bad!

She's planning a lumpectomy, hopefully. She's 65 years old and has done better than expected throughout treatment but the cullmaltive effects have increased side effects dramatically. She's a trooper so when I see her struggles I know it's difficult. She had 2 different tumors on her breast and unfortunately some in her lymph nodes. The targeted treatment at SFMC with Dr Rugo ( she's very well known and a leader in the field) made the HER2 Positive tumors disappear but the rest of the tumors don't go away with the second round of treatments. We're both worried waiting a month before surgery could be trouble but that's the timeline she's been given. It's all so ambiguous and worrisome. But my wife is doing everything she can: changed her diet following Casey Means book, exercises with long walks in the forest, meditates, prays, and loves her family and friends. Her supposed group is outrageous. I hope you stay healthy. Be in the moment. Ric

It sounds like she’s doing all she can and doing well! Bless her! I pray a lot and it helps me be less anxious! A positive attitude means a lot too! Take care Be Well! 💕

Many community members have shared their experiences with different treatment combinations, and it's great that you're reaching out to learn from others who may have walked a similar path. Treatment decisions with BRCA2 can feel overwhelming, so connecting with others who understand this journey can be really valuable. Hopefully some members who have experience with this medication will share their insights to help you feel more prepared for discussions with your medical team.