New to stage 4 breast cancer - anyone have experience with Verzenio side effects...

Welcome to this caring community where many members understand the challenges that come with treatment changes and side effects. Verzenio can indeed cause fatigue, nausea, and hair changes as the body adjusts to the new medication, and connecting with others who have navigated similar experiences can provide valuable insights and emotional support. Since you mentioned feeling alone in this journey, consider reaching out through the Ask Outcomes4Me box on the Home Screen to connect with clinical care experts for more personalized support, and remember that the 988 hotline is always available if you need someone to talk to.

Hi Chawn, I stand with you in support. My diagnosis and meds are very similar to yours. I am 1.5 years on kisquali and leterazole (and monthly infusions with Zometa). I have had very few reactions to these meds, except a little aches after my infusions. Also, my tumor is almost completely gone with hot spots in my shoulders and lower back. I have an amazing support group, oncologist, primary care physician, AND wellness doctor. I was immediately told upon my diagnosis to walk every day and follow an anti inflammatory diet. I have not done anything extreme with regards to my diet, still eating chicken and fish, except increasing my intake of fruit and veggies that support my immune system. I always wear a mask, rest, and talk to my support group/village. I am not familiar with Verzenio, but I encourage you to please communicate frequently with your oncologist. My health journey makes me feel various feelings from day to day (some days I am strong and other days overwhelmed with all the care I have to give to my body, both mentally and physically). I am a Christian, so I lean into my faith to keep my mind peaceful and calm. This is all foreign and unfamiliar to me, however I have learned to take one day at time. Each day I thank God and ask him to help me and everyone in this community. Please know you are not alone. This diagnosis does not define you and there is more to you than all that goes into managing your health. Your future is bright and you have a lot of living to do. We got you and we are here for you🩷

Hi Chawn, I’m on Verzenio with metastatic breast cancer. My hair is thinning. I’m losing more strands of hair than I usually do every time I comb my hair so I understand. I’m trying to figure out different things to combat the thinning.Now with the nausea I take dramamine for nausea. It says on the box that it lasts up to 24 hr. The pharmacist told me about that when I was feeling nauseous and couldn’t get the zofran they gave me. The pharmacist said any motion sickness medication would work just read the box to see if they have nausea on it. I look for the ones that’s non-drowsy. It’s another brand that I have at work but I can’t think of the name at the moment.My oncologist told me to take B12 twice a week for my fatigue and that’s helping.It’s 1000mcg and it’s the one that dissolves under your tongue. I get the Nature Made B12 that says fast dissolve on the bottle. They told me that gets in my system faster than swallowing the regular pill. I usually take mine Monday and Friday but it’s totally up to you when you want to take it. I hope that might help you with some type of relief.

You can contact me any time. It is lonely. People can't see cancer. I don't look sick, but I do go through side effects like a rash. No one but a fellow cancer patient can understand our normal. Keeping your spirits above water is the best medicine. It's hard to live your life and throw up or have to run to a bathroom at the grocery store. I have meds to take for symptoms. But you are experiencing something harsh. I hope your body adjusts and you feel better. We all respond alike and sometimes differently. My hope for you is that prayers and your body will come together as you feel better. I will pray for you. I take Kisquali and fulvestrant since 2022. Blessings to you. Ann from the beach near Wilmington NC

Hi Chawn, I don’t check in often but I understand you feeling alone I do too sometimes. I am am 20 months since starting meds 23 months since diagnosed stage IV.

Welcome to our community. I, too, had lesions in all bones except below my elbows and knees. I thought my tiredness was from depression. So my psychiatrist put me on cymbalta 90 mg. It's an excellent TX for bone pain. Ask your oncologist for it. I started with 30 mg, second month 60mg, third month 90 mg. I take it in the morning because it can disturb going to sleep. Prayers for you to have a long painless journey. I'm starting my 10th year.

Did the cymbals make you tired?

No, the cymbalta does not make me drowsy during the day. I take Xanax before bed to quiet my mind so I can sleep. A good psychiatrist and therapist has been as important to me as my oncologist in my journey. I'm now taking Trazone for sleep because I'm also on dexamethasone and nauseous meds that keep me awake. Tonight I'm at the hospital getting an IV because of chemo side effects. I'm in my 10th year on this journey and recognizing that dehydration causes kidney disease. So ladies, while taking a CDk4/6 like Kisqali, drink 60-72 fluids daily. I can tell I'm dehydrated when the veins on top of my hands are too thin. I called my doctor and he fast tracked me through the ER. You all can do this. I've been to amazing places with sisters, friends, and with my kids and grandkids. One of my most memorable was laying on my back with my granddaughter cuddled together. Talking about the clouds, then she asked about my cancer. Then, my death. I told her I'd watch over her after my body was gone. She would not see me because I'll look like a butterfly.

Thank you all so much for your comments. I can’t tell you how much it means to know that there are other women who are experiencing the same things I am. I am pleased to say that the side effects have gotten so much better. Thank you all again for your comments and suggestions. Much love to you all.

Hi my name is Mary and I too just want u to know u’re not alone. This is the beauty of this site we’re all in this together unfortunately. I’m here if ever want to vent or just need someone to talk to. Be well Mary❤️