Glad I checked the board tonight, that’s great news Tony! My mother is one month shy of taking Ibrance for two years. They started her on the max dose, 125 I believe, but after a couple of hospital stay infections (leg were her lymph nodes were removed in her groin) and really low blood counts, especially abs neutrophils, they’ve moved her to 100 to 75. She’s been at the 75 dose for over a year and doing extremely well.
Side effects are tolerable for her, she’s really tired a lot (but she is 81), and Ibrance really messes with the blood counts, especially white, red and platelets. She used to have to get a weekly blood test but about a year ago it’s now monthly. Her body has adjusted and with the seven days off, has a chance to bounce back blood wise. She was warned in the beginning to stay away from sick people and wash her hands often because of the lower white blood cells.
Her first three PET/CT scans after starting Ibrance showed her pelvic tumor decreasing rapidly and then it was gone along with a suspected lung tumor that was never tested. Because of the study, she still gets her PETs every three months but we feel that although it’s a production for her, we stay on top of things that way. No word on how long she’ll be on it, since the study is so new. But her Oncologist thinks as long as it’s working…
During her last month’s Oncology appointment, our Doctor told us that because my mom is doing so well on the drug, they have prescribed Ibrance to three other patients with the CCND1 mutation (don’t think they’re melanoma) and it’s working for them too! So exciting!
Let me know how you do. We’re both praying for excellent results! Take Care! Cindy
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