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Hi all,

I know there are a few folks who are currently taking Lynparza and some who completed the two year course of treatment. I've tagged a few folks who I think are in the 'completed' camp. I'd love to hear how you are doing. @JoanEG @lbarr72 @brendalee 

This month marks my last month. I'd achieved the two years, on full dose. There is no opportunity or support for extension. My oncologist is interested to see if I'll start to feel differently (physically). To be honest, it has not caused me to feel bad for well over a year so I'm not expecting a radical change at all but it will be interesting if I do notice something. I'll admit I'm nervous being off the drug however I'll take it as a win!!! I know not everyone is able to complete the two years nor at the full dosage. I do not take that point lightly.

At this point, I'll be monitored by my gyne oncologist at PMH with labs and an appointment every six months. No routine CT's. If I have concerns prior to that, I can reach out. I know the support will be there. 

In each of our journey's there are hills to climb however there are also positive milestones. This is one for me and I'll celebrate it as such. 🙌 Thanks as always to each of you who have helped me along the way. Whether directly or indirectly, this forum hosts a group of women who share and show more strength than they sometimes know. 💪💙

#Healthandwellness #Treatmentandsideeffects #

You are correct Alwayslearning, this is definitely a significant milestone for you. Not many women can go the distance at full dose and you did so with a minimum of difficulty. Now another chapter begins in your wellness journey. I am one year behind you, and will likely feel the trepidation as I get closer to my cut-off. I remain curious (like you) about the women in other countries who report remaining on this drug for several years feeling very well. I mentioned that observation to my GP-O who reviews my bloodwork every month, and she agreed that funding in our country could be one of the factors involved in the 2 year cut-off. She said that research is advancing rapidly in the field and medication rulings can change if there is enough evidence to support continuing. It would be interesting to find studies done in other countries that support longer-term use of Lynparza. They must exist. 

I hope that you continue to feel well and possibly even better post-Lynparza. I read that some women reported having much more energy since stopping. But as we have said many times, we are all unique in our responses. 

Enjoy your summer!  

Hello @ Alwayslearning,  changing paths has been a stressful part of this journey, putting your faith in how it works or doesn't and what side effects come with it. I came to the end of my 2 years on olaparib in mid April. I had side effects that required lowering the dose when my hemoglobin dropped, and I took a break while my kidney effects were analyzed by a specialist. It was decided that the cancer took priority over the kidney issues, so I completed the 2 years.

A CT done prior to completion revealed a recurrence of 4 small nodes in my upper abdomen, so while the disease was slowed, it wasn't stopped. I felt pretty good and similar before and after stopping. I traveled 2 weeks to the west coast in May, and did fine. However,  a trip to the east coast that began as a long drive on July 19th, had to be cut short. We returned home ( a tortuous drive) on August 4th (17 days of our 27 day planned). I was very sick (abdomen pain, little appetite, fighting constipation, painful headache, sweating and shivers and barely able to walk )

3rd day home I saw my GP, and was reminded again what a treasure he is. He was so thorough  sending me for blood tests and urinalysis , setting up a CT and thinking about the whole body. It made me realize that gyny oncologist  is very focused  on only the parts he knows. The suspician is that Covid  is the culprit due to theMy GP is very personable and caring. Suspicion is Covid, due to how fast and hard it hit me. But concerned about how the cancer is progressing too. He is helping pretest before the Onc visit Sept 24th.

Rest is helping, along with no longer pushing myself to do a ton of visiting. It's sad that cancer makes it hard to do normal. I did get to see all my east coast and Montreal based grandkids. I collected them like charms !

I love my home and garden, and I am content to be home resting. Each day gets better. Im not done yet....but I sure wondered ! 

You have done so well. You got lots more life to live ! Go Warrior !