Thank You, Next – Goodbye Verzenio

Last April I asked How Does One Celebrate NED after 11 years living with Metastatic Breast Cancer?

With a crazy 2022, somehow I did not have scans after my very successful April scans until November. The November scans were not as celebratory as April’s.

When cancer patients say they live in 3-6 month increments, this is what they mean. In November the scans showed new metastasis in my spine and a rib.

We treated the new spots with radiation in December. The fifth time I have had radiation since 2004 when I had radiation the first time: my breast/lymph nodes (2004), my hip (2010), a rib (2012), and another spot in my spine (2019), spine and rib (2022).

When radiation was complete, my doctor hoped we could get a little more time from the Verzenio by increasing the dosage. That did not prove to be a good plan. My body did not tolerate the increased dosage and we had to readjust the plan.

Last week I had scans again. Verzenio has officially submitted its resignation papers. More spots showed up on my spine. (Again, I am thankful there were no spots in my organs, my type of cancer seems to love feeding on my bones).

As I put Verzenio behind me, I am slightly anxious about the next drug. Switching to something new takes a while to discover what side effects will decide to try to take me down. In the meantime, I have to have an echocardiogram before the new drug can be started.

For the first time since 2004, I will be receiving my treatment via IV instead of oral medication, which will also be an adjustment for me. For 12 years I have been on oral medications.

I have learned a lot over the past 12 years. But now it is time to say “Thank You, Next” to Verzenio and the oral treatments.

In anticipation of the change in medication, I updated the words to “Thank You, Next” by Ariana Grande to represent my relationship with cancer drugs instead of boyfriends.

Thought I’d end it with Chemo
But the cancer came back
Tried a few new drugs
But they just laughed
Had a great run with Xeloda
And for that, I’m so thankful
Wish I could say “thank you” to Verzenio
‘Cause it gave me 3 years

One taught me persistence
One taught me patience
And one taught me pain
Now, I’m so amazing
Say I’ve lived and I’m fighting
But that’s not what I see
So, look what I got
Look at what you taught me
And for that, I say

Thank you, next (next)
Thank you, next (next)
Thank you, next
I’m so grateful for my ex (medications)

Thank you, next (next)
Thank you, next (next)
Thank you, next (next)
I’m so

Spend more time with my chemo friends
I ain’t worried ’bout nothin’
Plus, I’ve got a new med waitin’
We’re hoping’ for better outcomes
I know they say we won’t know fast
But here’s hoping this one gon’ last
‘Cause her name is Kim
And I’m so good with that (so good with that)