What's chemo plus Herceptin like for Stage I HER2+ breast cancer?

This is such an important decision to consider, and it's wise to gather information from others who've walked this path. The combination of chemotherapy and Herceptin for early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer can vary greatly from person to person, so hearing real experiences from community members can provide valuable insights into managing treatment logistics, side effects, and daily routines. Many people find it helpful to connect with others who understand the unique aspects of HER2-positive treatment, and this community is a great place to learn practical tips that might not come up in doctor visits.

While connecting with others here is definitely valuable, I'd also encourage you to ask your oncologist about the specific chemotherapy regimen they're recommending, since the side effects and experience can vary quite a bit depending on which chemo drugs are used alongside Herceptin.

I had HER2 breast cancer and was on the same meds as you. Stayed on herseptin for a year. I tolerated both well but did lose my hair. It did come back after chemo. My surgery was in 2023. I had stage one in right breast and decided to have a bilateral mastectomy to avoid radiation. I am 78 years old and doing well. Good luck to you and stay positive

I finished my last round this week, I had a total of 6 treatments! I NEVER had ANY issues of side affects from the Chemo nor the Her2 meds. My issues came from the white blood cell injection shot (which is given within 24-72hrs of your treatment). Make sure that the dosage is set CORRECTLY for your pain tolerance! I have a high pain tolerance, however, the 1st injection shot was set to 6! It was WAY too high for me! The bone pain was unbearable!!! 😖😭. On my 1st visit with my oncologist, I told him that I would move ahead with my treatment, but I WOULD NOT do so if I had ANY PAIN associated with ANY PART of the treatment!! They reduced the injection dosage down to 4. Thereafter I never experienced ANY pain! 👍🏽🙌🏼. The side effects of the injection shot will vary from person to person to person, which the systems will degrees overtime. My biggest side effects have been, loss of taste 👅 (I soon found foods with the right spices “spicy for me” that I could eat on a regular bases). If you don’t use a lot of salt, get “no salt season” to add flavor to your food without all of the salt intake!Too much salt made me sicker 🤢. I had a lot of nausea, tiredness and bathroom 🚽 appointments 😵‍💫🥴🙃! On my 5th round neuropathy started to set in. They told me that it would now lessen overtime since this week was my last treatment. If this happens, use cold and hot therapy at home to assist, along with a stress ball. Purchase a finger roller to assist with circulation. Massage your fingers/hands, toes/feet regularly. Also, if needed, elevate your legs above your chest when resting/sleeping. One of my pinky nails started to lift. I’m taking extra care of it while a new one grows in, no worries! Overall, I have done VERY well with my treatment. On my 4th /treatment/appointment neither my oncologist nor my radiologist have felt any signs of the cancer from my lymph nodes. ✊🏽😎🙏🏽 I see the surgeon this month to schedule the removal of the 3 cancerous lymph nodes. Drink plenty of water. Get plenty of of high protein foods and drinks and any other items that your team deems necessary for your treatment. ⁉️CAUTION, others with well intended recommendations will tell you to try this or that, which I’ve tried, but do what works for you! 😵‍💫🫠 Have a good support group around you, not ones that want to know your business, but those who TRULY have your BEST INTERESTS at ♥️ HEART! My support group have been OUTSTANDING and have too been ENCOURAGED by my positive outlook. I have learned a lot through my journey. One, being how our Heavenly Father has shown his MIGHTY HAND on this journey. I’ve always known how wonderful our body was made, but the resilience and the fight the body goes through to stay alive has reached an ALL NEW HIGH for me!!! Many many prayers for you and all those who too are on this journey. Keep a positive attitude even on your worse day. Send may prayers to our wonderful and carrying God who will help you EVERY STEP of the WAY. 🙏🏽✊🏽😎🦋💕

I had it and while the 1st cycle was tough the rest went ok. Make sure to be hydrated especially while in session. I had surgery and there was some micro metastasis in some nodes so had radiation, and now completed 12 treatments of Kadcyla with some side effects so will end with my 13th session. HER2+, ER+, PR-