How did you manage paclitaxel and Herceptin for HER2+ breast cancer?

This treatment combination is commonly used for HER2+ breast cancer, and many patients find it helpful to connect with others who understand this journey. The community here has shared valuable insights about managing daily routines, staying comfortable during treatment, and working closely with care teams - hopefully others will share their experiences and practical tips that helped them through similar treatment.

I am 71 and have stage 2 hr+her2+ ki67 31-40% no node bc. Treatment schedule is 12 weeks of Taxol and herceptin infusions (just had #6 today), with a combination of benedryl, famotidine, dexamethasone (steroid) before starting herceptin and taxol. The meds are separated -first the benedryl, famotidine, dexamethasone combo is given. This one feels very cold in my veins and causes more discomfort than the others. This is normal. I was told to bring a soft comfy throw, layered docs, hot chamomile tea, wear long pants, and bring a heating pad to keep your core warm. Seems to help quite a bit. The other meds don’t bother me at all.. well actually to decrease neuropathy my oncologist suggested I wear ice mittens and socks during Taxol only. (30 minutes). They are not fun but so far no neuropathy at all. She also said real cold pressed tart cherry juice has shown to be helpful in preventing neuropathy. My arthritis has actually improved on about 6 oz a day-tho 12 oz is recommended, my stomach cannot tolerate that much. What I wish I knew? To be really careful what supplements to take and what foods you take in. Many things like herbal supplements, matcha and green tea, many other things good at preventing cancer actually work against and can partially block the chemotherapy drugs bc they use the same pathways. I learned this in her2+ education class put on by oncology clinic as well as reading NIH website. OTC nsaids are not compatible with chemo either-only acetaminophen is safe. Your allergies may be activated so keep up with those-you may need to go to fragrance free in all products that touch your skin in any way. If you start to lose your hair - I did on week 3-4.. don’t shave your scalp closely-do a buzz or you can damage hair follicles. The day of infusion I feel drowsy during bc of Benadryl..you may need a driver- then the steroids kick in and I feel good-and don’t sleep much that night. The next day I’m clicking thru my to do list and annoying my family. Until that evening when I start to crash. When you start to feel fatigue coming -listen. Stay hydrated and go to bed. You will need to rest probably from early evening until the next evening. Then get another good nights rest. The following day I feel stronger-starting slow but gain strength and energy that builds until the next infusion. So about a day and a half is mainly resting. I cook ahead so there is nice easy food during my downtime. I also try to clean house the morning of the day before and change all bedding and towels for the next week. My immune system will be falling so I wear gloves while cleaning or cooking or dishes. Also it is dangerous to garden or work in soil. Bug bites can get infected easily. I’ve written too much🫣. Sorry! If you can slog thru this I truly hope some of it helps you! One day at a time!! Be easy on yourself and set firm but kind boundaries of what you decide to tolerate in others-keeping in mind that your mind and body need strong protection now and going forward. A time for meditation, honest conversations and calm. Keep in touch with your care team. Be careful of information sources. I mainly use NIH, Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic, Webmd, and other accredited experts. There are a lot of scammers out there that will say anything. I like checking in with my team mb 3 times a week. They use an app so it’s really easy. I can always text or call with a specific question. They always call within a day if I ask. Let your friends and family help you🌺💐. It helps them too!