Facing HER2 Positive Breast Cancer Treatment: Concerns and Emotions

I had same regimen. It was a little rough the first week, but by week two it was manageable. Be kind to yourself & rest as much as you can.

I don’t have Phesgo but I do have the others. Just take it easy after infusion and rest as much as possible. It will take a week to start to feel completely human again! Remember to stay hydrated!

I was diagnosed with HER2 triple positive stage 4, in august 2023. I started chemo September 12 with docetaxel, pertuzumab, and trastuzumab. I started losing my hair within 2 weeks from the docetaxel. By my 2nd chemo on October 3rd, I was losing hair by the handful and had my head shaved. I had my last dose of docetaxel December 26th. My hair started growing back slowly. At this point, almost a year, it is only a few inches long. I don't know how much longer it will get. I am still on chemo, every three weeks I get pertuzumab, and trastuzumab and take Anastrozole daily. My last petscan (September)showed small nodules in my lungs, to small for biopsy, and in my right breast. Will see if the December petscan shows any difference. Hopefully not. My DR is adding another drug to my regimen (I don't remember which one)starting with next chemo, as a precaution, I didn't want to wait till after the petscan. Most days I feel pretty good, I do get fatigued easily. And I have neuropathy in my hands and feet. But no other real side effects. I'm scared almost all the time, but I keep that pretty much hidden, my husband and daughter are worried enough. I keep very busy, bowling, swimming, walking, I have cut my sugar intake by over half, I eat alot of salad and fruit. I have lost about 90 pounds since last year. My appetite is greatly decreased, I almost have to force myself to have something to eat. I will keep fighting.

Keep staying busy and enjoy every minute with your family! You have done well up until now…Praise the lord! I hope you keep up the good work .

I am also HER2+, and have been in Chemo on docetaxel and carboplatin doing my 3rd Chemo cycle infusion next Wednesday. The thing for me has been learning how to be proactive in preventing the nausea from happening or at least getting really bad by taking the Zofran they prescribe (almost certainly I think your doc has or will be giving you a script for it or an alternative anti-nausea medication) at the timed intervals prescribed, and making myself have at least something in my stomach as much as I don’t want to eat cause the nausea gets so much worse I’ve found with nothing in your stomach. Also, stock up on Imodium ahead of time - that was literally the first thing my Onc said to do before I started and boy was he right - it is an absolute must at least for me to get through this and make it somewhat tolerable. Sending you big hugs right now and so much support! You’ve got this!! 🩷 Remember you aren’t alone in this, and we are going through the exact same thing together. 🫶

Try Droperidol, granisetron(kytril)

Im 67, had two tumors in one breast, one was over 2.5” long. I’m HER2+. I had TCHP chemo for 5 weeks and got too sick to continue. Had double mastectomy. Ive been on Perjeta and Herceptin ( every 3 weeks) for over 5 months with almost no side effects. I feel fine, only side effect is fatigue. I have 4 more months of treatment than another surgery, for reconstruction. All of this is emotionally draining but I’m thankful I feel good! Prayer and Good luck to all you ladies going through this!

I have just completed the 6th and last round of tchp for stage 3 ILC. It has got me down. It's been over a week since the treatment, and I still can't eat and feel terrible. I was in a study that I while I was getting treatment I had cold and compression on my feet, legs, hands and arms and have no neuropathy symptoms.

I was diagnosed at 65 with her2+, stage 1, I was surprised because I'm a healthy person. I kept saying to myself it could always be a lot worse. I had a lumpectomy, 3 months of chemo every week, radiation and a year of herceptin infusions. It's December and I finished my herceptin in October, now I'm on letrozol for 5 years. I still don't feel like the person I was before my diagnosis, but I love my new hair, and I'm alive to see my daughter get married next year. It's hard but you have to keep the faith, you'll get through this difficult time with flying colors and don't be hard on yourself ❤ you are stronger than you think 💪

Hi I had Her2 -positive too i already past all my chemo . It was sooo dad but aim here drink plenybof Ester as much you can . Musck water you drink more you pee and you will feel better , brink cold thing If you have diarrea you do some sip of Geotory or baby pedialite every 5-10 min for your abdominal pain . I use yo eat veggie but this gave me More diarreas . So just follow your sense of the thing . Good thing are good for other but for you can be the same but maybe not Si follow your think and what is good for your body.

Starting a new treatment regimen can feel daunting, especially when facing so many unknowns at once. Many people in this community have walked a similar path with HER2+ treatment and found that connecting with others who understand can provide valuable perspective and encouragement during this challenging time.