HER2+ breast cancer: Herceptin vs triple therapy?

Treatment decisions for HER2+ breast cancer can feel overwhelming, and connecting with others who understand this journey can provide valuable insights and emotional support. The experiences shared by community members who have navigated similar treatment choices often help patients feel more prepared and confident when discussing options with their medical team.

Hi. I had stage 2 Hers2 positive and I had 6 rounds of chemo which had 3 drugs one was herceptin but I would have to look up the others. Then I had 11 of just Herceptin. I also had 21 radiation and now I have to take anastrozole for 10 yrs. I did lose my hair. But cut it off myself when it started falling out because it can cause pain if you don’t. I found that after each treatment my sense of taste and feeling a little sick lasted a little longer. But I had 2 nausea pills that worked great. I only ate what seemed to taste good. I kinda felt like I was pregnant again where smells and food made me feel sick. But after the 6 rounds the Herceptin didn’t bother me at all and my hair started coming back. Let me know if you have any other questions. Good luck with your treatment.

I am HER2+, had TCHP chemo 6 rounds, I got sick some, usually 2 days after treatment. then I had double mastectomy, and 6 rounds of immunotherapy and did very well. I started to get energy back. But now I’m on estrogen blockers, I’m tired all the time and the bone pain is horrible, is there anything that helps the pain? I’m 69 and the thought of 5-10 years on this anestrozole is depressing. Is there anything to help the pain.

Hi Kay I started drinking 8oz of cold pressed tart cherry juice each day and I only had joint pain in my shoulders and my back when I first get up. But the pill also gave me osteoporosis in my hips and spine but I have had 3 yrs of an infusion called Reclast and this yr my bones got better. I did some research on the juice and I do think after a couple months it has helped . So check it out and it tastes good . I will be 70 next month . I hope that helps you and I am here if you ever need to talk 🩷

Thank you. I was on carboplaten too. In w my chemo, I’m not sure what was in my immunotherapy? But I guess it worked. I do have whole body scans ( with and without contrast) So far so good. I will try the cherry juice. It hard when your bones hurt and you know you have to take the estrogen blocker for 5-10 years. But they did put me on the drug, Alendronate Sodium to prevent or slow down osteoporosis!

Hi Kay. I too have stage 2 Her2 and took weekly infusion of Abraxane, Perjeta, Herceptin for 41/2 months. I never felt sick at all or hurt. Abraxane I’m told has less side effects. Perjeta caused me to have massive diarrhea. I had to stop it after 21/2 months. My tumor was gone at 3 months and surgery was to remove where it sat as a precaution. One week of radiation. I’m having trouble with the estrogen drugs and haven’t got a handle on it yet. If you can have Abraxane I would highly recommend it. Let me know if you have questions.

I start my treatment on Thursday 13th so I don’t have anything to offer yet as far as side effects, etc. That will probably be posted as it occurs. Hope you all do ok with your treatment (less your side effects) and we can talk again later. 🙏