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Jeska's avatar
Jeska
Member
11 years ago

Mum's diagnosis - It begins!

So my mum was diagnosed with breast cancer about a month or two ago and there are a few spots on her lungs as well. She officially started chemo (Abraxane) yesterday. She will have it once a week for 3 weeks, then switch to Herceptin for 3 weeks then back to chemo for 3 etc. This will go on for six months. I think it's going to be so full on for her. I wonder how long it will take for chemo side effects to start. I wonder if Herceptin has many side effects. I'm going to visit her for her second session next week, I wonder if she will still have all her hair. I just wonder everything. I don't even know what response I want, I just needed to say that.
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  • Pamelamary's avatar
    Pamelamary
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi Jeska,

    It is only natural for you to wonder - about everything. Your mother has entered a whole new world, where we have to acquire a whole lot of knowledge about stuff we would rather not know. It will be important for you both to remember that this disease and its treatment are very individual - what works for one person may not work for another. The doctors tell us that it can often be managed like a chronic disease; I guess that's what we hope for, that we can live as well as possible without too many side effects.

    I haven't had Abraxane, but understand it is relatively bearable and I hope your mother has a good response. Herceptin is likely to be a long term treatment, but doesn't have many side effects at all - on its own, the hair grows back again! Feel free to ask questions here, and maybe your mother might be interested in the site as well.

    Best wishes to you both.... Pam

  • Jeska's avatar
    Jeska
    Member
    11 years ago
    Thanks so much for replying Denise :) I spoke to her last night and she seemed fine, just tired. Perhaps any effects will build up more over time as she has more sessions, not sure really. She was really frightened about nausea and vomiting, and she's pretty sad about losing her hair. I'm visiting her next week (I live quite far away) so I might go hat and scarf shopping tonight I think :)
  • denisep's avatar
    denisep
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi Jeska, so sorry to hear about your precious mum. I had Abraxane about 2 years ago. I had very few side effects although I did lose my hair. I havent had Herceptin and dont know a lot about it. Im sure she will have few side effects from either. Side effects always sound really scary but just be positive and try and greet every day as a happy one. It sounds like she is a very lucky lady to have you by her side. 

    Sending you all positive vibes and lots of hugs. Denise xxx