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susie55's avatar
susie55
Member
6 months ago

Chemo tips / hacks?

Hi, lovely ladies
is update from me 
I done my pet scan and have good results and 
I got a call from my day oncologist today and they already set my treatment dates.
Starting next week with paclitaxel weekly for 12 around and carboplatin. Pertuzumab,trastuzumab three weekly so 4 round 
Is there anything I have to bring during the chemo?

And do any of you have or had any similar treatment like mine ? I’m her2 positive 

Any tips or hacks for the chemo side effect?
I’m very nervous and have no idea of what to expect so any guidance is appreciated
  • Hi @susie55

    I had a slightly different chemo regimen of TCHP for Triple Positive, but it included the Trastuzumab and Pertuzumab.  They gave me diarrhea which is a known side effect, so I recommend starting on Metamucil now (with your oncologist's blessing) and having Gastro Stop on hand just in case.

    Make sure you still drink water and eat bananas, white bread, rice etc if you do get diarrhea.

    All the best and let us know how you get on.
  • I had all the same chemo and others as you except the carboplatin.  I had 12 weeks paclictaxel, 4 rounds of ac chemo I forget the actual names and also the herceptin/perjeta combo of which I have two more to go. I’m also her2
    Theres a thread on here struggling through chemo which has a few of us who have completed recently and has lots of info
    I had very little trouble with the palcitaxel and herceptin/perjeta but the ac knocked me around a bit not nauseous but just generally tired and not feeling great.   Everyone reacts differently so until you start you really won’t know
    my chemo was in a private hospital and everything was provided including food if I felt like it, which I often didn’t but you would need to check with your individual centre to see what’s available
    Happy to answer any questions you may have at any time
    best of luck 



  • Unfortunately it’s hard to tell how you will react to chemo until you start - but the first couple of weeks will usually establish a pattern, which can help you plan a bit. Not everyone gets bad side effects so fingers crossed. Paclitaxel can trigger peripheral
    neuropathy so keep your oncologist advised of any tingling or pins and needles in hands and feet. Some day oncology centres offer ice treatment to combat this side effect. Best wishes for your treatment.