Anticipation

Hi Jenny

I'm new to this forum - have been eagerly reading all the posts but this is my first time commenting ?. I'm HER2 positive as well and have just had my last chemo today! I've had 6 cycles over 18 weeks of Docetaxol,  Carboplatin and Herceptin. Herceptin will continue every 3 weeks until July next year. I have 7 weeks of radiotherapy starting on 7 December.

Each chemo has been really different for me. The first one was pretty awful, 2nd one quite easy, but last 4 quite horrendous! I ended up getting dehydrated and being put on a drip for 3 out of 4 so my oncologist has actually admitted me straight into hospital for number 5 and again today. I stay in on a drip for 6 days and found it so much easier! I have 2 very full on boys aged 14 and 8 and found that I wasnt getting enough rest at home so side effects just got a bit out of control! I also have Irritable Bowel Syndrome and have found that the drugs have really exacerbated it! I'm not sure which chemo drugs you will be on but the Docetaxol is particularly toxic and I've struggled with constipation and diarrhoea so if you have any problems with this, tell your Dr sooner rather than later as it is manageable.

My advice would be drink heaps of water, 3 litres a day to keep dehydration at bay. Don't be afraid to tell your dr if you aren't coping with side effects. I wish I'd said something earlier but felt like I was being a wuss and just needed to suck it up.  Even if you don't feel particularly nauseous, still take the anti nausea meds as directed. A couple of times I thought I didn't need to take them but ended up regretting my decision! Try to get plenty of rest - don't think you can push through the fatigue.  The dishes,  washing etc can wait ?. Accept ALL offers of help -don't be afraid to tell people what you need help with - they wouldn't offer if they didn't want to help.  

I've had quite bad hot flushes as well. I'm only 43 so wasn't expecting that. My Dr has said this may settle after treatment finishes but unfortunately it may hang around and be the start of menopause. 

Don't Google too much!! Sometimes the info on the Internet is not correct or necessarily applicable to you and it could freak you out. Try to only follow the sites/forums suggested by your drs/breast care nurse etc.

I really hope that you get through as well as can be expected. It's an emotional roller coaster but there are lots of people to support you. Don't be afraid to ask heaps of questions and tell your Dr if you aren't coping. All the very best xx