Preparing for Taxol/Paclitaxel
I am starting my TH regime on the 22nd of August. 12 weeks of weekly Taxol/Paclitaxel. Looking for any tips or recommendations to make this part of my journey as least unpleasant as possible. Feeling very anxious about it especially the prospect of developing neuropathy. The cancer centre has cold caps and cold gloves… are they worth the discomfort? Any other things I need to get now in preparation? Also during treatment what has made life easier for you? Skincare, shampoo, foods etc etc?
TDM1 - what to expect
Hi, Am post neoadjjuvant therapy, mastectomy and ALND for 2 separate tumours, one HER2+ and the other HER2-, both estrogen and progesterone positive. 1 lymph node positive. I had near complete response to treatment (<1%) and a tiny mass still in the lymph node. Recommendation is to switch from Herceptin to TDM1. I see the oncologist on Monday for further information and to start this new drug. Any experience with side effects and what to expect would be appreciated. Although I know they do this for any residual disease, there was so little that you do start to question the need. So would appreciate both good and bad view just to get myself prepared. On another note, my breast surgeon discussed CTK4/6 with an AI. This was not even on my radar. I will find out more on Monday but very curious and like to have knowledge to make the best choices. Love to hear from anyone who has experience in these treatments. Best wishes to you all.
I think I am reading too much :(
Morning everyone. I am reasonably new to this cancer world and still in the overwhelmed stage. I had a right breast mastectomy on NYE and the pathology report showed nothing in lymph nodes, but small invasive cancer in breast tissue. I am oestrogen and HER2 positive. I had first of 12 weekly paclitaxel chemo treatments on Wednesday. I started Herceptin last week (every 3 weds for 12 months) and will start goserelin (zoladex) next week (every 4 weeks for 5 years). I have been reading so much from this site and others and have delved into various posts on this forum and what I'm reading is making me feel quite low. The side effects that you are all experiencing on the hormone suppressant drugs read like a horror movie. It makes me wonder if it is worth it before I've even begun. I am 46 and until BC hit I was playing competitive sport 3 times a week, walking 5km a day and teaching full time. With all my reading I now fear that in a few months I'll have the body and mind of an 80 yr old and I'm not coping with that. I know it is different for everyone, but I've not heard anyone say that that the side effects aren't bad or that they have been able to continue their lives as before. I'm already grieving for the life I used to have and I'm struggling. I am usually so positive. I'm definitely not doom and gloom, but today is not a good one for me. Not sure what I am expecting people to say, I just needed to get it out. Thanks for listening xNerlynx
I am Her2+ and E+. I have just finished 12 months of chemo, radiation, last Hercepton on Thursday and ongoing Letrozol. Adding Nerlynx to the list of treatments has been an option for me however my oncologist has just let me know that it now no longer available for free on compassionate grounds by the company. It is being subsidized I believe but I would still have to pay $18000 for the year of tablets if I am eligible. The side effects sound awful :( I would love any feedback from anyone who has been on Nerlynx as to the side effects and thoughts on this.
Finished IV treatment still tired etc, why
Hi all, Just wondering if anyone has any answers. I finished chemo last july, had surgery August, finished herceptin 3 weeks ago. Im on taxomflin tablets since August for 5 years? Still tired easily, slight dizziness/light headed, weak knees and can get shakey if too much activity. Fatigue kicks in regularly. Dont get me wrong im getting better all the time. So the question is does anyone know if this is recovery from treatment, still or the tablets. I thought i would be normal by now. Please dont tell me this is the new normal, i will scream Anyway id really appreciate some advice
Menopausal Symptoms
Well I'm coming to the end of my chemotherapy treatment- wasn't as bad as I had anticipated. First I had four rounds of AC followed by 12 weekly doses of TCH (I'm double negative, HER2 positive) and there has been a massive reduction in the tumour and my lymph nodes look pretty clear now too! Yay! I'll be on the Herceptin for a year though. I just wanted to ask a question regarding menopausal symptoms for anyone who's been through them: I am getting hot flashes constantly, like every 1/2 hour to hour. My head gets covered in sweat, I throw everything off, and then a few minutes later I'm cold again and put everything back on. Driving my family crazy turning the a/c on and off all the time lol!! But- here's the weird thing, I've been getting period type cramps, like ovary and uterus pain, and I want to know, is this part of menopause or are my periods getting ready to come back? They've been gone for a few months now but the cramps are intensifying. Also my hair is growing back, it started coming back when I switched from AC to Pacilotaxen. And my surgery is going ahead but they're not doing much in the way of reconstructions because that's not considered "essential" :9 I had been hoping for a double breast reduction and now they're saying they can only do the one breast. And if I have to have a full mastectomy there's no reconstructions on the cards! Anyway thanks if you're reading this, love to all during this scary time! Kylie
Chemo discontinued
Hi I was 2 rounds into my chemo when I got a staf infection in my surgery site (double mastectomy) After a couple of admissions to hospital on drips and veri flow treatment and surgery , I had missed rounds 3 and 4 of chemo however I was able to continue on herceptin. It has been decided to take me off the chemo and continue on herceptin. Just wondering if any one else has had their chemo cancelled due to infection or complications I’m a bit worried about not having it it but very happy to not be continuing either?
Help! Oestrogen And progesterone negative but her2 positive
Hi, Just wanting to see what others have done in my situation. My breast cancer is oestrogen and progesterone negative but her2 positive. I have recently completed chemo, radiation and have herceptin until july. My oncologist seems confused on what to do now, he has mentioned hormone therapy, but has said he doesnt think it will do alot for me, he has also mentioned removing my ovaries which i wasnt too keen on because im not 30 yet and havnt had the chance to have kids. I live a fair distance from a major city so its not easy to get a second opinion. Would love to hear what treatment options you got, thanks alot!
