EC v Docetaxel and Herceptic

Hiya Gina  / gina62

First off assume you know Herceptin isn't a chemo drug; it's an injected targeted biological therapy which means for most few side effects.

It comes from the onco fridge, so if you can get to hold the phial in your hands to take the chill off it before it is injected. If it is still cold it can ache like billy-o for a few days around the pelvic and thigh areas as the muscles tighten up and it takes longer to disperse.

Herceptin can cause a bit of a runny nose or even very slight occasional nose bleeds and you will need 3 monthly heart checks as it can gradually weaken the heart muscles.

Docetaxel behaves in a totally different way to EC. You shouldn't get the nausea with it and it also gives you a honeymoon period of around 3 days after your first one before it fully gets into your system. You will be more prone to your white cells bottoming out and infections with this so keep a check on your temp especially around days 7-14.

Around 25% of those on Docetaxel end up in Hotel NHS for a few days on anti-biotics because of a neutropeanic infection so prepare an overnight bag in case you need it in a hurry. Some also have their dosage lowered by 10% or so if they are struggling a bit with it.

The more common side effects of Docetaxel are oral thrush/mouth ulcers, muscle and joint aches and fatigue - so expect the odd duvet day.

It all sounds a bit worrying but most only suffer a few side effects which there is help for if you ask.

Have you been offered a heart ECG or MUGA scan appointment to get base level figures prior to starting Herceptin yet ?

Any problems or questions do post in the July Chemo Club thread where there is a page of tips to help you get through it 

Hope this is of some help for now, take care, G n' J

Thanks for all the info xx

Thank you for your reply and yes I know Herceptin isn't a chemo drug just wondered if anyone had EC before surgery then onto chemo and targeted drugs and what differences they found x

That is super useful to me so thanks G n J.  Just had first course of EC and it knocked me off my feet for 7 days. Was wobbly after that and then ok but have mouth full of ulcers now, whoppeedoo! Next EC a week tomorrow. Asking Oncol Doc to lower the dose if she can, as I wasnt well enough to care for my disabled child, and she had to go on a little holiday.  3 cycles of EC to go then 4 of Docetaxel, Herceptin and Pertuzumab before surgery and radiology.