Early stage breast cancer and Kadcyla

Hi Farouki

I had the same as you 6 chemo, lumpectomy and 2 lymph nodes removed. all successful same as you had 5 herceptin and having radiotherapy at the end of the month. Oncologist has now told me I will be changing to Kadcyla , feeling a bit nervous as herceptin was a targeted treatment  which I had at home and now as Kadcyla is a chemo will have to go to the chemo day unit. I posted about this a few days ago and had a few replies but would also like to know more

carolyn

Hi Carolyn,

Thanks for replying, I have not had any other replies yet. Like you Im a little worried but I have done some research and it seems you have the same possible side effects as chemo but not as bad.  Fingers crossed it will all go ok.

Louise

Hi. I typed Kadcyla in the search function above and found a couple of results and most of the side affects seem to be tiredness  and neuropathy. Will keep searching for more info.

carolyn 

Hi

Looking it up there seems strong evidence that it is more effective than Herceptin , as it is a combination of Herceptin and the chemo drug extemenase. I was diagnosed 4 1/2 years ago with HER2+ BC and the treatments continue to be developed and improved. It looks like a fantastic drug .

cheers

jo

Hi Jowoomot

what I have read about this drug is really positive.  It's just the fact that it is a form of chemo is worrying  especially after already having chemo but I know they are giving us the best chance to stop it coming back.  Hope you are doing  well It's amazing reading who treatment has developed in the last few years.

carolyn

Hi Louise

I was diagnosed last year, had 4 EC, then started paclitaxel. I had tumour flare and needed urgent mastectomy and full lymph node clearance. Then started carboplatin and taxotere in Jan. After 3 cycles which were horrific it was discovered on a PET scan that this wasn't working either. I've now got multiple bony metastases and recurrence in the left chest. I've had one cycle of Kadcyla and it's been a breeze! I also start radiotherapy on thurs, with cycle 2 of Kadcyla on Fri. I know it's not going to cure me but if it works I'll be on it indefinitely which I'll take of it buys me some time. I'm only 47. I'm not ready to go anywhere just yet. 

Hi Ginger 46

so sorry to hear what you are going through. I believe that being positive along with the medication will buy you more time. Hope the Kadcyla works for you as I have heard a lot of good things about it x

carolyn

Hi Farouki what stage is you BC and how long has it taken from clinic to treatment date.  My clinic appointment was on 21.4 21 and I had biopsies taken, given results  3 weeks later of a small area of dcis.  Also on the 21 4.21 they noticed a an area of concern and had to wait 4 weeks for a vacuum biopsy had that done on 18 5.21 was given an appointment on 2.6 21 for results which has now been moved to the 9 6 21. Seems a long time before any treatment starts doesn't it.

Best wishes

Sharon x

Hi Farouki,

Ive been along a similar path. Early stage BC, 6 chemo, mastectomy and sentinel node biopsy. I was then told that all cancer had been removed, with no spread. 

I started on Herceptin injections at home; now changed to Kadcyla. 

I had my first infusion on Thursday and I’ve had absolutely no side effects at all. It’s was a slow infusion, 90mins for the first time and 90 minutes observation. Future rounds will be 30 minutes infusion and 30 minutes observation. I’ll certainly be well enough to drive there and back, which makes a difference. My Herceptin nurse said he hadn’t heard of anyone feeling any ill effects from Kadcyla  

The biggest thing I had to get my head around was the idea of going back on ‘chemo’ and back into the unit. I was reluctant at first; injections at home had been so easy. 

But it is a fantastic drug. I feel so fortunate to have been offered it;  increasing my chances of surviving significantly. Kadcyla actually kills any cancer cells it finds, Herceptin doesn’t. 

Its early days for me, I know, but I feel very positive and going into the unit for an hour once every 3 weeks for another 13 rounds, is a small price to pay for the potential improved survival rate.

Best wishes

JigJog x

Hi JigJog and also everyone else who has replied to my post, thank you!  I have not been on here for a while as just finished my radiotherapy which again has left me exhausted, but another milestone completed, yay!

Jig Jog, thanks for your feedback, that is really helpful.  I too have had a meltdown emotionally about the thought of going back on "chemo"  but as you said, Kadcyla kills cancer cells (which I didn't know, and Herceptin doesn't).  I too feel lucky to have this and like you will go back every three weeks for 14 cycles to the chemo ward.  I did read somewhere that if you have all the infusions over 90 minutes that does reduce the side effects.  But it is brilliant to hear you have not had any, that is great news.

Keep strong everyone and love to you all.

Louise

xx