Hello

Hi, I have just finished 6 cycles of TCHP (so chemo with Herceptin and Pertuzamub) and I have just moved on to 12 cycles of Herceptin and Pertuzumab by injection (brand name Phesgo) which are given every 3 weeks. I had few but manageable side effects from the chemo and no side effects from the Phesgo.  I had my lumpectomy yesterday.

I have been blogging throughout, over on the blog page, and it's called One Life Live It.  Hope this helps, but shout if you need any more info, 

Hello Maxime

I had Herceptin [trastuzumab] with docetaxel and pertuzumab for my last three chemos. Since then i have completed lumpectomy and radiotherapy and am getting more of the Traztuzumab and pertusumab. I have had 7 cycles of these so far and get infusions every three weeks. In total it will be 19 cycles of T&P over a period of a year.

Compared to chemo they are a walk in the park. For me, no nausea, diarrhoea  or headaches and not much fatigue either. Just tired in the evening, usually because I have been doing my best to be busy all day. My face and neck get a little puffy after each cycle, but it goes away again after about 7-10 days. I think that it is likely the P that does this. There are a whole lot of SE published for these targeted monoclonal antibody treatments. However, I cant really say that any of them have affected me to any extent, so far. Fingers crossed it stays that way.

As for the mammogram, ultrasounds and MRI not showing up the invasive cancers found in the lab histology investigations, I think that is because lesions less than about 1cm don't necessarily show up on the visual imaging investigations. That is why the pathologists go to so much trouble to check through the tissues which have been removed. It is good that they have been found, if they were already lurking in your boob, even if small. It means that you can now get the most appropriate care and treatment for your exact situation from your team.

I wish you all the best with your treatment. 

Take care of yourself.

Wallydug

Dear Wallydog. Thank you for your response- it is reassuring to hear you didn’t have too many side effects with the Trastuzumab. I hope to return to work on a phased return after the chemo but wasn’t sure how the latter would impact me. I understand everyone has different reactions but good to hear from someone who has undergone the treatment. I hope you are recovering well and wish you luck for the future. Take care, Maxime

Apologies should say Wallydug