Breast Cancer HER2+

Hi, I'm HER2 positive and had 3 EC and 9 paclitaxel- I had 3 Herceptin with the paclitaxel. I'm having 18 in total and have had 10 so far. My last one will be the 14th December. My trust offers a service where a nurse comes out and gives the Herceptin injection at home which is so much better for me. 

Yes you can drink alcohol on Herceptin and your hair will grow back. My last chemo was 9th Feb and my hair is crazy! 

Hi

Thank you so much for replying to my post.  It is so good to speak to someone.

Your hair looks fantastic and you have your eyebrows and eyelashes back.  I can't wait.  Have felt that my femininity was taken away with no hair etc.

If you don't mind me asking have you also had surgery and radiotherapy?  I am due to see the surgeon in the next few weeks but they seem to be saying that I will have to have surgery and radiotherapy.  I have gone from Mrs healthy to Mrs sick.

Did you have any side effects when just taking the Herceptin?  I seem to be getting muscle ache when having chemo and Herceptin together.

I had a lumpectomy back in August last year, chemo was from Oct-Feb and I had 5 sessions of radiotherapy in March.

My cancer was lobular breast cancer so the chemo was really a mopping up exercise of any potential stray cells, I didn't have an lymph node involvement. 

I've not had any side effects from the Herceptin. I'm now taking Anastrozole, in my fourth month and I'm getting some side effects from that but nothing I can't cope with. 

It's amazing how quickly you'll start to get your energy levels back after your treatment ends.

Lou x

Hi.  I have now had my surgery and thank goodness only 3 lymph nodes were taken.  I have now had the good news that I am cancer free.  I didn't have the feeling of joy that I thought I would have.  Maybe it was shock and relief after the months of chemo.

I have to have radiotherapy.  15 sessions - Monday to Friday.  However can now see a light at the end of the tunnel and can work towards being me again.

I hope that you are well and that the side effects with the Anastrozole are not too bad.  Thank you again for replying to my post.

I have tried a glass of wine but although it tastes ok it is too strong.  My husband gave me a glass of pimms which was better.  

Sue XX

Hi Sue

Congratulations on the news that you are cancer free.  It's perfectly understandable that you don't have the feeling of joy after your good news your body has been through an ordeal and it takes time to get used to the new you. The fact that your not completely finished with your treatment could also have a bearing on how you are feeling.  But it's good that you can see a light at the end of the tunnel.

Best of luck with your radiotherapy, you should find it easier than chemo.

Best wishes

Daisy53

I'm so pleased your surgery was successful. Anastrozole is still going ok.

Im back at work fulltime now and life is getting back to normal 

Hi Simmo

1. I was the same as you her2+ In right breast plus in lympth node under right arm pit I had same as you 4 sessions of AC and then 4 sessions of taxol and herceptin I am now on herceptin injections every 3 weeks until June 2023 (I think it’s a year from when you start 18 sessions in total usually)  and I’ve just started tamoxifen tablets every day (possibly for the next 5 years)  I recently (4 weeks ago) had a mastectomy and reconstruction using DIEP flap from my tummy and I’m due to start 15 sessions of radiotherapy on 23rd Sept.  Drinking during herceptin was not recommended by my oncologist due to dehydration.  As for hair growth I had last chemo on 1st July and my hair is starting to grow back quite quickly I’m now 2 months out from chemo and have about 3/4 inch on top and slightly shorter to the sides and back, herceptin hasn’t affected it but I’ve been told that tamoxifen causes hair thinning I’ve only been taking that a few days so not seen any affects just yet fingers crossed I will be one of the lucky ones.   Good luck with your journey xxx 

Hi.  I had 12 sessions of Taxol.  The last two took their toll.  I was so tired.  Have never experienced fatigue like it.  I had surgery on 11 August.  A lumpectomy and 3 lymph nodes removed.  I now am awaiting 15 sessions of Radiotherapy.  Hopefully these are starting next Monday.

I had side effects from Taxol.  Tingling in my fingers and toes.  I am told this will disappear after 3-6 months.  I am now going out for short walks.  It is lovely to be out.  I was stuck indoors for 7 weeks from the end of the Taxol. 

My hair is now growing and have been told to have it trimmed on a monthly basis after 3cm of growth.  This is to remove the ends which have chemo in them.  Has yours grown back the same colour and is it curly?

Will be glad when the Radiotherapy is over and I am just having Herceptin every 3 weeks.  No one has mentioned taking tablets yet!!!!!! 

Take care and keep strong.  We are both nearly there. XX

Hi Simmo 

thsnks for replying I had the same tingling in my fingers and toes but I’m now 2 months and 2 weeks after chemo and I’m starting to get my normal feeling in both fingers and toes not quite back to no tingling but a lot less every day so hang in there, my hair was a mousy blonde before it’s growing back a bit darker on top and grey in parts I suppose that’s to be expected at 54 lol but it’s not curly yet still too short I think it feels a bit coarse though so I’m putting olaplex conditioner on I’ve been using pure rosemary oil and a scalp massager just do this before I have a shower and I think it’s helped the growth I also am taking Feel collagen powder in my smoothies every day they say that helps your skin, nails and hair ever since I’ve been taking it had a growth spurt with my hair so who knows!!! Im on Herceptin til next July and tamaxofen tablets for possibly 5 years my oncologist threw that at me last week and both of those can thin your hair do I’m crossing fingers it doesn’t affect me, I might have a trim up soon then didn’t think of chemo effects being on the ends makes sense though, good luck with radiotherapy I’m due to have 15 sessions starting 25th of this month hopefully won’t be too bad and after that life might get back to some kind of normal for us both here’s hoping eh xxx