HER2 positive breast cancer starting chemo Thursday

Hi Dixiess 

I was diagnosed with her2 breast cancer in January, treatment hasn’t been too bad to be honest. I had three cycles of EC chemo ( that was a little rough) and I’m currently having weekly paclitaxel. I’ll be having a mastectomy after chemo and possibly radiotherapy after that. 

Its natural to feel scared, I know I was at the start of treatment, but the staff at the hospital are amazing and you can always find support here ️ 

Try and eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of water when your treatment starts, I found this lessened side effects, also you’ll be given plenty of medication to help with side effects

sending hugs and positivity x

1. Hi Dixiess , I was diagnosed with her2 positive breast cancer in January, had my surgery in February and started chemotherapy early May. I’m due my 3rd cycle next Tuesday.  I’d say chemo so far has been better than what I imagined it might be like. Different chemo appears to affect us differently and I’d also say, individually we have reacted in varying degrees. I’ve felt hungover for a few days after each one so far. My hair is surviving so far very well with using the cold cap. No one can tell I’m having chemo, if they didn’t know. 
   The team are lovely on the day of treatment and look after you. 
   Stay well hydrated, rest when you need ; take the medication they give you to help with side effects and ask your team/ on here if you have any concerns. 
   Hope everything goes ok on Thursday, sending a virtual hug. Xx

Hi there, my tumour was partially HER2 positive and partially HER2 negative so I am on both chemo and targeted drugs post lumpectomy.  Just had 4 / 6 infusion and yes, it is rough but manageable 

Hi there, my tumour was partially HER2 positive and partially HER2 negative so I am on both chemo and targeted drugs post lumpectomy.  Just had 4 / 6 infusion and yes, it is rough but manageable, don't be afraid of asking lots of questions and drilling down to get specific answers, make sure you have gaviscon and paracetamol available and I have found elderflower cordial helpful in my water.  Stay hydrated and allow yourself to rest.  This too shall pass, yes, it is miserable some days but other days not so bad.  I use a traffic light system, on red days I might need to sleep a lot and need lots of assistance, amber days I can be more aware and take pleasure in small achievements, green days I can potter in my garden, small social interactions and look forward to this time being over.  No day is a bad day, just a different colour.  Best of luck with first treatment, you will be relieved once it is done xx

Hi Dixiess, I was triple positive so had her2 and hormone feed tumour. I had lumpectomy followed by axillary clearance. Chemo was next had 4 x EC and 4 x Docetaxel plus Phesgo for the HER2. Keep well hydrated and eat as healthy as you can when you feel like it. I had a mixture of healthy and unhealthy just ate what I wanted. Scalp cooled all 8 cycles. EC is harsh for hair loss and whilst I did go bald on scalp and a bit at the sides during EC it started to regrow during Docetaxel. The cap helps with the regrowth. I took paracetamol as the first 10 mins are the hardest to get through but after that it was fine. It’s worth giving it a go as if you don’t use it on your first cycle you can’t add it later. If you don’t like it you can ask the nurses to remove it no problem. Did have a couple of trips to hospital for temp spikes but all was sorted with antibiotics if needed and then home to rest. I’ve had radiotherapy too whilst still continuing with the Phesgo which I will be on for a year and also tamoxifen for 5 years. Yes there are good days and not so good days. I kept a diary for all of it so I could log how I felt each day. It does follow a pattern which can help you with things like going out and to work etc and you can pick your good days and rest on the others. I went back to work after my 3rd cycle of chemo and started on reduced hours to help. The tiredness has not been too bad it’s mainly the taste in mouth and I have slight neuropathy in feet which is being treated. Radiotherapy for 15 days did suffer soreness and it’s now easing. Keep well moisturised and hydrated. Now just on Phesgo and tamoxifen. Still have the odd day when feel a bit crap or down but I boost myself by doing the things I love, outings with the family, gardening and being with friends. 
It’s a rollercoaster of a ride but you will get through it, it’s doable. The nurses at the hospital and the support here are fantastic. Any questions ask them for help or advice. Whilst on chemo if you feel unsure if it’s how you should be feeling, call your emergency helpline they will go through everything with you and help. I did this 3 times after my first chemo for reassurance and then I knew if I felt that way next time I was happy knowing it was just the chemo making me feel crap for a few days but try and do the stuff you love to keep you focused and to push through it. If you click on my name you can read my journey so far.

Wishing you all the best.

Hugs from cuffcake x x x x x

Hello,  thanks for your message.  I am also triple positive.  I was due to have surgery first but they have decided it’s better for me to have chemo to shrink the area and then have the surgery at the end of the year. It just feels like there isn’t any end to it. I have been very worried that when I have surgery and they check nodes that they are going to find positive ones as all they have done at the moment is check on an ultrasound.