Herceptin(Trastuzamab) Injections

Hi Sally B

Welcome to the forum and sorry to hear that you have been diagnosed with breast cancer. While I don’t have an answer for you I noticed that you haven’t had any any answers yet so I thought I’d reply to you to welcome you to the community. This reply should move you to the top of the discussion. Hopefully someone wii be along shortly with an answer for you.

Best wishes

Daisy53

Hello Sally B 

I was diagnosed in 2019, read my profile, I had the injections every 3 weeks for a year. The nurse came to my house to do it. I was back at work and had them on my afternoon off. I built up nice relationships with the nurses. The injection itself is administered over a few minutes,  it initially stings a bit but then you just don't really notice it going in. They gave it me in my thigh, into the muscle.  Please ask if you need to know more.

Julie x

Many thanks Daisy

Hi Julie. Thank you for your reply. It is very helpful. Were you able to carry on afterwards. You say that you were working, what side effects did u get. Were they easier to cope with than the IV drugs?

Hi have a look at my profile. I was HER2+ in 2 tumors and Oestrogen + in one.  I was diagnosed in July 2019. My treatment plan was chemo first, followed by mastectomy and reduction, possible radiotherapy, and  Herceptin (Trastuzumab)  injections 3 weekly for I think 18 sessions. Covid slightly confused this as did the oestrogen + tumour not being picked up initially. My operation was delayed for 3-4 months and ended as a double mastectomy as they wouldn't do a reduction plus following the operation aromatase inhibitor for 5-7 years. I never had radiotherapy, I presume as there was nothing found in the lymph nodes I was thought not to need it. 

Be reassured all of it is quite do-able and the Herceptin injections were the easiest part of the treatment (I got a very runny nose but that was about all).  My advice is to take it as easy as you can and let family and friends support you. I was lucky that my daughter came to all my chemo sessions and was there when I spoke to the oncologist and/or surgeons. I had the cold cap which saved about half of my hair and I never had to wear my wig. The chemo nurses and the breast care nurses were all amazing and always emphasized that they were there to be contacted with any queries. Remember too that Cancer is recognised as a disability and is covered by equality legislation so if you work you can take time off or can have accommodations made for you. I was a teacher and had paid leave for about 6-9 months. I then worked at home because of covid and because of my vulnerability. My sick leave entitlement reset and I had some further time off before returning. I have now retired but only because I reached the point where I had planned for this.

I don't like the aromatase medication but persevere and importantly I seem to be cancer free.  

The very best of luck x

Hello, 

Yes I just carried on afterwards.  I did take diarrhoea tablets as it occasionally had that side effect on me and I felt tired that evening but I was able to work the next day. They will keep an eye on your heart function but luckily mine wasn't affected.  I drank lots of water before and afterwards.  It's definitely easier to tolerate than chemotherapy x

Hi Sally B, sorry to hear of your diagnosis. I am triple positive and will be have the Phesgo (combined pertuzumab & trastuzumab  injections every three weeks for a year. I’ve already was having them with my chemo but my first one alone without chemo starts next week. I won’t be able to go to work the day I have it done as I have to have piriton and hydrocortisone too as I reacted to it and the piriton makes me sleepy, but I’m hoping I will be back to work the following day and to continue as normal until my next injection. I’m sure there will be others who can offer advice on how they got on with herceptin and work
Wishing you all the best for your journey

Hugs from cuffcake x x x x x 

Rosalia, your response was very reassuring. It does seem daunting but I do feel better after receiving your reply. Thank you so much. Xx

Thank you Cuffcake. You are very encouraging.  I appreciate your reply. Good luck next week. Xx

Well that’s a relief. 15 injections over 45 weeks seemed daunting but if they aren’t as bad as the chemo regime that makes me feel better. Thank you for your response CharlieandLola