TDM1

Hi EMO

Sorry to hear that you need more chemo after your operation.  While I haven't had it I thought I'd reply to you to move you to the top of the discussion.  Hopefully someone with experience will be along shortly with answers to your questions.

Best of luck with your operation.

Best wishes

Daisy53

Hi Emo

please don’t be scared. I had 14 TDM1 and finished last year. I’m doing fine. The treatment is a chemo and herceptin combination and is infused into a vein over 30 mns. You are in and out quick. Every 3 weeks. It doesn’t cause hair loss, you might just have tiredness but it’s very doable. I returned to work whilst still on it.  Once you start it the time will fly by, it’s a very clever successful treatment. Good luck xxx

Thank you for your reply Hmfm. I think I am quite overwhelmed with it all atm. I am fed up with all those appointments. If it is infused into vein, I will probably need a PICC line like last time, which means dressing change every week for a year. I know I should be grateful but just want my life back.

no words just hugs, hang in there

If the drugs aren't as strong as full on chemo you might be able to have a canula rather than picc line. 

Hello, I could not have cannula as my veins are difficult to find…

Oh dear that's a shame. Picc line isn't the easiest. I couldn't have a cannula as ec not good with that but would of preferred a port to a picc line - less obvious

Picc line will then be easier for you. I didn’t have one but at times wish I had as my veins were very difficult too. 

It is easy with PICC line, I agree. It is just the thought of appointments every week for a year for a dressing change….

I have a pic line fitted and my husband and one of my friends are confident enough to change the dressings and do the flush. They both watched the video and attended with me to watch it being done. The first time we got all set up and changed the dressing but couldn’t get the end off the line and had to dash to hospital for them to sort it out. It took longer than the nurse but it saves driving to the hospital. You just have to trust that they understand aseptic techniques.

good luck