Kadcyla for HER2 positive BC

Hi pottyaboutclay

I had chemotherapy lumpectomy and radiotherapy.  I was also put on kadcyla for 14 rounds . Yes it is an infusion and you also have to have bloods a couple of days before each infusion.  I know everyone is different and I also suffered really badly with Docetaxel but kadcyla was a breeze, apart from feeling tired for a couple of hours after the infusion had no other side effects and also managed to work through the treatment. 

If you have any specific questions please feel free to ask.

Carolyn x

I had a very similar treatment plan, and like yourself felt very dubious about changing from phesgo to Kadcyla. I have to say it really wasn’t as bad as anticipated, apart from horrendous mouth ulcers which cleared up after a dose reduction. 
In an odd way it felt like a soft landing after finishing chemo, as I still had lots of contact with the oncology team.

I had my picc line removed as they said it was unnecessary and used a cannula for each infusion.

Good luck , it’s very ‘doable’ 

x 

Hi Potty

Just about to start my Kadcyla treatment - similar to you ive had 4 rounds of EC then 4 rounds of Doxcetal, Lumpectomy and sentinel lymph node removal and results show Cancer Free but 10% residual cells in the area removed - clear margins and nothing in lymph nodes.  So im going on Kadcyla 14 rounds as Preventative Treatment plus 5 rounds of radiotherapy.

Like you i was a bit disappointed to find out its 14 rounds every 3 weeks (purely because i didnt realise that was a possibility post op)  - but thats fine by me as if it keeps me here then Ill do whatever it takes.  

Im interested to know how its going for you so far?? hows your side effects - I start mine on 16th June and just want to crack on.  

Pretty much the same as others, daughter had 14 cycles of Kadcyla, infusion every 3 weeks. She'd had her picc line removed before surgery so had a port for this. Was very happy with it.  Some tiredness and nausea, but nothing like EC or docetaxel.  She had some eyesight disturbance which is a very rare side effect, but that's recovering now that kadcyla is finished. The biggest problem has been peripheral neuropathy, in both her hands and feet. Gabapentin kept it bearable. She's three months past treatment now and it's not easing yet, but she is coping and has no regrets about having kadcyla. I think a lot of people have neuropathy with the drug - at different levels. 

Very best wishes for smooth and successful treatment.

I had my first one last week and I felt tired and a little nauseous but that’s it! So so much easier than the past treatments. I had a couple of full on days and managed them well. I have 20 days of radiotherapy to come. 
the very best of luck to you. 
x