I was originally diagnosed with TNBC but after my lumpectomy and lymph node investigation on 16th June I was told last week that the further tests had shown that it is now an HER2 positive.
Today I have been to The Christie in Macclesfield to discuss the treatment plan that is being suggested. I have other health issues which are adding complications, the most significant of which is that my immune system is already compromised so the concern is around the chemotherapy. I have been offered Paclitaxel with Trastuzumab followed by Zoledronic Acid treatments. It has been suggested that the best option is one treatment of Paclitaxel and then carry on with Trastuzumab. The hope is that I will not react badly to the one lower strength dose of chemeotherapy but will get the benefit of the targetted treatment for the HER2 postive cancer.
My husband and I came out of the meeting feeling a bit punch drink from all the infomation we had been given and I am still in a quandry as to the decison to make when they ring me in a week. This has all been an incredibly steep learning curve.
I'm wondering if anyone has had this regime and can perhaps give me some pointers/advice or any help at all. I'm sorry to be so vague just not quite sure what questions to ask but feel that there is probably some help out there in this amazing community that none of us want to be part of but which is incredibly supportive, helpful & caring. Thank you all in advance.
Hi Bumbly4.5
My cancer is triple negative so I don’t have experience of trastuzumab (Herceptin). We have quite a few HER2 ladies, so I hope someone will come along with some experience to offer. I have had Paclitaxel and it may be you find you can have it at a lower dose as I don’t think it hits white blood cells quite so much as drug combos like EC. But any chemo brings a risk of infection and your medical team will advise you best.
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I have metastatic Triple Negative Breast Cancer, in remission
Hi, I was both HER2+ and Estrogen+. My chemo was 6 rounds of TCHP, 3 weeks apart. Once that stopped I had a further 12 phesgo injections. I worked (albeit from home) throughout and managed reasonably well, though with some tiredness, nausea and stomach / bowel challenges, especially in the first few days after each treatment. Hope this gives you a bit of insight but don't hesitate to ask if there is anything specific you want to know. Best wishes
