TPH - Docetaxel, Pertuzumab and trastuzumab Chemotherapy

Hi Liza with a z 

I haven't had this treatment but noticed that your post hadn't had any replies yet. Responding to you will 'bump' it back to the top of the discussion list again.

Thank you so much

Hi 

I had the same treatment 2 years ago, mine is bone mets not in any organs as of yet, the chemo is quite a tough one but I did tolerate it ok, it made me very tired so I just did as my body told me sleep and rest at anytime and it’s ok to do that, I just had mouth ulcers at the start of the 2nd chemo but was soon treated with a mouth wash, it really does drain you but honestly once it’s finished she will start to feel better within weeks it worked for me so fingers crossed it does for her too, any questions please don’t hesitate to message x

Thank you so much for replying, I haven't quite figured out how to find my posts yet. Still trying to find my way around the site. I am not technically 'up with it'! I am so glad the treatment has worked for you, such a horrible disease. My sister is as you say listening to her body and resting when she needs to. Makes her feel quite drained some days. Hope all stays well for you  xx

Oh wow that’s a long time from diagnosis to treatment.   I’ve just been diagnosed with a very similar scenario..  Mets to one lung and various nodes, all right side where breast cancer originally was.    Hopefully chemo will do its job and things will settle down soon for your sister.  How lovely she has you to support her.  I cannot lie, I’m petrified.   The irony of feeling perfectly well and then willingly accepting chemo which will make me feel ill is hard to get my head around.  

I know, it has been such a stressful five months. She has been so strong. It doesn't make sense does it? Putting a load of bad stuff in your body to feel well again. But touch wood, she has just had her second cycle and is doing well. She is trying out the cold cap and so far so good. But she knows there is no guarantee it will save her hair. I hope your treatment goes well for you, the mindset of the upcoming treatment must be difficult to get to grips with. But I wish you well xxxx

Hi,

You were kind enough to message me before when I posted about my sister's treatment. I hope you are well yourself xx

My sister has just finished her 6th cycle of chemotherapy and CT scan shows metastases in lungs have reduced slightly and two in liver have stayed the same. She tried the cold cap and for her it has worked - she has done some shedding but has kept her hair - the one thing she was really upset about. She just has to continue with the phesgo injection every three weeks plus her regular CT and heart scans. My query is her fingernails look bruised and are very sore underneath, is this normal as per treatment and how long does it take to go?

xxxx

Hi Liza,

I've taken this straight from the Cancer Research UK site for Phesgo:

Skin and nail problems include a skin rash, dry, itching and darker skin. Your nails may also become brittle, dry, change colour or develop ridges. This usually goes back to normal when you finish treatment.

Occasionally you might have patches of discoloration from bleeding under the skin. Or you may have general inflammation of the skin (dermatitis). Red pimples on the face (acne) can also be a side effect. 

Rarely, you might have red raised patches on your skin. Or you might get an infection in your nails. This can cause redness, pain and tenderness around the nail. You might have a condition where your nails separate from the nail bed but this is also rare.

Given that her nails are sore, it would be worth checking with a doctor in case they are infected.

Cheers,

Andy

Hi pleased she is now finished my toes nails went blackish for a while but recovered say 4/5 months later as they started to grow again, my finger nails went white ish in colour and very brittle and I’ve always had very strong nails but again in time they recovered too and now are back to normal very strong and grow quickly again. It’s all about time and letting your body recover from the chemo it does take a while but I can promise it does get better and they will grow, I’m doing so well on my combination of phesgo and the bone strengthening injection and of course letrozole I’ve just had another 3 month scan and results of stable no change no progression nothing at all, it’s hard at times still with tiredness but do as your body tells you and she will get back to near as normal as we get in this situation now xx

Thank you so much Andy, I will get her to mention it to doctor.

Kind regards 

Liz