Herceptin after Chemo Treatment?

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mkjollie
mkjollie Member Posts: 2
edited June 2014 in HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer

Just had my first round of Taxotere/Carboplatin yesterday. My onc said I was having the TCH regiment. But during my Patient Ed, when they covered all the drugs being used, they said they were doing the Herceptin (every week for a year) after I had the TC and 6 weeks of radiation. Just concerned as I had over a 4 cm tumor with a smaller one underneath. Lumpectomy in August, but node negative, thank goodness. I haven't found most people have it all together, so was curious if anyone else had the same protocol I going to be on? Also, has anyone not lost their hair on this treatment. Half my family is believing I won't, but I am trying to be realistic and prepared if I do.

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  • mmm5
    mmm5 Member Posts: 1,470
    edited October 2010

    HI TCH is usually given at the same time, that being Herceptin is started on round 1. Maybe your Doctor does that differently. It does not hurt to ask, He may have a very good reason for doing so.

    I had this treatment and lost my hair after 2nd treatment. Mine actually came out in big clumps so I ended up shaving it, so not sure if it would have just thinned out or not. I did not lose my eyebrows and did lose about 75 percent of my lashes.

    Good luck, it seems difficult now but I got through it and have been out of chemo for 2 years now and so will you. Just take very good care of your self, and rest and drink a lot of water. 

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  • Iamstronger
    Iamstronger Member Posts: 378
    edited August 2013

    Hi,

    I had TCHA (A was Avastin a study group i was in) at the same time.  6 rounds I had all 4 drugs every 3 weeks.  After that, I continue to have herceptin every 3 weeks for another 8 months (the herceptin ends up being a year long).

    My hair started to fall out after my 3rd treatment.  But, i could get away with wearing a baseball cap for a long time.  I had really thick hair, so i think that is why i could get away with a cap for so long.  I finally shaved my head once the chemo (TCA) was done.   I don't think that I was the norm on this. 

    Good luck to you.  fwiw-chemo wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be.  like mmm5 wrote drink tons of water.  I drank TONS the day before my treatments and then for the next 3 days.  When I say tons, I mean tons 75-100 ounces.  I also exercised daily.  I think that really helped in my side effects and fatigue. Hang in there, it will done before you know it.

    V 

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  • 1Christy
    1Christy Member Posts: 13
    edited October 2010

    Hello mkjollie,

    I am on the same protocol as you.  I will  have six rounds ot taxotere/Carboplatin every three weeks, I will also be taking Herceptin for about a year every three weeks,.  After chemo 6 weeks of radiation. I have the same exact diagnosis as you except I am ER+ and PR+. My tumor was about the size of yours 4+ cm. This kicked me into stage 11, but thank goodness no nodes involved. I got my haircut before my first chemo on Sept 3rd. My hair stopped growing but no hair loss. I  had my second round  chemo on Sept 24th, but still I have not loss any hair.  I guess we have to take things one day at time with a wait and see attitude.It is a comfort to  know that I am not alone. Best wishes for only minor side effects

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  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 17,186
    edited October 2010

    Tuesday I start with 6 rounds Taxotere/Carboplatin/Herceptin every 3 weeks continuing Herceptin for a year and 5 years of armidex.

    I was told I would lose the hair on my head… could lose all my hair although not everyone does. Would be nice not to have to shave my legs & pits ;D

    I'm going for a wig today.

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  • mkjollie
    mkjollie Member Posts: 2
    edited August 2013

    Yes. Thanks everyone who has responded so far. I do plan on asking my onc why the treatment will be this way. You always have to be proactive with doctors. My onc is very good at answering all my questions and very compassionate. There is always a lot information to disclose and maybe a lot of times people don't care for the details, just want to know the treatment and go with. I have to know all the details. Anyways, like everyone else, I know the hair issue should be minimal concern, as we are talking about our health here. Mine is very long, been growing for 8 years, but this is life and like everyone said it will come back and the important thing here is to fight this disease and WIN!

    Best wishes to you all who have just started. Hopefully it will go smoothly for you as well, with minimal SE. I am sure there could be a few rough days, but lets keep minimal, right! Congrads to those who are done with and are successfully recovered.

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  • KitCat1
    KitCat1 Member Posts: 53
    edited October 2010

    Hi all. I just finished TCH three weeks ago. It was doable.... draining and tiring.. but doable.. I will continue on hercepton for a year and am starting rads next week for 25 rounds. For the record , I did G-I jane buzz cut my hais, but i wonder if i would have waited if it was necesary.My eyebrows thinned out but i di not loose them nor did i loose my eyelashes! We are all different, wait and see and before you know it you'll be done..... All the best to you xox

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