Perjeta/Herceptin/Taxotere

Have most of you needed the neulasta shot after treatment? I got it with TCH but onc acted like it was not a given with this treatment.



Thanks!



Tera

I totally agree Lilylady!



My grandfather is 90 and in early stages of dementia. My mother is having to make these same choices for him. He has COPD and Congestive heart failure, but no cancer.



If I don't know what is going on and am a burden to my kids, then let me go!

I have been on it every 3 weeks since May 7. My onc wants to keep me on it as long as I am having such good results. I did 4 TCH, and next week will be #7 of TPH. The last two have been relatively easy. I almost feel like my body is finally adjusting some to it. Whatever it takes to keep me alive and living normally! I have 4 kids to raise!

SPAMgirl, I was on this combo just three infusions before a scan showed mixed results. The major liver tumor grew significantly even while a smaller or secondary tumor was stable or shrunk slightly--same with other mets. So we stopped and moved on. However, as I was on that regimen, I found that taxotere SEs so awful that I found myself questioning how worthile it was at all. I couldn't help thinking that way, I was so miserable. That third week post treatment was great though--I felt "normal"--and kept me going. I so very much wanted it to work. But I also knew that I didn't think I could physically stay on it indefinitely because of how hard to beat me up. I hope that the herceptin+perjeta combo is adequate for people if they ever need a break from the taxotere. Good luck to you. I hope it kicks the cancer into 2042.

Sorry 2nd treatment sucked, Spamgirl. . And yes it seems every week at a lower dose might be more tolerable.



My ins won't pay for this treatment for me..my onc tried. But I will be starting carbo/tax soon..along with herceptin and zometa. Not looking forward to it but glad to hear, Surly that you at least had the third week to feel normal.

Hello...I started this treatment along with Zometa in October.  After my first round of chemo my markers were down.  I go this Friday for CT Scan.  So I'm looking forward to more positive results.  The first round took a very long time because  they want to see how you react to the meds.  I had a mild reaction to the Taxotere (some itching and throat felt like it wanted to close), so on my second round they gave me benadryl before the Taxotere.  Needless to say that was some good sleep.  Want to add that along with this tx I make organic juices and drink it everyday.  SE's are not too bad.  They usually kick in around day 3 after tx.  Tastebuds are off, but they come back a week before my next round.  Mustard, lime and lemon and pretty bland foods are my desired taste these days.  I put fresh lemon juice in my water.  Fatigue is there the first week and some days. Hair is all gone after second tx.

I just keep saying to myself, we gotta go through it to get to it.

While it's not fun, it's better that the red devil.

I wasn't able to log back in awhile. Thank you for the info. Was wondering how perjeta has been working for everyone? I got taken off Taxol for the starting of neropathy &you removed off perjetta for last couple treatments because of possible side effects of severe headaches spasms & dizziness. Also still can't sleep & spells of diarrhea. Still getting herceptin every 3 weeks & only been off perjetta last 2 treatments & possibly skipping one more than guess going back on perjetta. Anyone else with similar side effects or temp stop?

Hi Everyone.  I haven't been on too much due to a crazy work schedule.  I was wondering if anyone else has had the issue with weight loss.  My markers have improved since being on perjeta/herceptin.  I am not on Taxotere, but am on Afinitor/Aromisin.  Although I have quite a good appetite and not the bad taste buds, I cannot get rid of the big D problem.  My onc tells me that this is just a side effect of the drug, but I was wondering if anyone else has experienced weight loss on this combo.  I never thought I'd be at the point where I said that I was thin enough and wish I would gain a few pounds.

Respin. Thank you. Guess it is just that, it did great than a much needed Holiday from it.


Pearlady yep definatly was having dreaded D also. Does sound a lil better than spelling it out. Was of corse loosing weight also. My doctor perscribed me lamotal that I tried taking as needed which ended up at least ok for anything lil while & then realized was time for another dose. Having the break from projetta it's not as often & I could have went without gaining all the weight back, was just getting into a pair of jeans I had in the back of my closet. My nurse is a sweetheart each time I have to get on the scale she says "still 125" sweet & GREAT since of humour I like what she reads better. But wether skinny or chunky that kind of weight loss &hate side effect are not good & maybe doctor can help. So many pills for so many side effects than pills for those. Eventually reach somewhere tolerable or hopefully all better.

Thanks Kellygrl.  The weight loss thing was starting to concern me.  I felt a bit better when I found out that my markers have been continually coming down.  Not quickly, but slow and steady which my onc says is good.  I am hoping that when the TDM1 is available, I can take a holiday from the perjeta or at least maybe less often.  Although I've had the big D with other drugs, including Afinitor which I am also on, this is very different.  I really felt that the food was not getting digested properly with the perjeta and that was part of the reason for the huge weight loss.  I've gotten some new enzymes from the holistic pharmacist and also a protein powder which I take in the afternoon.  I think it's helping.  The last few days have been better with the D.  Also, found out that my potassium was low.  Onc says this is due to the ongoing D, so now taking potassium. So many pills to handle so many things.  The funny thing is most people tell me I never looked better.  Still, I was much more comfortable weighing 118 rather than my current 108.  Going on a much needed vacation, so will have a one week reprieve from the perjeta.  I'd be happy to come back 3 or 4 lbs. heavier. 

Michelle I tried cutting out dairy and have found that it had no effect on me.  The only dairy I really will eat is cheese and yogurt.  Actually sugar seemed to be more of a problem than dairy.  But when the D is bad, nothing that I eat or do not eat helps.  I was eating large quantities of white rice and bananas and when it was bad, there was no effect.  Over the past few days it seems to have eased up significantly.  What a relief.  I now have two weeks until my next treatment, so I'm hoping that it stays this way.  Also hoping I gain a few pounds.  I honestly never thought I'd ever wish to gain weight, but again, as long as it stays stable and I don't lose any more, I'll adjust. 

Hi, does anyone have high phosphorus levels not caused by bone mets?  Wondering whether pertuzamab might cause that.

Glad to hear that the positive changes you have made with supplements and diet have helped in your long term survival, pearlady1! I have only recently felt well enough to run again. Running was always my stress relief and surprisingly, having cancer is stressful. I hope and pray everyday that a cure will be found for all of us. So many good people facing this ugly monster.