TRIPLE POSITIVE GROUP

shelabela - I was surgically post-meno when I started systemic treatment, so not having regular cycles, but my understanding is that it is not the Herceptin or the Perjeta, but most likely the Taxol that would stop your period. You may, or may not, have a cycle during the time you are receiving chemo - or they may be random, and you may, or may not, restart at some point when you are on Herceptin only. You will find a variety of experiences here - and some who were close to menopause did not re-start, so age can be a factor too.

I had my last period around my first chemo, didn't have any periods or spotting during chemo or Herceptin. Got my ovaries removed in December, so I'm officially done.

Robin, I'm guessing that like me, when your path report came in HER2 +, your MO's recommendation changed. I've had 6 infusions of weekly Taxol and Herceptin, will have 6 more and then will have 13 more (every 3 weeks) of just Herceptin before the tamoxofin. According to my MO, the 10 year survival for HER2+ folks makes a huge jump with the addition of Taxol. I haven't had nearly the side effects that I have read about on these threads. I do get an antibiotic, anti nausea, steroid, and benidryl before. She gave me a prescription for additional anti-nausea medications but have seldom used them. There is a thread for weekly Taxol which you may want to look for. I have added nexium because I realized that I was not nauseated, just having a little acid reflux. During the past several infusions, my hands have been swollen and rashy so I use over the counter benadryl. Yes, it is a handful of pills when I add other things that many in my age group take but I am comfortable with that. As a physician's wife, I know I am more willing to medicate than some are, but I would definitely make the same choices again. I am a hard stick and am very glad to have the port. You may want to look for a thread like "beginning chemo in March or April 2017." The Jan 2017 group has become very close and went to a private Facebook account. We scream and laugh and share haircuts.

WE CAN DO THIS!

Hi ladies. Does anyone know why some of us are receiving weekly taxol and some get 21 day cycles of taxotere? I have 21 day cycles of TCHP. This regimen was suggested by my surgeon and MO, so after 2 agreeing opinions I didn't ask many questions (at least about drug choices). I understand different drugs are suggested based on pre- or post-menopausal and that some can only get perjecta if it's given before surgery. Just curious in the difference.

Robin 1234, I too hated taking any meds and haven't had any except vitamins and supplements in years. So when I was given a list of Otc things to purchase to off set some possible side effects and then saw the list of pre-meds they give you just to get through the chemo infusions, and the prescriptions for steroids and anti-nausea meds, I was a wreck. But, I had to let it go and decide to follow all their guidance. We are in a huge battle that must be won, but I look forward to the day when my medicine cabinet is empty again! Wishing you the very best!

Kmjb,

It depends on stage and oncologist preference. My tumor was big (5 cm+), so I did four doses of Adriamycin + Cytoxan, then 12 Taxols (with some Herceptin and Perjeta thrown in there). If my tumor were much smaller (say less than 1 cm) and I had no nodal involvement, I might have been able to get away with just the Taxols. (Taxol is supposed to be the gentler cousin of Taxotere.)

I could have done TCHP, but, in her experience, more of my MO's patients tolerate AC + T than TCHP. A good number of her patients have tried to quit half-way through TCHP due to gastrointestinal issues. It should also be noted that MO's patient population appears to be older and quite fragile. (I swear, I'm always the youngest person in the infusion room, even now when I get my Zoladex, and I'm in my late 40s.) So, I went with MO's recommendation.

Robin1234,

Here is my treatment and experience:

I did Taxotere, Carboplatin, and Herceptin every 3 weeks August - December. Now, I am on Herceptin every 3 Weeks thru 14 August.

My husband used gel caps on me and saved my hair.

I took every pre med, after med, whatever my Oncologist recommended to help me.

I worked to walk for at least 2 miles 6 days a week. I think that did more to get the chemo thru my body than anything. Even on those days when I would be tired, I still get on the treadmill walk for 20 minutes.

Finally, I made up my mind that chemo would not beat me and I would win this battle. I have several sayings that I would read and reread to keep me positive. I also journaled and blogged. This help me deal with my feelings and see my progress.

Most of my SEs have been from Herceptin but they are not that bad. I have a constant running nose and swelling in my hands and feet. So, I take a diuretic and potassium when ithe swelling gets bad. The best news is that my Roseaca has cleared up! My Dermatologist thinks that the Herceptin killed the facial mite that causes the inflamationfrom Roseaca.

You can do this! Best wishes.

Coach Vicky

I am so impressed that you managed to work during chemo. Also impressed about your walking and exercising. I am a bit behind in all that just trying to hold things together here for now. Waiting for results for scans and trying to get organised with paperwork etc.

I started Femara during my radiation and I think my body is starting to feel the effects of the medication in form of slight headaches and body aches and suffering from "chemo brain" or just regular stress and worry about it all.

ladies do you know if Taxol is also better as far as reflux is concerned? i have bad reflux with TCHP.did 2 cylces of TCHP already.second was bad with reflux issues that i had to be admitted to the hospital.

Kae,

Taxol is "supposed" to be gentler than Taxotere. It gave me mild diarrhea and fatigue, but that was about it. However, Taxol can contribute to neuropathy, or the loss of feeling in your extremities (fingers and hands, toes and feet) that can be irreversible. I had mild neuropathy in my fingertips, and still struggle a bit to open those plastic bags at the grocery store to store produce and meat. (I sometimes ask the store employees for help with those bags!) Some women use ice during infusion to avoid neuropathy. Otherwise, I found Taxol/Herceptin/Perjeta to be kinder than Adriamycin and Cytoxan.

Hope you feel better, Kae! That must have been some awful reflux to send you to the hospital. ((Hugs))

Elaine Therese,

I am noticing you are taking different hormons than me and it makes me curious to why. We seem to have about the same size tumor to start with. I getting treated in Sweden so protocols might be different. Instead of AC I received FEC for example. Do not know the difference but mine contained 3 different chemo medications that made me loose my hair in 10 days after the first infusion...I am suppose to be on letrozole (same as Femara) for 10 years and getting Zoledronic Acid for my bones every 6 months for 3 years, as well as pills for calcium and Vitamin D.

I'm bearing down on my two year cancerversary. MO next week, and mammogram two weeks later. Feeling the anxiety start to creep in. Sigh...I'm sure I'm fine, so why do I get so worked up?

Tresjoli,

Time to dip into the Ativan or Xanax! Seriously, I just had a mammogram, and I always feel different from most of the clientele in the waiting room. They have a special post-scan room for those of us BC veterans. Our scans get looked at by the radiologist immediately. If there's a problem, we get ultrasounds immediately. Everyone else just goes from scan to dressing room.

OY. Hope your appointments go well!

Tresjloi2- congrats on the 2 year milestone, praying for good results!

kae - some side effects are cumulative, mostly fatigue and worsening of blood counts. Other side effects are better mitigated with each round of chemo due to experience - knowing what to expect and how to behave accordingly. For some, new side effects will crop up, while others will discontinue. It is not necessarily that the same things you are experiencing with each round get worse, just that you know you will have them. If your side effects are cumulative, and worsening, your oncologist can also reduce your doses - this is very common.

kaemd99 - so sorry your last treatment is beating you down. I sent a reply to your message. I am praying your side effects get less intense and you're feeling better soon. Take care