Treatment for HER-2 + after being treated for Her-2 negative

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bkerber
bkerber Member Posts: 51
edited February 2020 in Mixed Type Breast Cancer

I had 2 tumors removed in November. The largest was ER + PR - Her-2 neg. The smaller tumor was PR + and Her2 equivocal.
After much analysis the smaller tumer was determined to have enough Her2 + to be treated for such. I am half way through TC chemo treatments, so now they will add Herceptin to the mix for the final 2 and then Herceptin alone for a year.

My question, is there anyone who took TC and then Herceptin by itself ? What are the differences in the side effects? Do you have to get a neulasta shot with just herceptin. I do well with my chemo now except 2 days down after the Neulasta shot is given. I get very flu like. Therefore, Im hoping I dont have to get it.
Any input would be appreciated.

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  • hapa
    hapa Member Posts: 920
    edited February 2020

    You have very few side effects with just herceptin. All Her2+ folks get just herceptin after finishing chemo + herceptin. You will not get or need neulasta shots, as your neutrophils are not suppressed by herceptin. After chemo, infusions of just herceptin will be a walk in the park. If you do feel like you're still having side effects, have them slow the herceptin infusion to 90 minutes (they usually like to give it in 30 minutes).

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  • Ingerp
    Ingerp Member Posts: 2,624
    edited February 2020

    Herceptin only SEs are relatively mild, but keep in mind they aren't nothing (at least not for me). I really pushed protein through chemo, and then cut back significantly when I was getting only H. I realized I felt a little funny after treatment--almost a little drunk. I started making a point of eating red meat the two nights before treatment days and that made a big difference. I'd recommend keeping up your protein intake.

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  • bkerber
    bkerber Member Posts: 51
    edited February 2020

    Thank you ladies. I do very well with my chemo now other than Neulasta, so hopefully I will cruise through it. I will start my first herceptin with my next TC round since it was just approved by ins. I think the first infusion is 90 min and then 30 after. I will for sure ask them to extend it if I feel bad.

    How about fatigue. Im still working and only take off the day of treatment and my 4th day. Im hoping to keep up that same schedule.

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  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited February 2020

    bkerber - I strongly recommend that you don't allow the Herceptin infusion for less than an hour puch time. It made a big difference to me.

    Also Herceptin can have some heart issues, although they are usually temporary & resolve after the drug is finished. It would be good to have a baseline 'echo' before you start.

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  • bkerber
    bkerber Member Posts: 51
    edited February 2020

    Thanks Minus two. I will suggest that. I had an echo already and I think they will do one on occasion. My heart dr is in the same group as them so I will be followed closely with that.

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  • WC3
    WC3 Member Posts: 1,540
    edited February 2020

    bkerber:

    I had both Herceptin and Perjeta simultaneously so it's difficult to know for certain which caused it, but my only major side effect was a runny nose.

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