TRIPLE POSITIVE GROUP

Thank you Redcanoe, I appreciate that. I see you are on Taxotere, which was a brand new chemo 18 yrs ago. I took it too.

No Bananas - Herceptin is the game changer for TP. Quarterly echos are ordered to check on your heart but it shouldn't send you to the hospital unless you have other co-morbidities. Special K Is the expert with the statistics and talk to your MO but I'm glad I did it. I had NO problems with Herceptin after I finished chemo. I was able to easily tolerate a 30 minute infusion every 3 weeks although some ask them to slow the drip down.

"My SIL had Herceptin at a younger age than I am now, and went into heart failure. I’m too far from a hospital if this happens"

It's very rare but, they do monitor for it and, it does heal on its own (generally). My November Echo had me borderline but, the MO decided to proceed. I was worried that my February Echo would put my Kadcyla on hold but, my last echo was actually better than the previous 3 (55, 55, 45) February has me at 60.

If you're really worried about heart issues, I would say go with TCH over AC+T-H. Actually for your size tumor you might be able to get away with Taxol+Herceptin which (from what I'm told) is easier on the body. I've heard there's a new protocol (or perhaps it's still in trial) where you can do 17 rounds of Kadcyla (Herceptin bonded to a Chemo drug) and, avoid Taxol or Taxotere, Carboplatin, etc).

Personally, I handle Kadcyla very well but, there are others who really struggle with it so I don't know how great it is for 17 cycles (1 year) vs 11 weeks of Taxol or 5 months of TCH.

That is interesting that it's a new cancer and where it popped up. Glad you caught it so quickly. Although, I'm still sorry you have to go through this almost again.

Congratulations on completing Chemo proper!

Congratulations MsMurphy! Me too!! I go back for Herceptin next week. And starting radiation in 2 more weeks!

I had Chemo before surgery so the first is a clinical staging the second is the surgical staging, same cancer.

Hallo Group! Thought I would come on here since I had my yearly check-up the other day. It was all clear. I have been doing ok since 2017. Thought it would be a positive note this day of spring. I got my first vaccine shot - Pfizer - and hope that will not mess anything up.

Hi Redcanoe!

I had the exact same reaction under TCHP. I never completely lost my hair and had the same hair as you do in the above pic. Mine was even thinner! I’m not sure if they adjusted the Taxotere near the end of my chemo, but I definitely never lost all my hair, just some thinning of the eyebrows.

The best part is when it starts growing in! Mine came back full of curls that I always wanted and even the hair color I used to dye my hair to at a younger age. It is so fulfilling to me to be able to play with and comb my hair. You will get there too! Oh, and the hair that starts growing back is so soft, it’s just so cozy to run your hands through your new hair

Warm Hugs,

Phoenix

msmurphy - yay!

kattis - hi! Good to see you! I have had both Pfizer injections on the advice of my MO - I was a tad reluctant because I am allergic to so many medications. I had almost zero reaction to the first injection, but the second was a doozy - I was down for a couple of days, but worth it to provide the protection for myself and others.

I had the same hair situation on TCH - never lost it all, no dose reductions, didn't lose all brows or lashes either.

Hi hopeful2020 - I just completed my 5th HP on Tuesday. I do get diarrhea but just for a day or so after treatment. My MO suggested taking Imodium before treatment and that seems to help. I take lomotil for subsequent bouts. I usually am tired the day after and take Tylenol for headache. I just take it easy and relax most of the day. The efffects have not been cumulative for me, so I’m back to my normal self after a day or two. My hair growth is slower than before BC, but it’s growing back. Most of my SE seem to be from letrozole. Best of luck with your treatment.

hopeful2020 - After TCHP treatments, I had to go in for extra IV fluids 3-4 days after treatment, sometimes weekly as I got to later rounds of treatment. I had vomiting and diarrhea for 5-7 days after. Some days I could barely get out of bed. With HP, so far I’ve only had a day or two of diarrhea. No nausea or vomiting. I drink Gatorade and water throughout the day to stay hydrated I’m much more active and my blood work has improved. A little tired for a day or two, but much easier for me than TCHP treatment.

Hi hopeful2020 - my last TCHP was mid-October. I have other preexisting health conditions that I’m dealing with and am 66 years old. I don’t bounce back as quickly as I did when I was younger. 🙂

It was about 3 months for some of blood levels to return to normal and for me to feel up to becoming more active. From what I’ve read, it can take up to a year to feel back to normal after chemo is completed. Everyone responds differently. My RBC and HG are still a bit low. Nothing really alarming. I’m sure it has to do with my diet, which is very restricted.

I had trouble with my potassium and magnesium levels. Potassium is back to normal and my magnesium is improving. I get magnesium Infusions when I go for HP and take 250mg magnesium oxide every day, per my MOs recommendation.

Does your oncology center have a nutritionist on staff? They might be able to make some diet recommendations to help with improving your blood counts

My hair is growing back, slower than I’d like. I’ve been taking pictures monthly and definitely see that it’s coming along. I’m still wearing caps when I’m out and about, mostly because my head gets cold.

Thank you for responding NsBrown and ajminn. Good to know that Perjeta isn't as bad as I thought it would be. Immodium helps with diarrhea and haven't had to move to Lomotil yet. Definitely have to watch what I eat. Yes there is a nutritionist on staff. I will contact her about the blood count. Thanks for the idea.

Thank you SpecialK. I seem to be getting better with meat now vs before when it was hard to digest. I am so tired of eggs already. That was all I could eat during the 6 rounds of chemo. I hope the counts and Hb come back up soon. Always cold and tired. 🙄

Yes ElaineTherese.. so true.