Kadcyla. (Trastuzumab emtansine)

I had a 2cm HER2 positive breast cancer, I had 11 cycles of weekly chemo, and herceptin every 3 weeks, a lumpectomy and  it had not spread to the lymph glands. It had shrunk the tumour by 70% ,the 30% was removed with clear margins.

I am going to have one week of radiotherapy.  I stopped herceptin before my op and have not gone back on it. It has now been suggested that I have 14 cycles of Kadcyla through a vein. As I have no cancer, I am not sure with all the side effects this would be a good idea, I am 61!

Has anyone experienced taking this  Kadcyla and do you find you feel worse after you have had it, and then get better until the next infusion.  What were your side effects, I know everyone is different but I cannot find many comments about this treatment.

Thank you and good luck with whatever you are going through.

  • Hello there and thanks for posting

    You have posted on the ask the nurses section of cancer chat and whilst anyone is welcome to post here you may find you get more responses from people who have gone through the same on a different thread.

    I'm sorry to hear you have had treatment for breast cancer and understand you are now weighing up the benefits versus the risks of more treatment.

    As you have said yourself everyone is different when it comes to treatment and the side effects they get and how they feel. There is no way of knowing exactly knowing how anyone will be until they start treatment but do read the information here, talk to others and ask their stories and speak to the doctors and nurses involved in your care, to help you make the decision.

    I know you say you are 61 but that is still young and hopefully you have many years ahead of you, a treatment such as Trastuzumab emtansine is to reduce the risk of a cancer recurrence and cancer spread and the research carried out showed real benefit for this treatment here.

    I appreciate it can in some people cause some unwanted side effects but for the majority this won't be the case but do talk this through again with your team when you get the chance.

    I hope some others pop on here to let you know how treatment has been for them.

    Do get back if you have more questions or if you prefer all one of the nurses on 0808 800 4040, we're here weekdays 9-5.

    Best wishes

    Naomi