Kadcyla

I am going to start Kadcyla post operation. I had 5% live cancer left after chemo, when they took it out. No cancer left and it hasn’t gone to my lymph nodes. I don’t know if I can take more chemo, the docetaxyl was awful. What are the side effects like with this? Do I lose my hair again? I might have to have 14 and it terrifies me if it is as hard as the docetaxyl. 

  • Hello and thank you for posting.

    I am sorry you had a difficult time with Docetaxel, but wonderful news to hear that you have no cancer left.

    Cancer Research UK has information on Kadcyla, also known as trastuzumab-emtansine, and the most common side effects are gone through. Hair loss is not common but hair thinning does occasionally happen.

    Everyone is so different in how they get on with chemotherapy, no two people are the same. It may be worth making a new post in the 'living with cancer' category on this forum to find out from others who have had it, and to see how they did.

    Breast Cancer Now also has an online forum which may be useful to post on too.

    Take care and if you want to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline the number is Freephone 0808 800 4040. The lines are open from 9 am till 5 pm, Monday to Friday.

    Sarah.