Herceptin breast cancer

Hi all. I have completed my chemo and had masectomy month half ago . I'm awaiting radiotherapy. They said the chemo has cleared the inflammatory cancer in the breast but I have to carry on with 10 more , 3 weekly herceptin and patusimub( can't spell it). Question. Firstly my aches and pains from it are getting worse not better on it and I have awful itching down both arms. I know these are possible side effects. It's really getting me down . Any advice please 

  • Hello Scarlett333, 

    It's great news that the chemo has cleared the inflammatory cancer in the breast. Best of luck with the rest of your treatment and I hope it works its magic despite those difficult side effects. There is information on our website here on Herceptin (also known as trastuzumab, another tricky word!!) and pertuzumab (the names of cancer drugs can be a bit of a mouthful sometimes). You will find information there too about side effects. Poor you those side effects do sound rather bothersome. Perhaps you could talk to your medical team about it and see whether they have any advice to help you or to minimize/ alleviate these side effects? Do talk to your doctor about it and I hope they will be able to help you feel more comfortable. 

    I hope that you will hear from others here who have had the same chemotherapy treatment before and that they will be along shortly to share their experience with you. 

    Our nurses are available on this free number 0808 800 4040 - their line is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm so don't hesitate to give them a call too if you would like to talk to them about this. They may have some useful advice for you.

    Best of luck with the rest of your treatment. I hope it will all go well for you! 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator