Hi, 

I have had similar issues as yourself. My heart was affected by EC chemo and I was on the borderline for starting Herceptin and Pertuzamab- my lvef had dropped and part of my heart wall wasn’t moving properly. I had my first Docetaxel on its own then the 3 subsequent doses with the H&P. My heart has been monitored regularly and since finishing the EC my lvef has increased and the heart wall is now back to normal. I’ve just had my 12th H&P and suffer from tiredness and heart palpitations so I’m now waiting to get a 24 hour Holter monitor fitted to check this out.  

The EC also badly affected my veins - I had cording, cellulitis and blown veins so ended up with a portacath being fitted which has made life a lot easier. I still dread having any needles or cannulas in my right arm, even 7 months after chemo finished my veins aren’t great and can’t use my left arm for bloods as had anc on that side. 

Good luck with your treatment, it’s hellish but better than the alternative! 

Hi, 

I have had similar issues as yourself. My heart was affected by EC chemo and I was on the borderline for starting Herceptin and Pertuzamab- my lvef had dropped and part of my heart wall wasn’t moving properly. I had my first Docetaxel on its own then the 3 subsequent doses with the H&P. My heart has been monitored regularly and since finishing the EC my lvef has increased and the heart wall is now back to normal. I’ve just had my 12th H&P and suffer from tiredness and heart palpitations so I’m now waiting to get a 24 hour Holter monitor fitted to check this out.  

The EC also badly affected my veins - I had cording, cellulitis and blown veins so ended up with a portacath being fitted which has made life a lot easier. I still dread having any needles or cannulas in my right arm, even 7 months after chemo finished my veins aren’t great and can’t use my left arm for bloods as had anc on that side. 

Good luck with your treatment, it’s hellish but better than the alternative! 

Thank you for the reply. I truly hope that your heart issues aren't permanent and fingers crossed for you. 

I was told that I'd receive Herceptin and Pertuzumab via IV infusion for a year, but this has now been changed to subcutaneous injections of Herceptin in my thigh. I can't help but think that this has been altered due to the vein issue in my left arm. There was talk of fitting a portacath but this won't be required with the injections. 

The Consultant says one thing and members of her team say another. Is it usual to give Herceptin alone for a year without the Pertuzumab? 

Can you use your arm now? Mine is painful and I can't straighten it or lift anything heavy but I can look after myself. Ibuprofen gel helps with the pain.

Hi SamKatz

I get my H&P via infusion - I don’t know what criteria determines whether you get both or just Herceptin..? Cost probably but my oncologist says Pertuzamab could make a big difference so I’m glad to be getting both, despite the side effects. I would ask your oncologist about the change and reason behind it, as I said the portacath (or a picc line) could make it a lot easier.

I can now straighten my arms without any pain or ‘pulling’ sensation under the skin so hopefully yours will improve too once chemo is finished and your body recovers a bit. My problem now is any needle in my arm, however small, leaves a massive bruise that lasts for weeks and even if they manage to get the needle in my arm my body is often reluctant to part with any more blood!