Has any one had chemo and target therapy at the same time?, I'm just wondering what's it's like, wondering if I'm going to get double dose of what chemo has with side effects, thanks in advance
Target therapy is given along side chemotherapy because it's been found that chemotherapy alone doesn't work. I had this conversation just last week with my oncologist because I developed an allergic reaction to my target drug which was herceptin and I'm on my last available treatment now because a lot of the breast cancer target drugs have a form of herceptin in.
So please don't worry it's perfectly normal and any side effects can often be balanced with other medications if you need them.
Everyone reacts differently to their chemotherapy and you may sail through it. It's a daunting prospect but your cancer nurses will help you through it.
I'm looking to see where you are up to in your treatment plan. I think you don't have a date to start chemo yet and you are worried about the delay? I was diagnosed on 9 August, saw the oncologist on 24 August and started chemo on 13 September, a total of 5 weeks from diagnosis to start of treatment. I did ask my BCN about the delay and she said a few weeks would not make any difference, ie it's not going to spread in that time. I'm pretty sure they would not take any chances.
You also asked about chemo with targeted therapy for HER2+ve BC. I had three cycles of EC chemo (two different drugs on the same day), then four cycles of Docetaxel with the targeted therapy (Herceptin and Perjeta = Phesgo). I was fine with EC, hardly any nasty side effects, but I did lose most of my hair which didn't bother me too much. Docetaxel was a bit harder but still not awful. I don't think I've had any side effects from Phesgo, just a little sting the first time they injected it. What I've found hardest was my food not tasting very pleasant and I was limited in what I could eat, and this seems to have got worse with each cycle of Docetaxel. Everyone will tell you that we all react differently to chemo, so you may be fine, or have a few more SE.
Happy to answer any other questions, so please fire away.
Hi Amy, thanks for your reassurance, I have my chemo start date which is the 19 th January, I will be having 2 chemo drugs and target therapy, one of the chemo drugs is the same name as yours I can't remember the other one, I will have 6 then a lumpectomy, they will then decide whether I need anymore, I am fine about losing my hair, it will grow back, I've asked for the strongest anti sickness drug they have as I don't like feeling sick lol, I hope I'm one of them that don't suffer too badly, fingers crossed , I wish you well and a speedy recovery, live and hugs jean, thankyou for accepting the friend request, I find it easier that way to chat take care x
