I completed 5 cycles of carboplatin/docetaxel/trastuzumab and pertuzumab (Phesgo) in January. I was supposed to have 6 but the peripheral neuropathy was getting annoying and I was needing quite a few red blood cell transfusions (but I am 65!). It was tough but doable and although I continue on 3weekly Phesgo until October I now feel pretty much back to normal. For me the worst time was days 3-8 when I was just exhausted with low mood. Diarrhoea occurred in the second week but I could manage it with loperamide. For me the worst thing was ( and still is) taste change- I really only enjoyed sweet things! And citrus flavours. Lemon posset was divine! it did get harder as the cycles continued but on the positive side I got no nausea, vomiting, muscle/joint pain, no mouth ulcers and most of my hair stayed in with the cold cap! Happy to answer any queries you might have. You can do this! Sending virtual hugs xx
I use suzzi pads - you can get them on amazon. I keep them in the freezer then bring a cooler packed with ice and ice packs to keep them cold. You can get extra ice packs that go in the gloves and socks so you can switch them out throughout the infusion otherwise they don’t stay quite cold. You can wear your compression socks and gloves under them - my hands get unbearably cold even with gloves so I have to take breaks.
Hello there can I ask were the nurses ok about storing the extra ice packs or did you bring a wee cooler box? Did you wear compression gloves under the ice mitts?
I take a small cooler with a bunch of bags of ice and ice packs. It stays decently cold that way and it’s about and 6 hour day if not longer. I just wear my winter running gloves and a pear of fuzzy socks with mine. But I’ve heard people doing compression gloves and socks as well.
Hey I done doxetaxol and carbo. Phesgo injections for 6 rounds then went on to herceptin.
Everyone is so different, after my first round I needed to go to hospital to get fluids and antibiotics, had my 2nd one delayed by 3 days. But after that my bloods were always fine and always managed to get treatment every 3 weeks. I used to use the mouth wash to help with the dry mouth or sook on sweeties buttermints (don’t ever want to see one of them again). My legs usually took the biggest hit and would feel really tired. After treatment I usually used to rest for a couple of days before doing any walks. But that’s good your able to keep up walking ! I can’t remember whether they got worse but I just remember getting to the last one and having this boost that this was the last time I would have these side effects etc. Helped me push through it. I finished chemotherapy in March 2025 and herceptin November 2025 x
Yeah I think I had more or less the same schedule of side effects. The ulcers started around day 6 and were awful but just for a couple of days. I also came out in terrible acne on my face and body which they’ve given me treatment for. Those two things have probably been the worst for me. Everything else has actually been really manageable. Today is day 9 and I feel more or less back to normal just with an additional daily nap which I thoroughly enjoy
Thanks @missp1 It definitely did take a few days for the side effects to kick in. Thankfully the worst I’ve had have been the mouth and nose sores and acne. Unpleasant but not unbearable. Hopefully it doesn’t get too much worse as time goes on
Thank you @fizzypop1. Yeah I definitely felt a drop in energy and mood around the same time as you. But I’ve also been lucky with no nausea or vomiting which was my main concern. The mouth ulcers have been having my life the last couple of days but they are clearing now. I’d say that has been the worst part by far. The only thing I’ve struggled with taste wise is coffee - it tates so bitter now I can’t enjoy it! Glad to hear you’ve finished your treatment and are feeling normal again, that’s great news. I’m so glad I posted this, it’s so helpful hearing other people’s experiences xx
Yes thanks @rh88 for posting originally, it’s helpful to hear from people on the same regime.
I started yesterday and feel quite tired/ achey today but been able to eat and sleep comfortably. My tongue feels heavy and weird but not sore. Hoping to work Monday (from home) and really not sure how unrealistic this is!
Oh well done @eils85! Glad you’re ok so far. My aches were the worst on day 2 but they cleared really quickly and I’ve been ok since. That’s good that you’re eating and sleeping. My appetite hasn’t been affected at all so mouth ulcers slowing me down has been my biggest side effect Keep us updated with how you’re going and we can swap notes!
Hi @rh88 the hospital called on Wednesday and decided to do Thursday for HER2 drugs and Friday for Docetaxel and Carboplatin. Had an allergic reaction to one of the HER2 drugs lots of shaking then really sick and they gave me Piriton and sickness - was the last person to leave at 8pm. Friday was fine and no problems - also did scalp cooling which was ok. Not sure how next time they are going to do all 4 drugs and scalp cooling in 1 day although my appointment is 8.30am so might be an even longer day Feeling OK today and working from home next week with a CT scan booked for Monday afternoon. Sorry for long reply - hope you are doing well and really interesting to read yours and other’s journey.
Oh crikey, you poor thing I’m sure that was awful. It’s good they were able to get you sorted and still go ahead on Friday. At least now they’ll be able to keep and eye and prevent it from happening again. Yes I was in for almost 6 hours for my first (mostly just because they were understaffed) but I didn’t really mind, I had my boyfriend there to entertain me - we played Uno and caused a ruckus and the nurses said next time should hopefully only be a couple of hours
You have a very good boyfriend. My sister did 6 hours and then my husband did 2 hours but kept checking the timings - he doesn’t like hospitals - he’s doing the second one with me, think I’ll cover the clocks
@rh88 I have the acne too! I never had it like this even as a teenager - the chemo life is a glamorous one for sure. Isn’t it nice when you emerge from the fog and start feeling human again?
I said exactly the same thing! I look like an actual teenage boy now with my acne and short hair Yes it’s so lovely to have energy back. I struggle with not being able to get out so have had itchy feet on a couple of the days where I felt really tired but definitely feel like I’m through it now
Hi rh88@, have you tried bicarbonate of soda mouthwashes? My team prescribed them and maybe it’s that that kept the mouth ulcers away! Hope your next cycles are equally smooth
Feeling OK today and working from home next week with a CT scan booked for Monday afternoon. Sorry for long reply - hope you are doing well and really interesting to read yours and other’s journey.
