I can’t speak about phesgo but my oncologist said the herceptin treatments would be “easy peasy” and for me, she was right! I was 69 at diagnosis. I hope you don’t suffer many side effects! 
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Thanks @Darla49 I’ve just had my first Herceptin alone. Having some side effects, unsure if it’s still from chemotherapy and Herceptin 3 weeks ago or new. Although some side effects are very similar.
I phoned the treatment helpline to be told it’s not them I call when on Herceptin alone, I should contact my clinical nurse specialist (had to ask for contact details) or my GP. I wish the cancer centre were better with their communication. I asked about Herceptin alone and the homecare that was being organised for my last 12 injections to be told I’d find out later. I was also informed by GP they had received a discharge letter, which is weird as I’m having Herceptin until September and they said I still have a key worker/clinical nurse specialist at the cancer centre. I haven’t even had radiotherapy either, unless I’ve now moved from one department to the next. I should have pushed a bit more for what happens when.
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As soon as I was past my 4 docetaxel/cyclophosphamide cycles, the herceptin cycles were much easier (30 mins. Also during the treatments, I drank a lot of water (like 5 bottles a day) and it helped me.
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@naughty_boob I feel your pain. Feel like I only get half the info I need at any point. Always have to chase, ask questions and double check. Its like they’ve never done this before!!! Glad to hear the herceptin is easier though. I have one more round of Doxetaxel which is really tough so it will be nice to have less side effects.
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Hi! Id like to join too. Im 39 and I was diagnosed last Friday with Grade 2 triple positive…i think mine is 5mm growth. Ive got surgery booked in on the 23rd of Jan then i guess xhemo etc will follow after. I
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Hi @chellebelle sorry to hear of your recent diagnosis. I hope you are doing okay and please do ask any questions. Lots of love and hugs.
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Thank you! Still trying to get to grips with everything x
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Hi @chellebelle
Welcome to the group. Sorry to hear about your diagnosis, it never the news you want to hear but there is lots of support on the forum as well as the breast cancer now nurses.
There are other group for chemo and radiotherapy starters each month, which are really helpful on each part of your treatment plan.
We are hear to listen, answer questions, if we can and support you.
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this is really helpful thank you @naughty_boob. I see my oncologist tomorrow and am expecting to be continuing on just Phesgo and letrozole or ansatrazole tablets. Now I know to ask questions about who to contact with any issues and when/what the discharge process is. Also, what about blood tests while I’m on Phesgo!
Being a tad more blunt, I still have significant diarrhoea issues which could either be a residual consequence of docetaxel or a side effect of Phesgo (I’ve had 6 doses so far, 4 with docetaxel and 2 since while I’ve been waiting for and going through surgery). If it’s the Phesgo, I am going to be friends with Imodium (loperamide) for a long time!!
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Hi @suedot
I still have diarrhoea with the Herceptin alone and yes I’m a very good friend with loperamide. I get terrible wind as well and can’t link it to any particular food.
I have started adding in probiotic Greek yoghurt and hope that helps my stomach. I had few different foods in vinegar as they are also supposed to help with stomach issues. I was told d not to have anything live while on chemotherapy and I’ve had some heavy duty antibiotics with an infection in November.
@chellebelle Hello.
As chillout365 (Jackie) said to me 12 days ago, welcome to the club nobody wants to join but which has the best members. It really does.
It is such a shock and it takes some getting used to. I watched Kylie Minogue yesterday talking about the trauma of being told you have breast cancer and I think she is spot on. (I also discovered that she had HER2+ cancer so it’s obviously reserved for the special ones. 
) You and I are both early on in our journey. I was diagnosed in November but am still undergoing surgeries so cannot start treatment until those are finished. We may well go through this journey together so let’s give each other moral support.
This forum is proving invaluable to me due to its fabulous members and their advice and support, as many of them are further down the line of treatment or out the other side.
That said, some other good advice given to me by a cancer survivor is to ‘put cancer in a box and visit it when you have to and the rest of the time get on with your life’. I found to begin with I was wallowing in it and googling like crazy which led my head to some very dark places. I now have my Positivity Document full of quotes (many of them from this thread) and stories of people who have had this and got through it. Whenever the panic threatens I read it. I take CBD oil and then I distract myself. Time away from it is essential for mental wellbeing.
Reach out whenever you need to. We can do this.
Sal
xx
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@suedot my oncologist said to avoid milk and anything with milk in it as the chemo can cause lactose intolerance. I basically go dairy free for the 10 or so days after chemo and whilst I still have some diarrhoea it is nowhere near as bad as before. Worth a try.
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Nice to meet you Sal and sorry to hear you are going through similar but at glad its been found early. What was the thing about Kylie Minogue…is this recent? Xx
Hi @frazzledmcsazza,
This is really interesting as I asked the same of my oncologist and he didn’t think there was a link! I’ve definitely had worse reactions after dairy-rich foods, especially before Christmas, although it has calmed down this side of Xmas, I’m still having the odd bit but definitely less than December,
@suedot I’m in the same boat as you- it’s really starting to get on my nerves. I’m trying to avoid the Loperamide as much as possible as it makes me really bloated and gassy/nauseous, hard to find a balance!
xx
Hi @chellebelle, hope you’re doing as ok as you can be. It’s a massive shock. But things sound like they’re moving quickly, so that’s good. Lots of fab advice from the other ladies, we’re all on varied treatment plans but here to listen and share as needed xx
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Thank you hun. Its crazy how everyone gets affected differently! Im glad i have other people around to share this journey with.
Im wondering as im trying to plan as much as i can whilst i am still in the calm before the storm period…is there anything that people recommend for chemo treatment…any specific items that would be beneficial that i can start to obtain now ahead of time.
@chellebelle Kylie Minogue had breast cancer in 2005 at the age of 36. The type was HER2+ which is the one I have and I think lots of us on this thread. The important thing is that no matter which one you have, she got over it and many, many women do.
I have scanxiety today. My scans are Friday and I am so scared it has spread from my lymph nodes. I guess everyone gets that fear. It’s natural.
Have a good day everyone,
Sal
x
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Hello @salbert
Firstly, very sorry that you are here. Secondly, I am glad you wrote in to this for us expressing your feelings.
Our stories bears some similarities. I was diagnosed with Grade 2 DCIS Her2 tve in May 2023 after routine mammo and biopsy. Was symptomless and very well and no family history etc - bolt out of the blue - was told just ‘unlucky’. Not something you want to hear.
Treatment has advanced so much. I was told 10 years ago HER 2 was scary but not now thanks to collective experiences, research and funding.
My treatment plan was clearly outlined from the get go. Chemo, surgery and today completed my last radiotherapy (5/5 sessions). From 7 chemo sessions itself I had complete response to treatment and confirmed by a lumpectomy. Cancer was gone.
At every stage I was so sceptical and anxious. I wanted surgery and didn’t want chemo but boy am I glad I listened to my multi disciplinary team/oncologist.
I then hesitated about radiotherapy etc but it’s all done now and I feel well and back to my exercising etc.
Radiotherapy and ongoing Herceptin until September is adjuvant treatment to prevent a recurrence.
I am based in London. Where are you in the country? I would say having a positive mindset is very important and if you are a believer, surrendering to a higher power. Trust that the specialists knows what is best for you as they have seen and treated many in same situation.
Always contact the care team, support systems and numbers you are offered with any or all concerns. They are wonderful and will be able to answer your query.
Treat this as a project - be compassionate and listen to your body. Gentle exercises, mindfulness practise/meditation, breathing and relaxation therapy. Tap in to all resources you are offered.
Continue to write here and let us know how you get on. Not sure if you said you will start chemotherapy - then you can join the monthly chemo group when you start.
I wish you all the best for the future. It’s not going to be easy but you will get through this xx
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@Dhillman Thanks very much for your positivity and encouragement. I am in Surrey so not far from London. I’m also really pleased to hear that you are a success story. I’m told that I am getting chemo, Herceptin and radiotherapy. I want it all now that I know it is in my lymph nodes.
I am trying very hard to have a positive mindset and I do believe in a higher power. I pray and have many people praying for me. Sometimes I dip and yesterday was almost frozen in fear after my mind spiralled but I went to see my best friend who talked me round again. It’s a rollercoaster for sure.
I like that you say to treat this as a project as I have always had lots of projects on the go. I was thinking that now my project has to be myself. It’s the first time in years that I have slowed down. Physically I feel well, mentally it’s a bit tougher. Make that a lot tougher.
Thanks for saying I will get through this. I have to believe that I will. When I am through I vow I will help others through this time like you guys are for me.
Sal
xx
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Hi Chellebelle , I’m really sorry to hear your news , be positive the treatments have come such a long way things are much better thankfully
There’s lots of support and advice on here from lots of lovely ladies in the same position, it can be a rollercoaster of emotions, treatments and lots to take in , you will get there , take care lovely
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