Thanks @rrey thats really useful to know, as I was wondering about the year too!
I had my first EC on 31st Dec, and I can’t start the phesgo until that’s over, so if it is 18 rounds, that would take me to next March!
I will definitely ask when I see my consultant. I have my next chemo on Tuesday so will see if the unit can tell me too.
Actually if you had surgery after a few rounds then phesgo again, I suppose that may be an option too… hmm, we shall see!
I had 18 cycles of Herceptin and believe it’s also 18 cycles of Phesgo ( a year in total) some are on the HER2 radial trial to see if 9 cycles is enough. Studies so far have shown having 9 cycles is as good and less cardio toxic. Never heard of all 18 before surgery. I had my surgery first then chemo/herceptin. I would call your team and get clarification. Many of us mishear things as we are bombarded with so much information.
I don’t think Zoledronic is standard for everyone. I know it’s now included in the up to date NHS predict score and the percentage of benefit needs to be weighed up with the possible side effects. I believe it is more common in post menopausal women as our bone density has already started to diminish with age. It’s more common in those who have had lymph node involvement but other factors can be considered. I was bilateral with two primary cancers so I think that’s why I was offered it.
@mrsjelly be thinking of you tomorrow. You’ve got this. 
@leelee1 i had 3 rounds of ec then moved onto paclitaxel. I had my first phesgo on the same day as my first paclitaxel. That was 22nd August. I’m due to have my 8th round of phesgo tomorrow so it’s putting me finishing around august this year. I continued to have phesgo every 3 weeks after finishing chemo and through surgery. I’m sure they will be able to clarify it for you 
.
Thanks @naughty_boob - they’ve not told me what my nhs predict score is. I wasn’t menopausal before chemo but haven’t had a period now since July and I finished chemo in October. No idea if they’ll come back - is there some kind of test you can have to see if you’re in permanent menopause do you know? X
Hi Sal,
I’m Her2, have also delayed signing up and reached the point where it would be nice to have a buddy.
I had neo-adjuvant chemo but only a partial response with remaining tumour of 13mm which started at 50-60 mm. It’s because of that I have joined the forum as it’s now likely I will need Kadcyla which is a targeted chemo for Her2 and I’m hoping that people will share their experiences of side effects?
Lots of love to you Sal and to all who read this post and are going through their own struggles xxx
From being menopausal for some time before my diagnosis, I believe there was a FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) but it’s not reliable. From what I’ve read it can be one reading on one day and on another something different.
I would call your team and ask them about your Predict score and if you need bisphosphonates. Have you been offered a dexa/bone scan? I believe it’s normal to check bone density and if there is osteopenia (beginning of osteoporosis) they can start you on the bisphosphonates.
Thanks @naughty_boob…again 
. I’ll get in touch with them and ask. I’ve never had a decs/bone scan and it’s never been mentioned to me xx
My period as not come back yet either… but all this week i am having period pains on and off and feel mega bloated. But still nothing! Have you had any symptoms? I got face full of spots too.x
@jeml ive not had any symptoms to suggest periods are on their way back. But then I’m not sure I’ve had any symptoms of menopause either. I do get some hot flushes and hot at night, but it’s not as common now as it was towards the end of chemo and just after chemo. So I put that down to the chemo. May have to just wait and see x
Had my first appointment with the oncologist today and whilst I knew I had breast cancer I didn’t know everything. I have Multi focal IDC Her2+ve. I start EC on 31st January 3 weekly for 4 session the Docetaxel 3 weekly for 4 sessions. Then my operation and then radiotherapy. For the next year I will also have Pertuzumab and Trastuzumab injections. What a cocktail 
I am really positive as found out today it is only in my left breast and lymph nodes and no where else. Small victories.
So glad you are feeling more positive, having a plan makes all the difference.
Take some time for yourself before you chemo starts.
Planning on having a family dinner on Saturday and a wee day trip somewhere nice on Sunday. Husband wants to do our bedroom up so that it is more comfortable for me as a retreat if things get tough. Will be a busy two weeks I think
Yes i had the hot flushes too while i was on chemo and i don’t have them now.
I don’t feel like its going to happen its just the slight period pains i keep getting.x
Wondering if any ones on here has any experience of implant or diep flap surgery? Or where to find some people that have. Met withbthe surgeon today and got all the options. I am looking for a double mastectomy and reconstruction waiting to find out if i will need radiotherapy but i just feel like diep flap is a massive surgery x
Hi @fimac1, I have pretty much the same diagnosis as you - right down to being on left side! I am also on the same treatment plan but ahead of you time wise.
I have completed 4 x EC and am now on day 5 of my first of 4 Docetaxol with Phesgo.
I had an ultrasound last week and there has been an 80% reduction in tumours and nothing in lymphnodes. It’s given me an enormous boost!
Wishing you lots of luck. So far I’m finding the Docetaxol kinder than the EC. My advise (for what its worth) is to tell them everything in terms of side effects and dont try and be brave. Firstly as they can prescribe something to help most things, secondly they can prescribe stuff for next time preventitively, and thirdly, they reduced me second EC dose by 20% after I confessed how hard I’d found it, which made a huge difference, and I was reassured that it didn’t reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.
Rosie
There’s someone on Sept chemo thread having a DIEP on Tuesday.
Thank you @rfg for your words of encouragement and the tips. I am not worried -yet- about chemo. I’m sure that will come in the days before starting.
Can I ask, are you purely intravenous each time or have the put in a PICC line. I was told they should manage just with my veins as really obvious on hands 
I have no experience with it. But i had a double mastectomy with no flap as i wanted all the tissue and skin gone as much as possible. You can still get reconstruction later on down the line so it can be temp. I know some women want there breasts back though.
I feel content with being flat, i said i would have recon in future so we will see. I know instant recon can cause issues if you need radiotherapy.x
And while i am on here before i forget 
Ladies who had a mastectomy when did you get a bath? I love a good hot bath and a soak. On intnernet it says 6 weeks x
@shannon27 use the search icon at the top of the page to loom for topics with Diep etc.
You could also call the BCN nurses to chat it through with them 0808 800 6000. Always worth a chat with your breast care nurse as they work with the surgeon.
@jeml I had a lumpectomy and was told it was ok as soon as the wound was healed, 3 weeks for me but not to have it too hot. I love a bath and continued with chemo and PICC line with my arm in a limbo on the top of the bath.
Again you could also called the BCN nurses or your breast care nurse.
Hi @pinklady3
Welcome to the thread, it’s such a great bunch of ladies that will support you.
@isthisreal @kartoffel @marionse25 @jane13 I believe are on Kadcyla and can hopefully share side effects.