Is there a standard amount of kadcyla infusions a patient should get?

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1

Is there a standard amount of kadcyla infusions a patient should get?

Ive got triple positive BC. Been on EC, paclitaxel, 4 phesgo injections then surgery.
Met with oncologist in the summer who told me i then had to do 12 rounds of kadcyla. Im nearly at the end but went to see the oncologist today. Saw someone different (who i have seen before, is lovely and very knowledgeable) because my oncologist was on holiday. I had asked if my zolatronic acid could be moved forward a week to coincide with my last kadcyla so i didnt need another visit to hospital. She then tells me that the end date i was given is wrong… i have another 6 weeks of treatment after that. 14 cycles not 12 as i was originally told.
I was absolutely devastated & cried. Im exhausted after over a year of treatment & mentally im really working towards the date id been given. Im really struggling with the thoight of any more treatment.
Came home & looked out my letters from oncologist, she definitely wrote 12 cycles and only gave me 12 appointments.
Person i saw today said if i feel i cant go on i can stop early. I asked what the chance of reoccurrence would be stopping at 12 rather than 14 cycles & she couldnt tell me.

Im in a state. I dont want to stop early because it could cause reoccurrence but i genuinely dont think i have the strength to go on. Im so upset im being faced with this decision & incredibly angry that this ‘mistake’ has come up so close to the end of treatment when im just doing my best to survive.

Is there a standard amount of kadcyla infusions a patient shpuld have or is it all worked out on an individual basis?

What are the implications of stopping treatment early? Can you direct me to any studies?

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Hello Luskentyre1

Thank you for posting.

It’s understandable that you are feeling upset at the news that two further cycles of Kadcyla are suggested.

The recommendation for the number of cycles of Kadcyla comes from the KATHERINE study where the participants were given 14 cycles.

It is not possible for us to say why you were originally told you would receive 12 cycles but it may be helpful to you to discuss this with your usual oncologist when they return from their holiday or your breast care nurse.

There is not research data to tell us whether 14 cycles are better than 12 at reducing the risk of recurrence which is probably why the consultant you saw this time was unable to answer your question.

Some people do stop treatments early due to the impact of side effects or complications. It sounds as though it was a shock to hear about the possibility of two further cycles of Kadcyla yesterday and it is important you talk to your treatment team about how you feel. You may find it helpful to speak to family and friends or somebody who has been through treatment via our Someone Like Me service.

We offer a range of free supportive services for anyone who has had a diagnosis of breast cancer which you may be interested in. They include face to face and online courses and events.

For more details about all of these services, please see the information on the link, or call our free Helpline

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Mandy

Breast Care Nurse

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