Phantom smells

Going through breast cancer treatment Targeted therapies
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Hi has anyone experienced smells that aren’t there whilst on HER2 treatment?

It probably started when I started Phesgo with a nasal drip and then the odd over powering smell of a musky perfume/incense- not unpleasant but strong.

Now I’m on Kadcyla and it’s def stronger the week of treatment but I get it for a few minutes a few times a week. Sometimes I’ll smell the incense smell instead of the actual smell. Like hanging the laundry today, I smelt it rather than the softer?

I was diagnosed stage2a Triple positive. 2 nodes involved, 1.8cm invasive and I guess I’m just panicked that this is an early sign of brain involvement. My next onco is in 3 weeks so I’ll mention it but I’m scared. My logical brain says it’s a side effect of treatment, my fear says it’s spread.

Anyone else experienced this???

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Hi @tgsiv83

I had some changes to my smell but mainly change in taste and a metallic taste in my mouth, I was having it alongside docetaxel so can’t be sure what was what. I also had issues with a scabby/bleeding nose and nasal drip too. Have you got a specialist nurse you can contact before your next appointment just for reassurance?

Also, there’s a thread on here for HER2+ chat if you wanted to join/ask in there and many more people who can say if they experienced similar! It’s called ‘HER2+ and need some buddies’

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