Hi I was diagnosed with primary and secondaries to the bones in 2011. I was stable on letrozole for just over two years then had some progression so switched to EE combination in Sep 2013. Following a biopsy in Feb this year of an enlarged lymph node it showed the cancer had changed to HER2 + so I am starting docetaxel, perjeta and herceptin on Weds. Am very apprehensive as have never had chemo before although did suffer some side effects with the EE combination.Just wondered whether anybody had any tips in particular regards dry skin, nails etc. Have bought a wig and lots of lovely scarves and hats so just trying to be prepare as much as I can beforehand. Thank you.x
Hello!
I am just about to have my 7th cycle of docetaxal, herceptin and perjeta. Everyone is different but the side effects for me haven’t been too awful (have also been assured that the side effects I have had are from the docetaxal so when that bit is over it should all be so much easier to bear)! I lost my hair pretty quickly but my eyelashes and eyebrows have held in there - a bit thinner but not awful! I use Bare Minerals eyebrow powder which I think is far more natural looking than using pencils. Have also been using Nettle and Zinc Scalp Cream which is lovely and soothng especially when you are wearing wigs alot! My nails haven’t been too bad either - I have been using a nail strengthener all the way through so whether this has helped I don’t know. I am on prescribed Vitamin D and Calcium tablets so this probably has more to do with it. My skin was a bit dry to start off with but I just slapped some Liz Earle moisturiser on my face and it helped - I have also started eating alot of almonds which have a lot of good properties in them for skin!
I hope some of this helps - my hospital has ‘Look Good Feel Better’ sessions which I have heard offer good advice and tips. There might be something similar where you are?
Best of luck wth your treatment - hope its the miracle combination for you!