I was diagnosed with a 7mm Her 2 positive cancer in my left breast and also in one of my lymph nodes in February this year. I had two magseeds injected into both areas of cancer to guide any future observations.
I was completed 4 cycles of Docetaxel and have been having 3 weekly Phesgo injections since April which will continue until next April. In June I was told, following an ultrasound scan, that I had had a complete radiological response (the cancer had shrunk to nothing). I was scheduled for surgery to remove any cells around both the magseeds which I had end of July.
I have now been told that in fact, during surgery they tested the original cancerous lymph node, and because it still had residue cancer (microscopic) they had to go ahead and remove all the lymph nodes. They also had to remove a 10mm cancer from my breast. This has come as quite a shock as you can imagine. When I questioned the USS results, I was told ‘ultrasound scans are only 70% effective’. (?) When I said ‘if it started at 7mm, and now, even after all this treatment, it is 10mm - does that mean the treatment has not worked?’ I was told ‘well, we don’t know for sure… the original cancer could have been larger than 10mm but not picked up properly on the scan…’ To say I am shocked, confused and upset is an understatement.
I have now been offered 14 cycles of Kadcylca instead of Phesgo, but the consultant said it’s not a hard and fast change - I can decide, as he would also be happy if I just stayed on Phesgo, so the choice is mine…!
Has anyone been in a similar position? Obviously 3 weekly (10 minute) injections of Phesgo for 7 more months, compared to intravenous infusions for about 9 or 10 months would be preferable, but I’m not sure its worked so far anyway. Does Kadcycla give hair loss as per Docetaxel? Having just started getting a decent covering of hair again, I’m not sure I’d like to start all over again… I just don’t know what to do or which way to go. Any thoughts and advice appreciated. Many thanks.