My first breast treatment upon being diagnosed with Her2+ HR- Metastatic breast cancer was Taxol, Herceptin, and Perjeta. I Had a severe anaphylactic reaction to Taxol during my first treatment, but I was fine during subsequent treatments after increasing my pre-meds. My biggest side effects were a rash, nausea, and peripheral neuropathy.
Taxol (Paclitaxel) is a chemo in the Taxane family. It interferes with the ability of cancer cells to divide. The drug contains solvents to help it enter the bloodstream, which can make it difficult to tolerate, so pre-meds are usually given to prevent adverse reactions.
Side Effects:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Peripheral Neuropathy
- Hair Loss
- Mouth Sores
- Low white Blood Cell Count
- Allergic Reaction
Herceptin (Trastuzumab) is a Her2 inhibitor targeted therapy. Herceptin is only used in Her2+ breast cancer. It works by blocking the cancer cells from receiving chemical signals that tell the cells to grow.
Side Effects:
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Chills
- Fever
- Heart Problems (must have an echocardiogram every 3 months)
- Infection
- rash
Perjeta (Pertuzumab) is another anti-Her2 medication. It is used with Herceptin.
Side Effects:
- Heart Problems (must have an echocardiogram every 3 months)
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Headache
- Low Red Blood Cells
- Low Platelet Count
- Mouth sores
- Nausea
- Muscle Paon
- Weakness
- Numbness and Tingling in Hands and Feet
