Side effects of Perjeta?

[urthmothr]

I'm trying to find a source that separates the side effects of Perjeta from those of Taxol. I am 75 years old and was moderately active before the double whammy of chemo and COVID isolation. A year ago, I completed a 12-week regimen of Taxol, Herceptin, and Perjeta, which stopped my cancer. Since then, I've been on a maintenance routine of Herceptin and Perjeta. I'm disappointed that my energy is not returning, even though my "pre-existing conditions" are under control, and I've come out of my COVID shell (even more so, since I've been inoculated). I'm driving locally, and pacing myself so I don't get over-tired. My oncologist doesn't think my fatigue is related to my cancer treatment. I've heard from people who have bounced back while on my regimen, but they might be younger or have been more active before their cancer diagnosis. The only side effect of Perjeta which is a concern for the doctor is my heart, and it's doing fine. Anyone else my age on H&P, having trouble getting back to their pre-cancer activities?

[Staysha]

Hi,

I’m on herceptin and perjeta. I’ve had 37 rounds of it with taxotere with the 1st 8 rounds. I might be a little more tired than before cancer but I’ve been through a lot since then. I really don’t have any side effects from this combo. My heart is doing fine also. I think it’s herceptin that affects the heart more than perjeta. I’m sorry you’re not feeling back to your old self. Maybe you haven’t gotten over the taxol yet. I’m 53 by the way and like to be around lakes, oceans, and pools. I’m fairly active but no athlete by any means. Haha. I hope this helps you.

Best wishes,

Stacy

[EZSZ in reply to Staysha]

Hi. I'm 64, finished chemo over 2 months ago and am currently on Herceptin Perjeta. I too have less energy now that I had before the chemo. I think that it takes time to recover. I am not even NED yet, are you? Still have some pain in the chest (affected area) where, apparently, the area is still delicate.So I sleep more. It's a good think for me, gives the body a chance to recover. I have a friend who receives Herceptin only, and she too is very low energy, she is 56. Just let yourself be.

[urthmothr in reply to EZSZ]

I think I would be classified as "no new evidence," because I still have inflammation from crushed vertebrae which may not be cancer related. I get pain in my ribs (not my back) from the pinched nerves. My lymph node has been negative ever since I completed Taxol.

[mariootsi]

I had trouble bouncing back from Taxol during my initial dx. It took a very long time... over a year! That may be the cause of your issues.

[urthmothr]

My oncologist put in his notes that he authorized a 6 month handicapped parking pass because of "deconditioning. from past cancer therapy", and listed contributing symptoms not related to cancer. he just doesn't think my fatigue is related to my current therapy.

[Thatflowerlady]

Hi Urthmothr I’am on herceptin and perjeta after 12 treatments of Taxol . I am 57 years old . I had been experiencing fatigue for about12 weeks after last Taxol treatment while on perjeta & herceptin It is starting to get better which gives me hope . I usually try to accomplish something and then lay down for a few minutes and the do another job / task .

Everyone is so different and our bodies react differently .

Please be kind to yourself and rest when you need to so you can enjoy fun things

Has your dr ordered blood work recently ?

Luann

[urthmothr in reply to Thatflowerlady]

My bloodwork is all good, Thank Goodness!

[Thatflowerlady]

I understand your frustration, I was a busy person & it is hard to accept that i can’t do what i used to do .