TNBC
My mom (51F) was recently diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. Her biopsy showed ER negative and HER2-low (1+). Doctors are treating it similar to aggressive TNBC behavior. PET scan showed spread to brain, lymph nodes, bones, lungs, liver and adrenal glands.
She completed whole brain radiation recently and actually improved a lot after it. Earlier she had vomiting, dizziness, speech issues and confusion, but now she is more stable and talking normally most of the time.
She just received her first chemotherapy cycle:
- Paclitaxel + Carboplatin
- WBC growth factor injection after chemo
Right now after first chemo she is experiencing:
- loss of appetite
- vomiting/nausea
- tiredness
- weakness
- occasional memory issues/brain fog
- emotional outbursts/anger some days (possibly from steroids/radiation stress)
But some days she becomes completely normal again and even forgets the angry episodes from previous day.
Doctors also suggested repeat biopsy and PD-L1 testing for further treatment planning.
I wanted to ask:
- Did anyone see improvement after first few chemo cycles in similar HER2-low/TNBC metastatic cases?
- How long did chemo side effects last after first cycle?
- Did brain radiation-related emotional changes improve over time?
- Any tips for appetite/nutrition during chemo?
- Has anyone with HER2-low metastatic disease responded well long term?
Would really appreciate hearing experiences from patients/caregivers. This has been emotionally overwhelming for our family.