Side effects

This was supposed to be my second post. Then things just precipitate, and other experiences became more urgent to pen down.

In the meeting where I first got the cancer diagnosis confirmation (on 30.01.26), the doctor gave me three information pamphlets.

The first one was information to patients at the Kreftklinikken (Cancer Clinic), specifically related to breast cancer. The pamphlet had a QR code that directed to a site with resources and on the theme of breast cancer. These are multiple options, such as courses, support groups, financial support, physical rehabilitation, etc. From the cancer association, multiple cancer support centres, the municipality and other organisations.

It feels good to have so many resources to choose from. But it also feels a bit overwhelming.

The second pamphlet was information about the chemo, in my case, Docetaxel (Taxotere).

This pamphlet provides information about this medicine. It can be taken in combination with other medications. It then covers the preparation of the treatment. 

This includes the period between cycles (in my case, every 3 weeks) and the medicine that I need to take before the treatment (Dexamethasone) to prevent allergic reactions.

It also explains that Docetaxel is administered via an intravenous drip and that the treatment takes an hour.

The rest of the pamphlet is the description of the side effects, which are:

Allergic reaction, effects on the bone marrow (reduction of production of blood cells) - they were particularly insistent to look out for symptoms like 38 degrees, chills or limpness - hair loss, joint and muscle pains, mouth ulcers, skin reactions and nail changes, peripheral neuropathy (numbness of the extremities), water retention, diarrhoea,  and nausea.

The doctor who saw me in the preparatory session prior to the first round of treatment, who is originally from the UK, while going over the symptoms, said that the Norwegian word for chemo (sellgift, i.e., poisoning of the cells) was the more correct term.

The third pamphlet was about Phesgo. It explains that this medicine includes the antibodies pertuzumab and trastuzumab, which bind to the HER2 protein on cancer cells, blocking their reproduction and preventing the tumour from growing. 

The preparation is an ECG of the heart (echo). The treatment is an injection in the thigh. It is given over 8 minutes the first time and 5 minutes in the subsequent times. It requires 30 minutes of observation for symptoms the first time and 15 minutes for subsequent times.

When given simultaneously, Phesgo is given before the chemo drip. The period between treatments is 3 weeks. The number of treatments will depend on the disease's progression.

The rest of the pamphlet then goes into the side effects. Most of them are the same as the chemo side effects. The ones that are different are effects on the heart (it will be regularly monitored), rash, abdominal pain, constipation, loss of appetite, weakness, and sleep problems. 

Also, pregnancy should be avoided for up to 7 months after the end of this treatment. I don't think this will be an issue.

The list of side effects was repeated at the preparatory session with the UK doctor and during the first treatment-round session.

I was prescribed medication to counter most of the side effects. The amount of medicine seemed exaggerated. After the treatment, when symptoms appeared one by one, I found out that it wasn't nearly enough. But that is for another post...

The picture includes the medicine I have to take for the cancer and the medicine (supplements) I was already taking. I feel like a mobile pharmacy, and the picture doesn't even include the medication that is not mandatory. To be taken only if I get specific side effects...