Navigating Enhertu: My Journey, Side Effects, and Lessons Learned

In 2024, my doctors changed my cancer regimen. My health declined, and I needed to change my chemo drug from Ibrance^® to something else. I had some issues with my liver, and once my liver was behaving somewhat normally, I was back on chemo. Enhertu^® was chosen because of its efficacy and how quickly it can potentially work in situations like these.

Finding support in the community

Living with cancer can mean being quite visible on social media platforms. This comes with making a lot of friends in the community who also have cancer. Many of them are on the same drug as I am. It helps to have that support, and I’ve learned a lot not only through them, but also by being on this chemo. I hope I have shared some solid advice while being on this drug as well, which I’m sure has been helpful to them.

Preparing for my clinic visit

Being on Enhertu^® means being in the clinic more often. I love my clinic, so it’s not too terrible of a thing for me. Being in the infusion chair, however, is not something I have done in quite some time. My wife got me some things to pack in my chemo bag:

• A rechargeable hand warmer to help warm up my veins (since I do not have a port)
• Headphones to watch a show or movie
• My Kindle for reading
• A little stuffed dinosaur named Douglas

Managing common side effects

On Ibrance^®, I was lucky not to have many side effects. Enhertu^® has been a different story. It’s gotten a little bit better as I continue infusions, but some have been smooth, and some have been… not so smooth. Nausea is a side effect that is pretty consistent. Having drugs on hand for that has been key to getting through those tough days.

Staying hydrated and rested

I also really like a cold, crispy Sprite instead of ginger ale. I find that staying hydrated has been tougher, so I make sure to keep an electrolyte drink on hand as well. Fatigue has been a heavy hitter, so I rest often with cozy blankets and good shows.

Digestive issues

Tummy troubles have been really hard to manage on Enhertu^®. At first, it was constipation. I had quite a few OTC remedies for that, and it finally evened out. Now, it has been diarrhea. I’m figuring out what works for me and what certainly doesn’t. Now I’m on the opposite side of OTC remedies. It’s been very touch-and-go. Everyone has their own way of dealing with these issues, so it’s really just about what works best for you.

Sharing your feedback

This has been my experience with Enhertu^®. I’m going into my 6th round, and I hope it goes smoothly. If you are on this chemo, what has been working and what has not been working for you? I’m sure people going through this would love any and all feedback they can get!