Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Seek emergency help for:
Severe difficulty breathing, chest pain, fainting, or blue-grey lips
Sudden facial drooping, one-sided weakness, speech difficulty, or confusion
A seizure, loss of consciousness, or a sudden severe headache
Rapid swelling of the face or throat after treatment
Heavy bleeding that does not stop
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Do not wait for routine screening if you notice a new symptom.
During treatment, contact your cancer team promptly about fever or signs of infection, repeated vomiting, severe diarrhoea, worsening pain, dehydration, or side effects that stop you eating, drinking, sleeping, or completing normal activities.
A new or worsening cough or breathlessness during HER2-targeted treatment needs urgent assessment because it could reflect lung inflammation, infection, a blood clot, or another problem.
These symptoms do not always mean the cancer has worsened, but they should not wait for a routine appointment.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine medical assessment for a new breast lump, nipple change, skin change, or persistent swelling in the breast or armpit.
And for anyone, someone who:
has noticed a lump, a mole that has changed, or unexplained weight loss
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Her2-positive breast cancer. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.