weak nails, headaches

[patti]

I was dx w/breast cancer 9/03, her2neu+++,er+/pr+, treated with AC/cytoxin followed by taxol for a total of 16 wks. I then had radiation and started on tamoxifen. In June of 05 I was dx w/bone mets to L1. I was then started on Herceptin and arredia after a bout of radiation to my lower spine. Last November my onc changed the arredia to zometa, and I have noticed in the last couple of months that my nails are very weak and tear easily. Does anyone else have that problem? I was also started on Femara last July since the tamoxifen did not seem to work. I started drinking Green tea in the last couple of months and have been having significant headaches. I know its not brain mets because I just had an MRI of my head and it was ok. Does anyone get headaches from green tea? I also wanted to try the COQ10 but was getting a headache from that. Any suggestions?

[mts]

I have gone from the most enviable nails to brittle and thin nails too... I am only taking Herceptin. Been on it since July 05 and they did not start getting brittle until January 06.
Headaches come and go for me too, but Tylenol takes care of that.

Maria

[Unregistered]

Maria:

Since beginning Herceptin my nails too are week, ragged looking and always breaking. My headaches are mild and usually last the first three to four days after my infusion. I do have sinus problems but all these are typical with Herceptin. I also have low red and white blood counts which occurs with only two or three percent of Herceptin patients. But all in all it is worth it.

Barbara

[lisajones4]

Hi Maria. I have just finished my 3rd of 12 weekly taxol/herceptin infusions. I have very brittle nails and have headaches that come and go. It seems like it might have to do with the Herceptin. Hope you are feeling better!

[Gina]

for the brittle or breaking nails...start out with 300mg of PLAIN magnesium orotate or oxide taken in the evening with dinner...this will also ease headaches and lessen heart woes while on herceptin. Up to 1600mg per day of plain magnesium is very safe, fyi. YOu can tell if you are taking too much if you are getting sleepy. That is why it is best to take it in the evening...it will relax you and help you to drift off into a deep, long sleep, which is so important while on herceptin or any treatment for that matter...hope this helps, Gina