Re: Herceptin and leg and joint pains
 

Hi everyone,
I just had my ck up mammo and it looks clear. Thank God. I have had an issue perhaps I could have some feed back. I finished chemo 12/10 and radiation 3/11. I still have 3 more herceptin treatments. I've gained 20 lbs since I started herceptin last year. I've been going to the gym 3-4 x a wk since 2/11 w/ a personal trainer every 4 wks. I still do small portioned meals consisting of veggies, fruit, chicken and fish. No junk, processed, sugary foods. All the doctors deny herceptin as the reason. From the time I get up in the morning I'm active until bedtime. I'm feeling like a suma wrestler........Help

Re: Herceptin and leg and joint pains
 

Hi Diane,
Well the very ugly part of treatment TC is behind you.
As Brenda said those are powerful treatments.
It will take time for the drugs to get out of your system
and remember we are all different & special. So maybe your body will take a few extra weeks etc.

I have a question for you...when you were having treatment did you by any chance take yogurt? I would eat 2-3 a day to keep my insides running normal. Never had the problems with GI tract (at least it worked for me).
So maybe now you might want to try eating some yogurt even though you are eating healthy...but something in your diet is causing your GI tract to react the way it is and also the the drugs took their place also...remember all the good bacteria was destroyed also during treatment and this takes time to restore.

For the leg cramps this is what I did and it helped a lot.
I would eleavate my legs on pillows to help with the blood flow. Also - a good message on the calfs and foot would help me also. Warm soothing soaks in the tub at night before bed...along with a heating pad on my legs. It did help.

Ahhh the old runny nose...and the crusty nose.
That is from the herceptin. I had that the entire year of herceptin and long after. What helped the most for me
was neosporin cream - I would rub some inside my nose and the crusty stopped.

If you are not eating brown rice already maybe try that with some steamed veggies for a few days in a row and see results...red meat is a real cause for the runs while on treatment or when not on treatment way too rich.

It does get better and you are over the worst of it.
Herceptin is a cake walk compared to TC.
As far as hair growth...my hair took a while to grow back.
Like I said everyone is different. After TC it took a few months to see a good 2 to 3 in. but it does grow back.

Hope some of the above helps. Best Wishes on finishing the TC....
Jean

Re: Herceptin and leg and joint pains
 

Sept66blue,
Yup those 20 pds...most of us had that too!
It will come off - I found until I was all done with herceptin the weight held on...when my last herceptin treatment then I dropped the 20 pds. It took a few months. Keep doing what your doing - you are so near the finish line.
I am sure once you finish herceptin and work out as you are doing you will see those 20 pd. drop.

Besides you look beautiful in your photo!!!

Best Wishes
Jean

Re: Herceptin and leg and joint pains
 

I lost my finger nails during my TCH tx. Have found calcium suppliments have helped but keep my nails short to prevent breaks. I too have drippy nose from Herceptin, no muscle or joint pain since I finished chemo but I exercise like crazy so I am always sore. No cramping or eye problems.

Re: Herceptin and leg and joint pains
 

My onc told me the watery eyes was due to the Taxotere and should get better 6-8 weeks after treatment. I have seen some improvement (am now almost 6 weeks out from TCH) so am hoping it continues to get better and that it was the culprit more than the Herceptin (will be on that til next Feb.) And I also don't like the red looking eyes...w/ that and the bald head, it's easy to feel rather less than pretty! Stomach issues haven't been too terrible, but I hear you on the being gassy part. Seriously - the things this does to your body is ridiculous. Just happy for some ridiculously good stuff too!

And silly me, I was assuming the runny nose was from having no hair in there to stop the snot! :-) haha

Biggest thing now (besides being so tired all the time, and waiting for hair) is being very eager for the neuropathy to subside.

This getting knocked on your butt business is for the birds. Getting back up is harder than I could ever have imagined and you are right - only those who have been thru chemo can really understand. (I keep reminding myself of that when people say silly things or just don't 'get it')

THank you all for a place to talk and be heard!

Re: Herceptin and leg and joint pains
 

Hi there everyone - I am new here, never posted before. I had FEC-T chemo and started herceptin with my second last taxotere in January. I am receiving herceptin every 21 days until next January. I know I have some lingering chemo and radiation SE's but I am frustrated with the body/joint pain which seems to be increasing gradually with every herceptin cycle. My onc says it's likely my age and my hormones causing it which makes me kind of angry - I'm 48.
I also have the runny nose and soft, peeling nails, and general tiredness.

I will be glad to be done herceptin - yes it's easier than chemo, but the lingering and constant aches really start to get you down.

Re: Herceptin and leg and joint pains
 

Marjie

I finish my herceptin the end of Aug. It seems that these last couple of months have taken forever. I too get the runny nose. Achy joints not so much as I am always sore from my workouts:) Helps hide it I guess. Just know we are all standing behind you, especially those that have finished their treatments. It helps to read about their joy of finishing to help keep that carrot dangeling in front of you. Keep the faith and be patient, hope you start to feel better.

Re: Herceptin and leg and joint pains
 

I haven't noticed the achyness from the Herceptin, but I've been on it almost four years now so maybe my body has adjusted.I do have the runny nose and I'm alittle tired after but I can't complain! Try walking,I get energy when I exercise and that might help the joint pain too! Keep going and don't let it get you down, it takes a while for all the drugs to get out of our systems.IT took me about a year from chemo to feel like myself again!