HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post - Please post your two cents on Herceptin "side effects" real or perceived!

Andrea Barnett Budin · 09-26-2007, 05:53 PM

The lingering effects of chemo can last up to a yr or more. The stress from the dx and tx impacts us often after the dust settles. What you are experiencing is *normal* for what you have been through, Jamie. I've been on Herceptin since '98 and fatigue is a reality for me. You can read my experience below. I have good days, and bad. I have good hrs and bad. I have peaks that last for a while, and I get suckered into thinking, I'm sailing smooth finally and then, I fall into a valley for a while. It's the new normal. But each day is a divine gift and I appreciate and revel in each one. I do my best every day. And every day, your best changes. I accept this as my new truth and I work with it, as best I can. Be good to yourself. Be patient with yourself. Sounds like you're doing everything right.

If you can, try to post your signature w/details. It helps for all of us to understand exactly where you are in the scheme of things. It doesn't matter what stage you are -- you are a Sister, welcome and accepted and supported here...
With love, Andi

09-26-2007, 05:53 PM	#277
Andrea Barnett Budin Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: LAND OF YES! w/home in Boca Raton, Florida Orig from L.I., N.Y. Ever hovering IN THE NOW... Posts: 1,904	For Jamie The lingering effects of chemo can last up to a yr or more. The stress from the dx and tx impacts us often after the dust settles. What you are experiencing is normal for what you have been through, Jamie. I've been on Herceptin since '98 and fatigue is a reality for me. You can read my experience below. I have good days, and bad. I have good hrs and bad. I have peaks that last for a while, and I get suckered into thinking, I'm sailing smooth finally and then, I fall into a valley for a while. It's the new normal. But each day is a divine gift and I appreciate and revel in each one. I do my best every day. And every day, your best changes. I accept this as my new truth and I work with it, as best I can. Be good to yourself. Be patient with yourself. Sounds like you're doing everything right. If you can, try to post your signature w/details. It helps for all of us to understand exactly where you are in the scheme of things. It doesn't matter what stage you are -- you are a Sister, welcome and accepted and supported here... With love, Andi __________________ Andi BB '95 post-meno dx Invasive LOBULAR w/9cm tumor! YIKES + 2/21 nodes. Clear mammo 10 mnths earlier. Mastec/tram flap reconst/PORT/8 mnths chemo (4Adria/8CMF). Borderline ER/PR. Tamoxifen 2 yrs. Felt BLESSED. I could walk and talk, feed and bathe myself! I KNEW I would survive... '98 -- multiple mets to liver. HER2+ 80%. ER/PR- Raging, highly aggressive tumors spreading fast. New PORT. 9 mnths Taxotere Fought fire w/fire! Pronounced in cautious remission 5/99. Taxotere weekly for 6 wks, 2 wks off -- for 9 mnths. TALK ABOUT GRUELING! (I believe they've altered that protocol since those days -- sure hope so!!) + good old Vit H wkly for 1st 3 yrs, then triple dosage ev 3 wks for 7 yrs more... The "easy" chemo, right?! Not a walk in the park, but not a freight train coming at 'ya either... Added Herceptin Nov '98 (6 wks after FDA fast-tracked it for met bc). Stayed w/Vit H till July '08! Now I AM FREE! Humbly and eternally grateful for this life-saving drug! NED since '99 and planning on keeping it that way. To hell w/poor prognosis and nasty stats! STOPPED VIT H JULY '08...! REMAIN STABLE... Eternally grateful...Yes is a world & in this world of yes live (skillfully curled) all worlds ... (e e cummings) EVERY DAY I BEAT MY PREVIOUS RECORD FOR # OF CONSECUTIVE DAYS I'VE STAYED ALIVE. Smile KNOWING you too can be a miracle. Up to me and God now...