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Done with Herceptin
Hello All:
I finished Herceptin mid-April. My course of events was: Aug/04 diagnosed with Stage 2B bc her2/neu+++ er/pr-. Had double mastectomy with reconstruction, 4 cycles AC, 12 weekly taxols, herceptin every other week for 1 year.
Major side-effects:
Extreme shortness of breath (right heart congestive heart failure)
Joint pain
Drippy nose
Crummy nails
Very fatigued (although could be from heart meds)
The CHF is the most troubling. I was never at all depressed during surgery, chemo, etc. It all seemed very transient. CHF, however, seems like it could be more permanent. I think it's been a slight bit better than last few weeks. Therefore, I believe it was from the Herceptin, even though it is right side and not left side. My cardio & pulmonologist tell me they've never seen right side without left side with my particular characteristics. Called Genentech and they took a report.
At about 8 weeks out, my nails are a little better, my nose does not run, my hands don't hurt quite as much. Energy still stinks -- but it's probably heart related.
I had a birthday/end of treatment party last week. We had a wig burning ceremony!
Good luck to all. I let you know if all of these side-effects get better.
Judy
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