[Jean]

HI Melinda,

I had the same treatment TCH....
It went very well and I was able to work and function pretty well.
Of course there were side effects but doable. Of course I took
Emend for the nausea....a must! Take your nausea meds even if
you don't feel you need them. It can sneak up on you and then
it is too late. You want to stay ahead of that. There is fatigue
I found that the day of treatment went well...then about two days
later it hits. Therefore I always had my treatments on Thur.
was able to work on Friday and then rested (needed too) on Sat.
Sun. if I was feeling exhausted I could take Monday also.
But by Tues. I was feeling better. The pre- meds are the hardest.
You will more than likely need the Neulasta and Procrit I had both.
There can be some kick back from the Neulasta but I just took
alieve and it worked fine along with the resting. (There can be
some bone discomfort) I had made up mind to embrace the treatment
and I do think that is half the battle. Your state of mind is very
important during treatment. I did lots of things for myself to keep
my spirits up and positive. Yes - you will loose your hair - not a major
deal in all of this when you consider that your taking drugs
to kill this devil. I could not stand my hair falling out in batches, so
I did the GI Jane look right away after it started to fall out. It was
much easier for me that way I had my wig ready -
For me and others you more than likly will get a metal type of taste
after treatment and it effects your taste buds for
days. Certain foods will taste bad and strange. It is different for
everyone. Ice-cream for me was perfect - it was cold and did not
have a sour or metal taste. I also enjoyed iced-coffee which did not
leave an after taste. Try to eat yogurt during treatment. It is important to be hydrated prior and during treatment so drink generous amounts of water during treatment to flush your system.

Just take one step at a time....and remember you are not alone.
Do comfort things for yourself.. I would take nice long warm baths
and curl up in a very soft terry robe and my husband would give
me back messages and foot messages....what ever works to make you
feel better.

If you have more questions or just want to chat you can e mail
me.......you will get through it! I now have 4 more herceptin treatments
to complete my year....I can't beleive how the time has passed.
It all seems so over the top when you have to begin. Just think of
it in small sections and one step at a time.

Sending you all good wishes,
Jean