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Re: lingering side effects after finishing herceptin
Something that I found very interesting is that while I was on chemo the arthritis symptoms I had prior to the treatment had gone away. I wasn't really aware of it until I went off treatment and the pain came back but more intense. I asked my onc about it and he said the chemo is sometimes used to treat severe arthritis and that when the chemo is stopped the arthritis will often come back at a more intense level. I have certainly discovered that this is true for me.
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Diagnosed June, 2006 HER2+++, ER- PR-, Grade 3, Stage IIB. Modified radical mastectomy, radiation, chemo, Herceptin, Tykerb 1 year. [*]In remission until 2/2010. Small tumor detected on chest wall during routine scan. 2/2010 surgery to remove tumor, started Herceptin/Tykerb, follow up radiation. [*]12/26/2010 - Off Tykerb due to allergic reaction[*]12/16/2014 - Have continued on Herception for almost 5 years now and remain NED. Discussion with onc re adding Perjeta to the Herceptin as another way of preventing recurrence. Still in discussion phase. 12/26/14 Onc applying for approval for Perjeta.
Perjeta approved and I received one infusion. It had an immediate impact to my lungs and I experienced difficulty breathing so.....I'm going to be sticking with just Herceptin. Still looking for a good vaccine program to enroll in.
Debbie K
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