First Herceptin on 11/27

SusanV · 11-18-2006, 09:06 PM

Hello Everyone !!!

Monday the 27th, I will be receiving my first infusion of Herceptin, and I am nervous ! I am not sure what to expect the first time, but I am hoping that it is not a problem.

Any advice for things to do ahead of time ? Or any stories to share about your first infusion of herceptin ?

Happy Thanksgiving to ALL

saleboat · 11-18-2006, 09:52 PM

Hi Susan,

I think you'll find Herceptin pretty uneventful. I had mine along with Taxol, so I'm sure I noticed the Taxol more than the Herceptin. The main side-effect that I had with Herceptin is a runny nose. I finished a year of H in July, and my runny nose has stopped.

Are you on a hormonal treatment too? Tamox or an AI, plus Herceptin, is a great combination.

Jen

momdeeco · 11-18-2006, 10:39 PM

Susan,

I've only had 2 doses of Herceptin, but so far I am feeling really good. With the first dose I was really tired, had a headache, and slight nausea for about 16 hours. However, the 2nd dose went great. (First dose could have been stressed related!) I took 3 ibuprofen about an hour before my appointment. That evening I went grocery shopping and the next morning worked out at the gym. I do have a runny nose, but also have allergies, so not sure what to make of that yet. Good luck on the 27th!

Sheila · 11-19-2006, 05:45 AM

Susan
I have been on Herceptin over 3 years...the first infusion takes the logest as they have to run it slower and give a larger loading dose....I had no pre meds, I did feel achey after the first...kind of flu like achiness...since then only the runny nose and watery eyes...it is a breeze. I have never had nausea, or anything but the achey feeling the first time.

kari · 11-19-2006, 08:36 AM

Hi Susan,
Just had my first Herceptin the 16th. The only pre-med my onc ordered was 650 mg Tylenol (for fever, aches or whatever, I assume). The infusion started at 11am, we watched for any adverse reaction (chest pain, difficulty breathing, etc), I dozed a while, and by 12:30 I was finished & having lunch. Didn't experience chills, or aches or anything like that. Had to wait 60 min post-treatment. I found I was tired afterwards--fell asleep on the sofa by 9pm. The only thing I felt when I went to bed was kind of "woozy", like light-headed or dizzy. OK by the next day. I do feel stiff joints and sometimes my knees and feet hurt, but I think that may still be from the Taxol. No runny nose (yet).
Hopefully you will sail right through. Good luck.
Take care,
Karen

The Good Lord gave us mountains, so we could learn how to climb!

SusanV · 11-19-2006, 01:29 PM

Ok, breathing easier now...thank you for all of your posts. It is the greatest source of reassurance when I need it to seek out your advice and thoughts.

Love to all of You

rinaina · 11-19-2006, 07:38 PM

I have been getting herceptin since late August and my first one as well as the others that followed went fine with no reactions whatsoever. I did get some headaches following each treatment but nothing terrible and just plain old tylenol took care of them. Had Benedryl along with the first dose of herceptin in case of a reaction but had none. Good luck and hope it goes as well for you as it is for me. My only problem so far has been swollen ankles so onc put me on a diuretic and that took care of that problem. All the best to you.

Barbara2 · 11-19-2006, 08:32 PM

I had a very tough time with chemo, so weekly herceptin seemed mild.
I didn't experience much fatigue.

After several treatments, I decided to decline the offer of Benedryl as it really makes me sleepy. In time, I declined the Tylenol, too. Figured why take it if I don't need it.

Thankfully, the first treatment was uneventful. You'll do fine, too.

chrislmelb · 11-19-2006, 10:29 PM

and i found it such a breeze. I went in expecting the worst but jumped out of my chair feeling no ill effects. I had no meds at all with it. But people do have reactions.

All the best

Christine

SusanV · 11-28-2006, 02:16 PM

Hey Guys,

Just wanted to update you that the First Herceptin went without any complications !! No problems at all. It was a breeze ! A few chills the last half hour, nothing a few tylenol couldn't handle.

Now, on the other hand, later that day I went in for my preliminary CT Scan and markings for radiation. YOWZA !!! Did the little tattoos Hurt ! Whoa... Glad that part is over.

LOVE TO ALL

rinaina · 11-28-2006, 02:22 PM

So glad all went well with your first herceptin. As for the mapping for radiation....the things no one tells you. I too found that little tattooing painful but thankfully it only lasted for a few seconds. A minor detail no one ever mentioned to me either. I haven't had much trouble at all with herceptin, a bit of fatigue and a few headaches right after treatment but all manageable. Good lluck with the rest of the treatments.

VirginiaGirl · 11-29-2006, 04:57 AM

Susan, glad your first Herceptin went well. I, too, have had very little trouble from the 3 txs I've received so far. Best of luck!