Charlotte, I know when I first started on herceptin I had a few problems...but the longer I've been on it...I noticed nothing now. But the first month I was on herceptin...it was my 3rd weekly infusion of herceptin and my onc decided "less was more", and decided to give me the herceptin *without* the benedryl, and for some reason I had problems. Had some serious wheezing going on and tightness in my chest. So after that I have always requested the benedryl which I really wish I didn't have to take. But I am at the end of my year and I swear...I can't even tell I've had herceptin after my infusion? I don't even have the runny nose now. Its like my body has adjusted to it. (That or they have water in my bag.) lol
The main side affects I use to deal with was on the first day of infusion. Even with the tylenol I would get a bad headache and feel a touch nauseated. Not bad though..very minor. The main thing was how extremely *tired* I would feel the day of. But the next day I was pretty much back to normal other then sometimes an on-going headache and runny nose. (Drip, drip, drip.)
I have NO idea if it helps, but as already mentioned. I personally get my infusion drawn out. If its weekly I have my nurse give it to me a touch over 30 minutes...and if its the 3 week dose, I do 90 minutes. I don't know if that helps or makes a difference...but so far I've been fine. (knock wood.) I hope in time things work out so you can have it.
Chelee
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DX: 12-20-05 - Stage IIIA, Her2/Neu, 3+++,Er & Pr weakly positive, 5 of 16 pos nodes.
Rt. MRM on 1-3-06 -- No Rads due to compromised lungs.
Chemo started 2-7-06 -- TCH - - Finished 6-12-06
Finished yr of wkly herceptin 3-19-07
3-15-07 Lt side prophylactic simple mastectomy. -- Ooph 4-05-07
9-21-09 PET/CT "Recurrence" to Rt. axllia, Rt. femur, ilium. Possible Sacrum & liver? Now stage IV.
9-28-09 Loading dose of Herceptin & started Zometa
9-29-09 Power Port Placement
10-24-09 Mass 6.4 x 4.7 cm on Rt. femur head.
11-19-09 RT. Femur surgery - Rod placed
12-7-09 Navelbine added to Herceptin/Zometa.
3-23-10 Ten days of rads to RT femur. Completed.
4-05-10 Quit Navelbine--Herceptin/Zometa alone.
5-4-10 Appt. with Dr. Slamon to see what is next? Waiting on FISH results from femur biopsy.
Results to FISH was unsuccessful--this happens less then 2% of the time.
7-7-10 Recurrence to RT axilla again. Back to UCLA for options.
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