shortness of breath with Tykerb

[Trish]

I had Tykerb( 5 daily) in combination with Xeloda (4 daily I think) and the side effects (vomiting diahoerrea, mouth ulcers) were so severe I was hospitalised twice with dehydration. I had to stop for a few days each time. It had a very good effect on my liver mets so I resumed at a lower dose (3 /day of Tykerb and 3 /Xeloda). It was still effective for a good while. I am now back on Tykerb (combination below) but only ever take 3/ day and have a few says off every couple of weeks as I get broken skin and very dry eyes, sometimes hand/foot syndrome. It is worth persisting with Tykerb at lower doses if it is having the desired effect on the cancer. I hope your sister is going well, she is lucky to have you on her team,
Trish

[Estelle]

I had pretty bad shortness of breath when on Tykerb/Taxol. I was in a clinical trial for taking Tykerb instead of Herceptin in the adjuvant setting (Stage III). It immediately affected by voice, (think raspy like the Godfather), and eventually made me so short of breath that I could not climb a flight of stairs without gasping. I also was very dried out, and developed almost unquenchable thirst. After 6 weeks, I got double pneumonia. All symtoms went away once I dropped tykerb and started on herceptin/taxol. Since I could not tolorate it at the recommended dose for a herceptin substitute I was then given a full year of herceptin. Hope this information helps you.

Estelle

[pamuk]

Thank you so much for your responses. Sadly my sister passed on June 10th. May I wish you all the very best. I am in awe of the courage and dignity that I have found in this community.