herceptin cough?

Hi! I am having a continual cough and I'm wondering if I should take something special for it. I've been on herceptin about nine weeks/ weekly- and on xeloda for 3 months. I read that a cough could be a side effect from the herceptin and it could also cause respiratory problems and pleural effusion. Does anyone else have this and can they check your lungs or something? God Bless- Cathy

Dear Cathy,

As everyone responds different to Herceptin and/or chemo, actually no person can tell you if this is a side effect of your treatment.
If your cough is persistent, don't selfdoctor. Call your onc. or your oncology nurse. They will know or find out what's the cause of your trouble and what action to take.

The more people read (as also happend to me) the more you get fixed on possible side effects. Knowledge is good for staying alert, but not for having you worried.

So, if you'r having any physical trouble or complaints that don't go away on short term, call your specialist. (You can NEVER ask stupid questions!)

Good luck and let us know.

Frank