Herceptin - does the length of actual infusion change side effects?

[Erin]

Hello Everyone,
My sister-in-law, who is NED seven years after being dx with stage 3 bc (Yay!), keeps in touch with some of her chemo friends. Recently someone told her that increasing the length of the actual infusion could help reduce the side effects experienced. Not just the immediate side effects, but the ones many of us get for the entire time between infusions. She was not HER2 + so has no personal experience, just comments from friends. I have searced this site, but have not been able to find any threads on this issue specifically. Anyone out there have any comments?

thanks!

[Mary Anne in TX]

Hi Erin! I don't know what the real benefits are, but because I had a reaction to Taxol early on in treatment, they give all my infusions slowly. Takes longer, but I don't seem to have reactions or side effects, except the super tireds!!!!!

[Bev]

Hi Erin.

I went from 90 to 30 minutes at about 6 months and didn't really notice any change. Mostly diarhea and runny nose for both speeds. If you feel wierd during a transfusion, ask them to slow it down. I did ask during Taxol for a slowdown as I felt woozy. The nurses should honor your request.

So on Herceptin only, I did not see a difference, immediate side effects or otherwise. I was worried though.

Best wishes, BB

[jessica]

Hey Erin~
Funny you should mention this...Way back when I was first dx'd, first time NED & on Herceptin solo, I was always told that whether you're on qweekly or q3week Herceptin, the infusion time was 30 mins.
With the "Fast," q3week schedule/30min infusion, I always experienced flu'ish symptoms w/in an hour after my infusion. Taking a couple Tylenol immediately after helped, BUT I'd still have a lot of major stiffness-all over, especially cervical & lumbar spine-for about 21/2 weeks.The symptoms would subside just in time for my next dose. I eventually went back to the weekly dose & managed much better.
I switched oncs & went back to the q3week dose. At this new facility their policy is a 90min infusion. I kicked & screamed to get them to run the infusion faster, but to no avail. HOWEVER, I have noticed w/the longer infusion time, I'm not nearly as achey & sore & stiff as I was with the fast infusion! I used to think that it was just a matter of my body getting used to the side effects.
When I went home (to Hawaii) for Thanksgiving, I got my Herceptin @a local hospital & they ran the q3week dose in 30 mins...and I was flu'ey, achey,stiff & sore again for the next 21/2.
So now I don't argue w/the Rn's to run my infusion faster. I just suck it up, bring an extra magazine & extra money for parking!
Curious to hear what everyone else's experiences are...

Keep the Faith~

[Erin]

Thanks for the info. I am also planning on talking to my onc and the chemo nurses for their antecdotal experiences. I'll post when I get more feedback from them.