Swelling and pitting from Herceptin?

[valdese]

Hello, I am new to this site.

Has anyone experienced adverse effects from Herceptin. I've been taking it for several months. In Dec. of '06 I came down with a fever of 103 and was put in the hospital for 2 weeks. Dx was mastitis from radiation tx. I received antibiotics for a horribly swollen and hot breast. The same issue presented again the day after New Years but without fever this time. Back in the hosptial with same tx. In for a week this time. Mind you during this time Herceptin was stopped. Doing fine now and resumed herceptin but last week noticed warm breast again with swelling and pitting this time. Told onc yesterday before tx, he says does not believe its recurrance since they ruled it out in Jan after stay in hospital. Maybe due to herceptin. Put me on lasix for a few days to see if any relief. Am I paranoid?

[Emelie]

Sorry to see another women on the website, but welcome to the place where I am fortunate enough to get honest information and a tons of support from women just like me. The first time I had a Herceptin treatment I developed a skin infection in the breast the next day. The breast was swollen, very red, and hot to touch. I got antibiotics and the symptons went away in a day or two. That is the only time I had that reaction. If you do a "Search" for Herceptin on this website you will see many, many posts regarding Herceptin side effects.
Good luck with your next treatment!
Emelie

[JEANB]

I don't blame you for feeling paranoid. Your symptoms of warm, swollen and pitted breast(peau d'orange) are classic symptoms of Inflammatory Breast Cancer. Promptly follow up with your doctor if symptoms do not improve.

God Bless,

Jean