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Old 09-18-2007, 09:08 AM   #1
KCC
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Unhappy Water retention on Herceptin

Does anyone else retain water while on Herceptin? I had my first treatment on Friday and within three days, I gained five pounds. I am very swollen, especially in my stomach. Are there certain foods that I can eat that will releive me of some of this retention? Thanks
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Last edited by KCC; 09-18-2007 at 09:09 AM.. Reason: add smiley face
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Old 10-10-2007, 05:38 PM   #2
cafe1084
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i take an extra 2 fiber capsules with my increased roughage intake. it helps ( some) until you try to stop the capsules, then I'm bloaty again. I've read that others have this problem and doesn't resolve until tx completes, but then it drops off fairly quickly. I find that if my stomach becomes empty, i don't get hunger pangs, but actual nausea and pain. Makes weight loss hard...wish I knew the secret, but if you find it, please share!
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Old 10-11-2007, 05:02 PM   #3
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My feet and ankles were enormous while I was on herceptin. They're back to normal now, so I do think water retention is comment, at least with some women.
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Old 10-11-2007, 05:23 PM   #4
Mgarr
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This happened to me every treatment. It lasted 3-5 days and I just kept drinking my water flushing it through. Good Luck

Mary
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Diagnosed 11/04 @39yrs. young
Stage IIB
2.5 cm, ER/PR- Her+++, grade 3
Partial Mast., 1/3 pos. node
1/05 full node dissection
4 A/C 4 Taxol DD, Herceptin 1 yr.
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Old 10-12-2007, 04:00 AM   #5
dhealey
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This happens to me also for about 3-5 days after treatment. I drink lots of water and stay away from anything with salt in it. I have not gained any weight during treatment, I lost about 25 lbs during chemo and still have alot of nausea and reflux. Hoping this goes away in Jan. when I finish my herceptin treatments.
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Debbie in North Carolina
Diag 10/2006-high grade invasive ductal carcinoma- mastectomy L breast
2.5 cm tumor ER/PR pos-Her2+++
4 rounds A/C, 4 rounds Taxol
Herceptin every 3 weeks until Jan. 2008
6/18/07 prophylatic mastectomy R breast
8/2007 started aromasin/stopped arimidex (side effects)
12/07 stopped aromasin due to side effects (now what?)
Finished herceptin 1/8/08
started tamoxifen for 2 years then will switch to femera
allergic to tamoxifen started femera 4/2008
June 20, 2008 portacath removed
Learnig to live life to the fullest!
Stopped Femera due to side effects
July 28, 2008 start trial for breast cancer vaccine
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Old 10-12-2007, 06:18 AM   #6
caya
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Count me in on the water retention. For me it is mostly in my left leg and ankle. I've had 2 leg ultrasounds to make sure it's not a blood clot (it isn't), just yesterday at my Herceptin infusion the onc. and I discussed this as a side effect, nothing to worry about ... but YUCH, I hate the way it looks.
I take a diuretic to help.

all the best
caya
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ER90%+/PR 50%+/HER 2+
1.7 cm and 1.0 cm.
Stage 1, grade 2, Node Negative (16 nodes tested)
MRM Dec.18/06
3 x FEC, 3 x Taxotere
Herceptin - every 3 weeks for a year, finished May 8/08

Tamoxifen - 2 1/2 years
Femara - Jan. 1, 2010 - July 18, 2012
BRCA1/BRCA2 Negative
Dignosed 10/16/06, age 48 , premenopausal
Mild lymphedema diagnosed June 2009 - breast surgeon and lymph. therapist think it's completely reversible - hope so.
Reclast infusion January 2012
Oopherectomy October 2013
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Old 03-13-2014, 07:24 PM   #7
DogLover
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Re: Water retention on Herceptin

I have a lot of fluid retention. I have swelling in my hands, wrists, face, and my ankles are huge! My eyes are watery because my doctor says the swelling is causing my tear ducts to close. My doctor told me the swelling was due to the Taxotere, but now I am concerned that it may also be from the Herceptin. I finished the Taxotere 4 weeks ago but will be on the Herceptin until October.
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age 60, postmenopausal
8/13 suspicious mammogram, left breast
9/13 core biopsy
9/13 dx invasive ductal carcinoma
9/12/13 lumpectomy with SNB, ER/PR/HER2 +, nodes negative, clear margins, 2 cm tumor, stage 1a, grade 2
10/21/13 port surgically implanted
10/28/13 first chemo today, TCH
3/3/14 Started H alone every three weeks
3/10/14 Started radiation
4/29/14 Completed radiation
10/28/14 Completed Herceptin
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Old 03-19-2014, 03:09 AM   #8
mjm
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Re: Water retention on Herceptin

Mum's onc recommended eating watermelon for the fluid retention (something to do with electrolyte balance I think?). Seems to help, not that we've got anything to compare to as she started this in round 1.
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Old 03-20-2014, 12:20 PM   #9
Smoky
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Re: Water retention on Herceptin

I've had lots of challenges with swelling, especially in my feet. One doc says it's the taxotere & will take months to go away completely, but the herceptin seems to cause a 5 lb gain every 3 weeks, then diuretics to get it off before the next round.
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Old 04-01-2014, 02:07 PM   #10
Carol Ann
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Re: Water retention on Herceptin

I just had my first Herceptin only infusion yesterday and I'm bloated up like a hoptoad today too ... I have Barney Rubble feet for sure. Watermelon isn't in season/available yet, I'll keep drinking lots of water and see if that helps.

Thanks for this thread!

Carol Ann
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July 24, 2013: "Infected" Right Nipple and benign cyst removed, pathology report revealed Paget's, DCIS, and ILC 1.25 cm, ER+/Pro+/HER2 equivocal, Grade 2 under benign cyst, previous diagnostic mammo/ultrasound said I was perfectly healthy in both breasts.

Aug 18, 2013: MRI report says Left breast is perfectly healthy "consistent with previous studies".

Sept 2013: I insist on a bilateral mastectomy anyway. Too nervewracking to let left breast remain with higher risk after 3 cancers in right, nipple in right is already gone anyhow.

Sept 18, 2013: Bilateral mastectomy, 11 right nodes removed, ALL negative BUT -- ER+/PRO+/HER2+ tumor, 1.0 cm, Grade 2 found in a piece of "grossly unremarkable" breast tissue from prophylactic mastectomy of left breast, no nodes removed.

Oct 25, 2013: 13 left side nodes removed, ALL negative, Stage 1 across the board, NO RADS needed, YAAAAY! Port also installed.

Nov 25, 2013 Begin 6 rounds TCH.

March 10, 2014 Just finished 6th and LAST Chemo today, YAAAAAY!

March 24, 2014 Echocardiogram to make sure I'm still good for Herceptin every 3 weeks.

March 31, 2014 Echo results NORMAL, first Herceptin all by itself. Now if only my eyes would stop streaming from the Taxotere ... :)

April 21, 2014 Started Arimidex and therapy for "mild" lymphedema in left hand and arm

May 2014 Therapy completed, I have sleeves and gloves for both arms, a Flexi touch lymph pump to hook up to for an hour every day, and I've become an arm bandaging expert. :)

June 2014 Begin Fosamax to prevent osteoporosis; bone scan revealed osteopenia

Nov 17, 2014 FINAL Herceptin!

Dec 4, 2014 My right thigh muscle has been extra achy for days ... I discover a blister rash cluster on the side of my right thigh while taking a shower. Port appointment cancelled until Dec 17, my doc is working me in tomorrow afternoon to see me and the rash. My muscle at least feels less achy.

Dec 5, 2014 Yep, I have shingles. Boo! I start acyclovir and also have a prescription for a painkiller just in case for over the weekend.

Dec 17, 2014 Port is OUT!

January 2016 Shingles again and this time it started where my left breast (where the hidden HER2+++ tumor was!) used to be. My onc nurse got me a same day appointment to see my doc when I called and told her I had a rash on the site. The antiviral meds are working once again, though, so that is good news. :)
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Old 04-01-2014, 04:35 PM   #11
jaykay
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Re: Water retention on Herceptin

I've been finished Herceptin since last October and it didn't make me retain fluid any more or less than I normally do. I take 20mg of Lasix a couple of times a week - when my watch gets tight. I am prone to fluid retention and as long as I have my Lasix - it stays under control.
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March, 2000: 48, Post menopausal (5 yrs HRT) Left breast, IDC 3mm/DCIS 1.6cm, ER+/PR-/Her2+++, mod differentiated, MIB low, lumpectomy, node neg via SNB, rads=33 Stage 1a
June, 2000: Tamox 4.5 years,Femara for 5 years (end in Jan. 2010)
Sept, 2012: 61, Via mamm, ultrasound, biopsy, right breast, 2.3cm tumor, ER+/PR-/Her2+++, poorly diff, KI67 60-70%
BRCA 1 and 2 negative
October, 2012: Bi Mast with tissue expanders, port placement
Final Path: IDC 2.8cm, DCIS, 1/4 sentinal nodes positive (@#$%). Stage IIB
Nov 29, 2012: Begin TCH/6x/every 3 wks, H for 1 year/every 3 weeks.
March 14, 2013: Finished chemo
April 9, 2013: Begin radiation 28x
May 22, 2013: Finished rads
June 1st, 2013: Started Aromasin for 5 yrs.
July 15, 2013: Switched to Letrozole (Femara). Probably for the rest of my life
October 16, 2013: Exchange surgery
October 31, 2013: Finished Herceptin
December 5, 2013: Port removed
Glad this year is over!
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Old 04-24-2014, 07:05 PM   #12
DogLover
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Join Date: Sep 2013
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Re: Water retention on Herceptin

My medical oncologist says the swelling is from the taxotere. However, my last taxotere was 2/10/14 and I am still swollen. I am continuing to get Herceptin every 3 weeks and I think it must be contributing to my water retention. I am puffy everywhere! Wrists, arms, feet, ankles. legs, face... I will be happy when this resolves.
__________________
age 60, postmenopausal
8/13 suspicious mammogram, left breast
9/13 core biopsy
9/13 dx invasive ductal carcinoma
9/12/13 lumpectomy with SNB, ER/PR/HER2 +, nodes negative, clear margins, 2 cm tumor, stage 1a, grade 2
10/21/13 port surgically implanted
10/28/13 first chemo today, TCH
3/3/14 Started H alone every three weeks
3/10/14 Started radiation
4/29/14 Completed radiation
10/28/14 Completed Herceptin
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Old 04-24-2014, 07:11 PM   #13
Carol Ann
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Re: Water retention on Herceptin

Hi Doglover, my onc put me on 20 mg of Lasix and potassium for 30 days and it is helping the swelling a lot. He also said it was from after effects of the taxotere.
__________________
July 24, 2013: "Infected" Right Nipple and benign cyst removed, pathology report revealed Paget's, DCIS, and ILC 1.25 cm, ER+/Pro+/HER2 equivocal, Grade 2 under benign cyst, previous diagnostic mammo/ultrasound said I was perfectly healthy in both breasts.

Aug 18, 2013: MRI report says Left breast is perfectly healthy "consistent with previous studies".

Sept 2013: I insist on a bilateral mastectomy anyway. Too nervewracking to let left breast remain with higher risk after 3 cancers in right, nipple in right is already gone anyhow.

Sept 18, 2013: Bilateral mastectomy, 11 right nodes removed, ALL negative BUT -- ER+/PRO+/HER2+ tumor, 1.0 cm, Grade 2 found in a piece of "grossly unremarkable" breast tissue from prophylactic mastectomy of left breast, no nodes removed.

Oct 25, 2013: 13 left side nodes removed, ALL negative, Stage 1 across the board, NO RADS needed, YAAAAY! Port also installed.

Nov 25, 2013 Begin 6 rounds TCH.

March 10, 2014 Just finished 6th and LAST Chemo today, YAAAAAY!

March 24, 2014 Echocardiogram to make sure I'm still good for Herceptin every 3 weeks.

March 31, 2014 Echo results NORMAL, first Herceptin all by itself. Now if only my eyes would stop streaming from the Taxotere ... :)

April 21, 2014 Started Arimidex and therapy for "mild" lymphedema in left hand and arm

May 2014 Therapy completed, I have sleeves and gloves for both arms, a Flexi touch lymph pump to hook up to for an hour every day, and I've become an arm bandaging expert. :)

June 2014 Begin Fosamax to prevent osteoporosis; bone scan revealed osteopenia

Nov 17, 2014 FINAL Herceptin!

Dec 4, 2014 My right thigh muscle has been extra achy for days ... I discover a blister rash cluster on the side of my right thigh while taking a shower. Port appointment cancelled until Dec 17, my doc is working me in tomorrow afternoon to see me and the rash. My muscle at least feels less achy.

Dec 5, 2014 Yep, I have shingles. Boo! I start acyclovir and also have a prescription for a painkiller just in case for over the weekend.

Dec 17, 2014 Port is OUT!

January 2016 Shingles again and this time it started where my left breast (where the hidden HER2+++ tumor was!) used to be. My onc nurse got me a same day appointment to see my doc when I called and told her I had a rash on the site. The antiviral meds are working once again, though, so that is good news. :)
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Old 04-24-2014, 09:35 PM   #14
HerSheY
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Re: Water retention on Herceptin

I had water retention too about 4-5 days after tx and it gets better in 2-3 weeks. I've avoided taking the lasix because I am always abnormally low in magnesium and potassium.
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Old 04-25-2014, 11:51 AM   #15
jaykay
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Re: Water retention on Herceptin

There are potassium-sparing diuretics - dyazide (spelling?). Blood pressure is affected (can go higher) when you retain fluid
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March, 2000: 48, Post menopausal (5 yrs HRT) Left breast, IDC 3mm/DCIS 1.6cm, ER+/PR-/Her2+++, mod differentiated, MIB low, lumpectomy, node neg via SNB, rads=33 Stage 1a
June, 2000: Tamox 4.5 years,Femara for 5 years (end in Jan. 2010)
Sept, 2012: 61, Via mamm, ultrasound, biopsy, right breast, 2.3cm tumor, ER+/PR-/Her2+++, poorly diff, KI67 60-70%
BRCA 1 and 2 negative
October, 2012: Bi Mast with tissue expanders, port placement
Final Path: IDC 2.8cm, DCIS, 1/4 sentinal nodes positive (@#$%). Stage IIB
Nov 29, 2012: Begin TCH/6x/every 3 wks, H for 1 year/every 3 weeks.
March 14, 2013: Finished chemo
April 9, 2013: Begin radiation 28x
May 22, 2013: Finished rads
June 1st, 2013: Started Aromasin for 5 yrs.
July 15, 2013: Switched to Letrozole (Femara). Probably for the rest of my life
October 16, 2013: Exchange surgery
October 31, 2013: Finished Herceptin
December 5, 2013: Port removed
Glad this year is over!
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Old 04-25-2014, 02:24 PM   #16
Smoky
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Re: Water retention on Herceptin

It's taken 4+ months for me to get rid of the swelling. The Lasix worked well for me, staying away from salt, and restricting my fluids. The Herceptin alone does not cause any swelling, just major fatigue for 5 days.
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Old 04-25-2014, 04:22 PM   #17
JDee
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Re: Water retention on Herceptin

I am on Taxol/Herceptin low dose. Up to #5 and no fluid retention so far.

Dee
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12/3/13 Suspicious mam left breast, calcification
12/18/13 another mam
1/14/14 sterotatic biopsy
1/17/14 Diagnosed BC
IDC HER2 3+, grade 3/3, 0.5 cm
ER, PR negative.
2/14/14 lumpectomy, SNB, nodes negative, clear margins. Started 3/28/14 Taxol/Herceptin once a week for 12 weeks then Herceptin every three weeks for rest of year.
Radiation starts in July
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Old 06-23-2014, 01:56 PM   #18
linzi
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Re: Water retention on Herceptin

Hi, Ladies:
I got swollen with each chemo, and every time it got worse. ONC said it was Taxotere. But I had my first Herceptin only infusion 5 days ago, my swollen started from day 1 and getting worse. I'm taking 2 pills of Lasix (20 mg each), and the swollen is not under control. Called ONC today, he said I may have to take steroid to get rid of the water. How did you solve this water problem when it got worse? Anyone used steroid or higher dose of Lasix? Which one has less damage? Thanks!
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DX 12/24/13, IDC, 1.7cm, stage 1, grade 2, node 0/6, ER-/PR-/Her2+++
1/6/14 Right side mastectomy
2/10/14 start TCH
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Old 06-23-2014, 04:14 PM   #19
linzi
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Re: Water retention on Herceptin

Also, did your swollen get better or worse with each Herceptin only infusion?
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DX 12/24/13, IDC, 1.7cm, stage 1, grade 2, node 0/6, ER-/PR-/Her2+++
1/6/14 Right side mastectomy
2/10/14 start TCH
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Old 06-23-2014, 07:34 PM   #20
jaykay
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Re: Water retention on Herceptin

I really didn't have much fluid retention from herceptin only. For me, it was the taxotere. That being said, I had leftover fluid retention from taxotere for about 6 weeks after the last one. Took 40mg of lasix. Still take 20 mg a couple of times a week since I now seem to be susceptible to swollen legs. Ah, the joys of enduring side effects (not!)
__________________
March, 2000: 48, Post menopausal (5 yrs HRT) Left breast, IDC 3mm/DCIS 1.6cm, ER+/PR-/Her2+++, mod differentiated, MIB low, lumpectomy, node neg via SNB, rads=33 Stage 1a
June, 2000: Tamox 4.5 years,Femara for 5 years (end in Jan. 2010)
Sept, 2012: 61, Via mamm, ultrasound, biopsy, right breast, 2.3cm tumor, ER+/PR-/Her2+++, poorly diff, KI67 60-70%
BRCA 1 and 2 negative
October, 2012: Bi Mast with tissue expanders, port placement
Final Path: IDC 2.8cm, DCIS, 1/4 sentinal nodes positive (@#$%). Stage IIB
Nov 29, 2012: Begin TCH/6x/every 3 wks, H for 1 year/every 3 weeks.
March 14, 2013: Finished chemo
April 9, 2013: Begin radiation 28x
May 22, 2013: Finished rads
June 1st, 2013: Started Aromasin for 5 yrs.
July 15, 2013: Switched to Letrozole (Femara). Probably for the rest of my life
October 16, 2013: Exchange surgery
October 31, 2013: Finished Herceptin
December 5, 2013: Port removed
Glad this year is over!
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