??Aches and pains while on herceptin alone

I started herceptin in June of '05 and will be on it for a year. Ive noticed since it started, I've had no bad side effects such as I had while on standard chemo. However, I have noticed increased general aches pains, and stiffness esp. in my joints-- hips, knees. feet, elbows and hands. At first I attributed these symtoms to the residual effects of Taxol, But I finshed my 4 rounds of Taxol in August of '04. I still do have some minor numbness on the tips of my fingers.
But the stiffness stuff has me stumped. Now I attrubute some of it to age related arthritis ( I'm 65 ) though I've never had arthritis pre cancer and treatment. ( dx. 3/04 )
I'm wondering if any of these symptoms are related to the herceptin-- my onc. really doesn't know or comment on it.
Curious to know if others have had the same experience.
Carol

[juanita]

I have noticed the same achiness, but didn't do taxol. I had cmf. I just put it to arthritis, though I'm only 42. Some mornings it's hard to come downstairs when I get up. The days I have herceptin I still get the chills afterwards, but they give me benadryl with it so I sleep for awhile and then I'm fine. Juanita

[Gina]

after taking herceptin alone, it is quite common...it is usually a very good sign that it is really working...it is also rather normal to get a fever and chills and to feel a sudden urge to sleep--about 6 to 8 hours after taking it.

I think the fever is a very good thing and should be promoted not hampered...therefore, I recommend not taking any pre-meds with the herceptin and not taking any fever reducers or pain killers after... I am also not in favor of using benadryl at all...as it dampens immune response rather than revving it up at a time when you need it most. Of course, not every one agrees and each person has to chart their own course.

Gina
(Dx in 1997, mets since 1999, use Herceptin alone...no chemo or rads since 98)

[Yorkiegirl]

I certainly have bad aches and pains as well. At first my Onc didn't believe me, then I called Genetech and talked with them, my ONC was called as well, needless to say I was finally beleived. He had said that no one else using herceptin had those reactions, but I said everyone is different. So I do have a pain med to take, and ONLY take if I really, really need it. I will be the big 50 this year, and feel like I'm 80. LOL

thank you all for your replies.
Another question-- do you ever regain your full energy level after chemo, rads and now herceptin. I'm a pretty active person but I get so fatigued at times I just have to rest more. Some mornings I feel as though I haven't slept at all. ( that is true , sometimes !!)
I go to the gym, walk, use the nautilus, swim, etc. But I feel as though I'm always pushing myself.
Anyone else feel more fatigued and need more rest than usual ??
Carol

[Yorkiegirl]

No, I have yet regain all of energy. I finished my Chemo on Aug. 15, 2005 and started Herceptin the next week. I am always so very tired when I get home from my infusion for at least 48 hours. I guess it's part of the whole picture and hope it will soon get better.

[Cheryl E]

If you are taking any AIs (femara or arimidex), they can cause joint pain/stiffness.

[Rupali]

Gina, they give me Tylenol before Herceptin. Do you think that can also bring down the immune system in some way. I pushed them to stop giving me benadryl and they agreed.

Let me know your valuable thoughts on Tylenol.
I always get a cold nose for some reason from Herceptin but never got fever.

[fourboysmom]

Dear Gina, I wrote a post not too long ago about the same thing. I am on Herceptin alone and feel so achy in my hips and other joints. I've just gotten used to it,I guess. I made sure my bone scan was normal.

Love, Janet