2nd Herceptin treatment

schoolteacher · 02-21-2008, 01:22 PM

I just got back from taking my second Herceptin treatment this morning. The doctor was real pleased with the results of the Taxol and Herceptin I took last week. My tumors have gotten softer and smaller.

He told me I would have to take Herceptin weekly and Taxol with Herceptin for 4 three week cylcles. I have one Taxol and Herceptin treatment down and three more to go before I can have my mastectomy.

I have lost 2 more pounds this week. I have been trying to eat healthly and eat foods that do not have soy in them, since I am estrogen positive 71%. If any of you have any suggestions on some foods for me to eat that will help to maintain my weight, I would greatly appreciate it. I also stopped my multi-vitamin cause it has soy in it too, and I did not know if it will interfer with the chemo treatment and Herceptin.

I wanted to take another Taxol and Herceptin treatment today, but he said, "I would only get that regiment every three weeks." Did any of you take the Taxol and Herceptin as neoadjuvant treatment on a 2 week treatment plan?

I really enjoy reading everyone's posts.

Schoolteacher-Amelia

tricia keegan · 02-21-2008, 03:02 PM

Hi Amelia
I'm glad you're getting a good response from the taxol and herceptin, at least having chemo first you know it's actually working! I had my treatments differently, weekly taxol/herceptin x 12 then herceptin three weekly for a year. I also lost about 12 lbs during chemo and although it took about a year I've put it back on again now, I'm sure of you do a search at the top you'll find lots of great info on what to eat etc as I know there have been lots of threads on this.
Good luck with the remainder of your treatments and I hope the good results continue for you.

Mary Jo · 02-21-2008, 05:42 PM

Hi Amelia,

I just wanted to say that I was happy things are going so well for you.

I cannot relate to the neoadjuvant chemo. I received adjuvent chemotherapy (after surgery) and did 4 a/c treatments and then taxol/herceptin. My treatments were given every 2 weeks and herceptin every 3.

God's protection through treatment I pray for you,

Mary Jo

Bill · 02-21-2008, 05:50 PM

Hi Amelia, I'm glad to here you are responding well to your treatments. I'm crazy with a blender. You could make a smoothie now and then, in addition to whatever you normally eat. Throw in some "Boost", or "Ensure", some yogurt, and a banana, and some ice, blend it all up, and try that. On days when you feel the best, eat alot of food late at night and then go to bed, like an anti-diet. (Ladies, I'm serious) Good luck and thoughts and prayers for you. Love, Bill

Mgarr · 02-22-2008, 08:49 AM

Good morning Amelia. Great news on your response to chemo.

I lost a considerable amount of weight when I first began chemo. But I found when I could eat I did and lots of protein. Potatoes, yogurt and ice cream or shakes were the best when I was feeling crummy.

Oh, and I did have chemo every 2 weeks (dose dense)

Best of luck.

Mary

basset girl · 02-22-2008, 10:31 AM

Amelia, I am so glad you are getting good results from taxol and herceptin. When I was doing AC I lost weight. My onc told me to try Carnation Instant Breakfast. It worked great. It is full of protein and I got chocolate flavored which I loved. It really helped me through. I had tried Ensure but could not drink it because it as too thick. Hope this helps.

Nancy

schoolteacher · 02-22-2008, 01:41 PM

Thank you Bill. I am going to try eating before going to bed and the the smoothies. I do feel better today.

harrie · 02-24-2008, 12:42 AM

Amelia,

I believe most gain weight during their chemo treatments. I may be mistaken, but that was my impression. In fact many gain a significant amount of wt.

I had 6 rounds of taxotere/carboplatin with herceptin, 3 wks apart. I had weekly treatments of herceptin inbetween every chemo. After the chemo was done, I had herceptin every 3 wks at triple the dosage until it made one yr.

I make smoothies just about every morning. I add protein powder and sometimes peanut butter to whatever fruit (strawberries, banana, papaya, mango, whatever I happen to have around) I put inside, plus yogurt. If you want to gain wt, ice cream would go great in the smoothie!!

Harrie