Herceptin users who are athletic

[Merridith]

I am just finishing up my chemo rounds for stage 1 cancer and have found out I have been accepted for a herceptin trial. I know that herceptin effects the heart because the HER2 protien is also necessary to the heart.

Question: Are you finding any problems doing heavy physical activity? Can you sustain your physical activity over a good length of time? Can you push yourself to the limit? Has your pulse rate changed from before herceptin?

I jog, ski, hike, bike, swim, windsurf etc.

[Jackie]

Whew....I don't do all that you do, but I do ride a thoroughbred almost daily and compete with him in dressage regularly. Herceptin did not cause any difference that I could tell in my stamina. Per my onc, my heart just had to work harder to do what I ask it to do, and I've not changed anything about my riding schedule. You will have an echo or muga test run every few months to verify the status of your heart, but it is my understanding that if your heart is stressed, you are going to experience physical symptoms. I am stage 4 with mets to bones and skin, and the only real difficulty I've encountered since the very beginning of this journey was when my red blood count dropped from chemo drugs. (Aranesp fixed that!) What I do is not as strenuous or demanding as what you do, but I also think your response is a personal one. You obviously went into this deal a healthy woman...and I'll bet you can continue what you like to do with no trouble. Herceptin seems to be very well tolerated...chemo drugs cause most of the problems. Keep your onc informed of any difficulties you may encounter because there may be options for you. That's good news that you will be able to receive herceptin in a trial....hopefully that will KEEP you cancer free!

[Brian]

My wife is on weekly herceptin and lifts weights twice to three times per week and walks regularly and has suffered no ill effects from the herceptin.

[jessica]

I feel so fortunate that I was able to stay very active the entire time I was on chemow/herceptin(49 weeks) & now on weekly herceptin alone for 7&1/2 mos.
I'm a Pilates instructor, teach 6 classes a week, train ~10 clients a week, do ashtanga & bikram 2-3 times a week.Additionally, I try to do 45mins of cardio atleast 3 times a week & walk my dog in the park almost daily.Most recently I did some modeling for an athletic wear catalog and worked out REALLY hard for 2 weeks to prepare,pushing really hard-60mins of cardio/yoga/wts/pilates etc.It was really empowering to know that my body would & could preform for me,despite the fact that my cardiac function (EF has decreased by 25% from 69 to 51 in 18 months)is slightly compromised.
Listen to your body, keep it strong, but also rest, relax a do what you have to do to take care of you!
In continued good health!
Jessica