Starting Perjeta/Herceptin - Benadryl?

[conomyself]

Hi Everyone,


I was wondering if others on the board who have had Herceptin/Perjeta only got a Benadryl infusion with it?

I just had my 6th and last round with Taxotere today (yay!!)

I started on TCH and switched from Carboplatin to Perjeta starting with the third round, so I'm getting two more rounds of Perjeta/Herceptin to total 6. After that I'll have just the Herceptin for a while.

My onc is planning on giving me the Benadryl, but says I won't need it for the Herceptin only (I read that thread, too, great info!).

My CA 15-3 was 33 on 11/16. This course of chemo took it down from >3000. I am amazed and grateful, and thanking God constantly.

That said, I will not miss Taxotere :)

[Jackie07]

Hi 'cono',

Below is a thread where several members have shared their experience in Perjeta:

http://her2support.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=282905&highlight=perjeta#post282905

Be sure to share yours as well ...

Sending you good vibes.

[conomyself]

Ok, thanks. I missed that before...Carol had to start the benadryl later on...

Rachael

[carolanno]

Hi Rachael,

On my 5th infusion of Herceptin/Perjeta I got 25 mg of Benadryl and 10 mg of Decadron. I had some mild symptoms the next day so took 2 mg Decadron and was fine. One week later i had a skin rash develop but that was easily controlled. It could be that my immune system is building antibodies to Perjeta over time, but it's been manageable. It may be unique to me because I've had these symptoms before for other reasons. I've taken Herceptin for a long time w/no pre-med and no reaction. i hope it goes well for you.

Take care,
Carol

[jacqueline1102]

I have never had Benadryl or any other substance infused with the Herceptin/Perjeta. I have been on this duo since August. Feel alright other than the fatigue. Benadryl makes me fall asleep and that would not be good driving home. The H/P does not make me sick so I drive myself.

Take care,

Jackie

[Pray]

Hi Cono, I hope and pray all goes well for you. Please know that you are in my prayers. Peace my friend.

[KDR]

Hi,
Best of luck to you.
I have been on Perjeta and Herceptin for one year with no need for either the steroid or Benadryl.
Hope this helps.
Karen

[conomyself]

Thank you everyone for your help! It's good to know a couple of you didn't need the benadryl. It would be nice not to have it so I can drive myself to the treatment.

Benadryl is not as big a deal for me as the Decadron (actually I find it quite nice, ha ha!. I just prefer not to take up another person's day as well as my own...I may press the onc on it a little. I am the first, and as far as I know, only, person at my cancer center receiving Perjeta, so he doesn't have much experience with it yet.

Thanks again everyone for your help -- you ladies are great!!

Rachael