Herceptin given fast yesterday - is that ok?
 

I had Herceptin #9 yesterday, and unfortunately the drip chamber completely filled so the drip rate couldn't be seen. Almost all of it whooshed through in 25 minutes, instead of the usual hour and a half, before we noticed. I was reassured, by the experienced and very capable chemo nurse, that while this wasn't ideal, I needn't have any concerns over it.

Has this happened to anyone, and does anyone know of possible problems with this? My EF was checked 2 months ago, and had come down from 65% to 55%. I'm having another echo in 4 days' time. I felt okay yesterday, vaguely unwell in the evening, and woke in the night with my heart rate going a little fast. But this has happened before, and I didn't feel unduly worried.
I suppose my main concern is that having a larger than usual concentration might hit cardiac muscle a bit hard.

Caroline

Hi Caroline,

Other than the loading dose of herceptin, which I received over an hour and a half's time, I received all the rest of my years worth of herceptin in 30 minutes time. I also received it every 3 weeks.

Have a wonderful day,

Mary Jo

Q3week Herceptin -30mins or 90 mins?
 

I don't think you have anything to worry about, Caroline.
I wish I could get my q3week Herceptin dose in 30mins!!
At the previous onc I was seeing, my Herceptin infusions were always only 30mins-whether it was a weekly dose or the q3week dose.
Since I've moved to a different doc & treatment center, their policy is to run the q3week dose in 90 mins. I try & try to get convince them to run the infusion rate a little faster, but no luck.
So now I just make sure to bring my laptop or a book & extra money for parking! I will say that when my infusions were faster, I did have more flu'ey side effects within the first 24 hours after the infusion. With the 90 min infusion, I don't.

However, I have been meaning to poll the ladies here & inquire how many folks on q3week Herceptin get their infuion in 30 mins vs. 90?

Take good care &
Keep the Faith!

Mine are always 90 minutes.


Hopeful

Mine are always 90 minutes. Wish they were 30!

Emelie

Other than the loading dose, mine have been 30 minutes every 3 weeks for almost 4 years. I have never had a problem, no premeds, not even with the loading dose.

Mine are always 90 minutes for the 3-week dose.

I also have received the Herceptin for 30 minutes for nearly 5 years and I have received it at various times once every 3 weeks, once every other week and 3 weeks on and 1 week off all depending on the accompaning chemo.

Mine is infused in 30 mins.
 

I get Herceptin every 3 weeks. I've had no problems with the faster infusion time. My onc was originally on the 90-minute regimen, but I asked him if we could condense that, so we went to 1 hr the following time, and after that it's been 30 mins. Love it!

My every three week infusions were always 30 minutes.

Just to be the odd-ball, mine are always 45 minutes....split the difference!

Mine are always 90 min. every 3 wks. Nearing the end of herceptin :(


Jean

Mine was always 90 minutes, every three weeks.

I don't think you have anything to worry about.

Karen

You are ok!
 

Don't worry, if you were to have any problems they would have manifested right away. I'm not an expert on this area, but according to the many nurses I have seen over the last 14 years, you are going to be just fine!!! Take care.


I agree with the other sister, I wish mine were also short, like 30 mins. max...but well if I have to wait 90 minutes; I will wait 90 minutes. I always bring lots of books to read....Keep us posted, please....

Feeling fine
 

Hi everyone
I had no idea it was standard in some centres to give it that fast. I was amazed to hear that so many of you get your Herceptin in 30 minutes, and greatly reassured.
That's why I love this site so much!
Love and best wishes to all
Caroline