[chrisy]

Hi Sandy,

Sorry your friend is having such a rough ride. Hopefully things will get better for her soon. I'll be sending good thoughts.

I had 6 cycles of weekly Taxol/Carboplatin/Herceptin for 3 weeks, then 1 week of Herceptin alone. I did not have Avastin, so I am not familiar with any side effects related to that.

Your friend will get plenty of premeds - I got decadron, aloxi, and benedryl. I also had prescriptions for Ativan and Zofran for nausea. If you need those, use them at the first hint of trouble. HOWEVER...

Everyone reacts differently,. I never once experienced any nausea during the entire 6 months. My advice to people is to not claim those side effects until they actually happen! Plus, although some foods tasted a little funny, I had a (too) great appetite and gained weight during chemo, as do many. Blame it on the steroids! That was bad news for me, but may be good news for your friend if she has lost 30 lbs.

Just have her take it cautiously at first - eat lightly and what sounds good. She will want to stay well hydrated and drink LOTS of water as these drugs are processed through her system.

I also, as CPA commented, took a hit to the blood counts - red and white both dropped although, again, I was lucky they never dropped that far. Your friends doctors will watch this closely and add "boosters" if needed.

Your friend is lucky to have a friend such as you Sandy to stand by her. That gesture of love and caring will be a big source of healing and encouragement.

Sending good thoughts,

Chris