[Nicola]

Hi Julierene,

I have had on going pain from liver mets and bone mets since starting my treatment. I have pain in the liver and also across my entire abdomen and in my spine. It usually isn't a constant pain but rather a cramping feeling much like you described. I have even felt bloated and had aches in my joints. Tylenol and Seltzer water work well for joint pain, Seltzer water works because of the Quinine in it. My onc has said this is normal with treatment and like yours has said it can be from the disease itself or necrosis. I like to think of it as the cancer being under attack and dying off. I can't wait for my next CT scan of the liver to see how I am responding to treatment. The waiting to me is the hardest part. Be sure to tell your onc about any and all side effects you are having even if you are repeating yourself over and over again.

Your first treatment of Herceptin 4mg/kg included what they call a loading dose, they give this at the onset of treatment and then lower the dosage there after so your next treatments should be 2mg/kg.

Hang in there and don't be afraid to take medication that is approved by your onc to keep yourself comfortable and out of pain. Be sure to drink lots of water to help flush the liver, especially right after treatment.

Wishing you all the best,
Nicola