[Chelee]

Ok...finally I see one of my replies posted. I wonder why the others didn't?
Maggie, I re-read my post...I am NOT very good at getting to what I really want to know. (Chemo brain I believe it is these days.) lol Like you, I use to get the two tylenol and benadryl each time. But what I was trying to say and did a bad job is....the FIRST time my doctor told the infusion nurse NOT to give me the benadryl...I landed in the hospital. Not that same day...but I was a bit nauseaed...and felt weak. Then as the next few days went on...I kept calling him daily to tell him I was having a hard time breathing. That went on four days till I was IN the hospital on oxygen and predisone.

Well...I recovered...the when I got back on schedule for my chemo and weekly hercetpin...all was fine UNTIL this last time. My regular infusion nurse was gone...so the one filling in for her decided NOT to give me the tylenol or benadryl and again...I had a problem? Now this nurse said MOST people do fine without the benadryl with the weekly herceptin. (But we all know were so different.) Maybe its a coinidence...but it just seemed funny that the ONLY two times I did NOT have the benadryl..I had a problem with the herceptin.

This last time did not land me in the hospital thank goodness. But my chest felt tight..and my right lung was bothering me. Seemed harder to breath. (So of course in my mind I think its because I had no benadrly since the only times I have a problem is when they don't give it to me?)

Myself as you said Maggie....it makes me tired and I fall asleep. So if I wasn't worried about a reaction...I just assume NOT take the benadryl at all...especially for the weekly herceptin. But two times without the benadryl...makes me wonder if I don't have reactions because I did NOT have it? (Maybe its just a freak thing?) I know MOST don't have benadryly after their first few times.

Hi Lu Ann, My oncologist doesn't want to give me the weekly chemo as you mentioned...although it seems it would be just as easy since I go there weekly anyway. I know my side affects especially after the first week of my full cycle chemo is rough. The second week it gets much better though. I don't know about them giving me a lesser amount...I am already quite concerned about what they are giving me now. I have no idea if any of its working yet or not? No one has told me a thing. (Its like pulling teeth for me to find out anything it seems.) I asked about my tumor makers since NO one has ever mentioned it to me. My new oncologist says she doesn't believe in those tests and they are un-reliable. ARGH. I told her someone better do something sometime soon to let me know if anything I am doing is working! I am getting tired of being put off. I have had two different oncologist and they both tell me different things. I don't know WHO to believe at this point...or if I can believe either. I WILL be getting to the bottom of it this week rather they know it or not. I have my request forms for my own medical records. I will READ what they have been saying about me...and get to see all results from prior PET/CT scans, x-rays, cultures, MRI's and you name it.

Hi Kat, I rather GET my tylenol and benadryly just like YOU are each time. Especially since I have had problems TWICE now when I did without. In fact..yout mentioned the tylenol. Two weeks ago was the first time they did not give me tylenol before my 30 minute infusion of hercetpin. Which I wasn't concerned about that at all. I stood up to leave and WHAM...instant headache SHOT up from the lower back part of my neck to my head on the left side. One of the worse headaches I have had...and it was FAST! Even the nurses looked at me and asked what was wrong? They made me sit down. It did pass...and I was fine...but I don't think these oncologist can LUMP us all in the same boat as far as what side affects each person will have with...or without a certain pre-med. I know my own body...and I find it funny that the only two times without benadryl I DID have problems.

But it looks like the majority do fine without on their weekly doses. But now as I mentioned...since I told them I think I really SHOULD have the benadryl...now they have choosen to have me DRINK it verse's IV. They say there is NO difference. I know better then that...IV is INSTANT. Orally is much slower...that goes without saying. I wonder why they want me to just drink it now? I don't see anyone else that does benadryl having to drink it? I want my lungs and body protected rather they like it or not.

Thanks to all of you who replied. Much appreciated