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From the extreme differences in reactions to Benadryl or Decadron so far reported in the previous posts it is difficult to draw any definite conclusions.
What is also lacking are the doses of the premeds used by each one. I assume that the doses are higher for those on chemo than Herceptin alone which may explain some strong reactions.
Chemo may also alter the immune system in unpredictable ways in different individuals resulting in different sensitivities to premeds.
In the single case of an elderly lady (90 years old) I was alluding to in the
first post of this thread, the dose of Decadron has been 10mg intravenously immediately before Herceptin (6mg/kg) for the 3 infusions so far given (at 3 week intervals).
I believe her onc not only prescribes Decadron generaly but in her case may have specificaly do so to reduce risk of falls a risk which might be greater with the drowsiness associated with Benadryl
No side effect from the Decadron in her case.No weight gain. Only one instance of brief nose bleed & slight weakness from Herceptin as sole treatment.
She never had chemo or radiation.
She takes self prescribed Omega-3 fish oil (2g per day) & CoQ10 (200mg) in addition to medications for other non malignant ailments.(Thyroid, osteoporosis....)
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