first herceptin treatment

[suzan w]

My first herceptin treatment is next week. I am going to go every 3 weeks. I am interested in finding out how many of us here are "early stage", node neg. etc. and are getting herceptin. How was the first treatment ("loading"dose)? Have also been reading alot about side effects...Thanks for all info!!

[Sheila]

Susan

I have been on Herceptin for 2 years, every 3 weeks. My only side effects seem to be splitting nails, runny nose, I bleed easily after a cut, & occasional fatigue....I got achey flu symptoms after my loading dose...lasted 24 hours...that was it.
Hopefully you won't have any problems, most people tolerate it very well. If you are concerned, they can give you benedryl before, & take tylenol after. The loading dose takes about 3 hours....
Hugs
Sheila

[Susan]

Hi:

I will start herceptin every 3 weeks next month........I wanted my picc line out after chemo, so they removed it. My oncolgist wanted me to keep it, but I talked him into having it done by IV's. HOw is eveyone else receiving it?

[Cindi]

My loading dose of Herceptin was no big deal. I had no side effects. I do have a runny nose. I keep some tissues close at hand and tell everyone I just "hate these darned allergies".

God Bless,
Cindi

[SandyBB]

I just started "preventative" herceptin last Friday. I felt fine all through the infusion, but did run a temp and felt flu-ish later that night, but I woke up Saturday feeling fine.
I did not have a port for my chemo - but my veins are now pretty bad (and I only have one arm to choice from as I have active lymphedema in the other). And since I will be going 1x a week, they put in a port. I hate having it, but it did make the transfusion super easy!

[SandyBB]

not transfusion - message above!

[Sheila]

Susan
I get mine IV every 3 weeks, & hey can only use my right arm since I had a left mastectomy.....never had a problem, they use my hand every time...its painless, or my nurses are really good.
Hugs
Sheila