Need First Treatment Advice

Faye · 02-10-2006, 06:49 PM

Hi, All,
Any way I can prepare for my first Herceptin treatment on Monday morning, Feb. 13th? I mainly concerned about protecting my heart.
Any dietary restrictions or certain vitamins helpful? I am already doing accupunture and taking some herbal supplements okayed by my oncologist.
Back story: Three weeks ago, I finished chemo (dense dose 4 rounds of AC and 4 rounds of Taxol). Best wishes, Faye

Maryanne · 02-10-2006, 07:08 PM

Hi Faye,

I as well as a few other members on this site are taking CoQ10 300 mg per day.

Watching your diet and of course walking 3 miles a day are also heart friendly.

Good Luck with the Herceptin, after all the Chemo its a breeze.

Faye · 02-10-2006, 08:03 PM

Thanks for the helpful info. I'll pull out my walking shoes tomorrow and stock up on CoQ-10. Love and best wishes, Faye

02-10-2006, 08:07 PM

Make sure you drink plenty of water the day of and after infusion. Need to flush it out of the kidneys. The nurses forget to tell each patient. I heard one nurse tell a man who was getting Herceptin. He was surprised and she said that is important with all the drugs we get. He said he couldn't drink much water and so she said in his case they would give him extra fluids!! You will love the Herceptin it will be a breeze. I wished the chemo was the same. hugs, Sandy

mamacze · 02-10-2006, 08:32 PM

Dear Faye,
Welcome to the club! The first dose of Herceptin can cause a mild reaction but after that it is a cinch compared to chemo. Get on those walking shoes, go to the gym and reclaim your life!
love Kim from CT

02-10-2006, 09:03 PM

KIm,
Thanks and best wishes to you. Faye (p.s. I am a CT native)

Lolly · 02-10-2006, 10:33 PM

Drinking lots of fluid before and after is important, and I also try to remember to take 2 Tylenol before I go in, as I sometimes get a headache and "flushing" on my face and neck and Tylenol seems to prevent this.
Good luck with your first treatment, and I hope you find it a cakewalk compared to chemo!

<3 Lolly

storyteller · 02-13-2006, 10:03 PM

I have taken Herceptin for 11 months and haven't experienced any adverse reaction...well...except that my pants fit somewhat tighter for a few days! For me, Herceptin is a breeze.

Best to you!