Receiving 1st Herceptin on 8/18/05, have ????

I was dx on 2/1/05 with Stage 1, no node, ER/PR-, Her2neu+ breast cancer. Had excisional biopsy on 2/1, partial mastectomy (surrounding tissue and lymph nodes clean), finished 6 rounds of Taxotere, Epirubicin and Cytoxan on 5/18 and 36 radiation on 8/1. When I originally talked to my oncologist about Herceptin he said that I was weakly Her2neu (3.16) and didn't want it to affect my heart. I had a feeling that when I next saw him (today), he would have a change of heart and sure enough, HE brought up the Herceptin. I start Herceptin on 8/18 every 3 weeks for 1 year (am waiting for the office to call me back to schedule an ECHO before Thursday) and I have some questions.

1. I am scheduled to have my port removed on 8/22 but, I wonder if I shouldn't as I have "hard to find" veins?

2. What side effects have you experienced (I know not everyone experiences the same thing but, I like to know what to expect...expect the worst but, hope for the best).

3. Any tips, info, helpful advice.

I'm an "information" kind of gal and have found this to be one of the warmest, friendliest, professional and informative sites out there. Thank you and God bless you all.

Rhonda