***Request for those of you finished with/finishing one year of Herceptin***

[Kaye]

I had Herceptin weekly for one year. After my reaction to the first one (which I got with Taxol) I did not have any reactions that I can recall. In fact I opted not to have any pre-meds with it after that first (or maybe 2nd) time. In retrospect, I am wondering if I may have had some Tylenol just before it, but I don't think so. One thing, though, I asked if it could be given over an hour instead of half an hour. It gave me time to do a nice power nap and relax. I asked for that because I think, again if I remember correctly, that I had read that it may be more effective if given at slower rate.

[Christine MH-UK]

I thought that it was getting buried in all these newer messages and I think that alot of us want to know how everyone is getting on post herceptin.

[Her2nSue]

Hi,

I finish with Herceptin in early Feb. 07 and I'm anxious about what all our results will be post Herceptin. I've been told that with the Chemo it could take a year for our bodies to come back to it's full potential with energy levels. But seems no one knows what to expect from our bodies after we're all done with Herceptin, so with all of us keeping track on one another is such an excellent idea. Congrats to all of you who have finished your herceptin treatments (even though it makes us feel like our security net is gone). Hugs to all.

Sue

[TriciaK]

This is a great idea, and I hope there continues to be lots of response and info shared. Most of you know my story but I will add it here as part of this research. I was diagnosed with stage IV her2 mets to my lungs in July, 2004. It was totally unexpected, being 14 years since my last mets in 1990, and almost 20 years since my first BC diagnosis in 1985. I finished 15 months of herceptin in Nov, 2005. My onc would have continued it except that my last MUGA showed my ef had dropped to 30. You may remember that I started out immediately after a heart attack, so we kind of expected the ef would drop. I had navelbine too the first 6 months, and have been on femara from the first and will continue. I had triple bypass heat surgery in May and am now recovering well from that. My main complaints with herceptin--and I really didn't have much to complain about even with the navelbine--were very soft fragile fingernails, no eyebrows and diarrhea. Marlys, you will be glad to know the nails do get better! I do a french manicure myself now using lots of clear polish, and my nails have never been so long and strong. Only one eyebrow grew back, though! and the other one is sparse---but a little makeup fixes that. Everything else is back to normal, and I never did lose any hair. My last PET/CT showed NED again for the second time. I lost 55 pounds in the first few months after going on herceptin, and am still very slender. Had to buy all new clothes (bummer!!) I have moved from Az and my 21 years with the same onc (THAT was hard to leave!), and am in St George, Utah now. I will find a new onc soon, and cardiologist, too.My Az onc said I could go back on herceptin if I ever need it, but he expected that I would do fine---just be vigilant! It has been over 21 years since my first BC diagnosis, and I am 76, so I feel greatly blessed and very, very thankful for herceptin. BC is a beast, but it has never been more manageable , and there has never been more hope! This website is one of the greatest blessings! I have gained so much from it, and I hope to always be available to anyone I can help in any way. Hugs, Tricia

[janet/FL]

I finished my last dose of every three week Herceptin in mid July so I am now about 3 months off of it as next dose would have been first week in August. I only had it with Taxotere. I did not have A/C as recommended. I was diagnosed stage one in December of 2004 lumpectomy, node negative, ER/PR negative, Her2+++. Had radiation and did not start Herceptin until a few months later and the doctors would agree to it.
I have noticed improvements. Normal bowel movements being one. Beginning to fall asleep a little better, a little more energy and just feeling a little more normal. My mind seems to be functioning a little better. Short term memory better.
I would suspect that I would be doing better still if I hadn't had trouble with having my port removed--1.5 weeks feeling yucky from the Morphine. A strenuous, vacation, (strenuous for me many others would not consider it bad. Long plane ride and no sleep didn't help) And now I have had rather major dental surgery and have to recover from that. That will take a while for me as I sure do react to about everything.
My hair and eyebrows/lashes have returned. They seem to like my not being on Herceptin. I started gaining weight right after I finished the Taxotere/steriods and stopped gaining when I stopped Herceptin. I wish I could say it was easy to lose these 10 pounds and hope to report that at my next three month check in!
If anyone has any questions please ask and I will plan on checking in in 3 more months.
Janet