Herceptin Treatment

[MJo]

I have a mild cough with herceptin. I was one of those people who was terrified of getting an allergic reaction to all of the BC drugs, because Ive had asthma and allergies since childhood. I also had an anaphylactic reaction to penicillan, and I never want that to happen again. I read about people with mouse allergies getting allergic reactions to herceptin, so I actually had my allergist test me for mouse allergy. The test was negative. The oncologist gave me no premeds for my herceptin loading dose, maybe due to allergy test results. For subsequent doses, took a benedryl tablet on my own before herceptin dose. Now I don't take benedryl because I'd rather stay alert. I was so afraid of the BC drugs that I know the nurses and doctors thought I was a little crazy. So be it. I was no hero. My fears lessened as treatment progressed and I tolerated it well. Now I'm a model patient.