Need Long Term Herceptin Use Info

[Andrea Barnett Budin]

Hi Joe!

Metastic bc in Aug '98 -- Taxotere Sept through May '99.
Added Herceptin November '98 and have been on steadily ever since. Keeps me NED I believe.
Did weekly through to Jan '01 when I decided it was safe to switch
to triple the dosage every 3 weeks. Great relief in the plan!
Receive infusion w/500 cc's saline over 1/2 hr, double saline flush
+ helplock.
Given w/chemo nurse in mask and gloves, using betadyne to clean the
area -- through port.

Slightly runny nose.
Very dry eyes.
Thin, splitting nails.
Slight redness to declotee area and inner arms above elbows. Don't know
what this is from, but does NOT itch.
Bruise easily and don't heal quickly. Again don't know what this is from.
Fatigue, but controlled with supplements.
Flagging red blood cell count that responds well to Aranesp. Called
"chemo-induced anemia". Can't really say why. When HGB low for
me, I haven't got the energy to get dressed, but do, then rest.
Then GO...

Am grateful with each day for the opportunity to whine a bit about the above side effects. See each day as a wondrous gift! Am profoundly appreciative for this medicine that is keeping me alive and well for the most part!!

Andrea

[Lolly]

I was on Herceptin from January 2001 until April of 2007. I stopped Herceptin due to progression; although still just fighting stubborn lymph nodes, more are now involved so have moved onto Tykerb.
No long term side effects that could be attributed directly to Herceptin except symptomless low LVEF. My first Echo in 2002 was at 65%. Over time it gradually dropped. My Muga in June 2006 was 49%. My Echo just last month, after 2 months off Herceptin, was 65%.
A great drug for me for many years!

<3 Lolly