Side Effects of Ending Herceptin

Joann · 01-27-2008, 09:34 PM

(((Debbie))) we all have bad days - and it's okay.

I am about 3 weeks ahead of you and while I never had fear going off the herceptin, I did have a 10 day or so "detox" period. I thought I was loosing my mind. It has eased up but it was terrible.

I am sure better days are ahead for you.

Joann

Jean · 02-02-2008, 10:44 PM

Debbie,
Most if not all feel the emotional loss of giving up herceptin. It is a double edge sword. As much as you want to complete herceptin treatment and move forward, there is the concern of stopping....but believe me in a few weeks you will adjust and get comfortable. The first 3 month check up
is a bit funny also. Be patient with yourself, it does take time to re-adjust.

And venting here is certainly normal and most welcome....who else but
we can fully understand what your feeling. Interesting, Debbie (NC)that now
you mention your angry at BC...you were most likely always angry at
it...but maybe you were so busy with your treatments you did not have the energy or time for the anger. Aahhh for those carefree days
before breast cancer (our old life back as you said) we never knew how good life was did we? I have learned this is the new norm - learning to
live with bc....yes, think of it this way...LIVE with it...I would rather do that than think of it any other way.

Take one day at a time and do all you can to live as normally as possible.
For me, I try to look my best every day, continue to work and get outside and walk, exercising is also a biggie to help relax you and also helps you to feel better. I don't think there is any one answer - but many things that add up and mean something. I have also found that I do things that I enjoy and love, and I have stopped doing things I don't.

You may find out now that you have completed your herceptin treatments and move forward onto the next journey that you will appreciate having
your days back...and yes, it will be normal once again, a new normal !

Please know it does get better!
Kind Regards,
jean

All good wishes,
Jean

Joann · 02-03-2008, 09:34 AM

Deb,

I was wondering how you were feeling. I hope that the week was easy on your emotions.

Thinking of you

Joann

PatM · 08-03-2009, 08:23 AM

With all emotional aspects put aside, we all know this is difficult to deal with.

Does anyone else feel physical aspects of stopping herceptin? I had a 6 week break in treatment in Apr/May and week 4 started to feel quite ill, stomach and shaky, loss of appetite/nausea. I am just over 4 weeks since my last treatment and again have the same symptoms.

The first time I thought I had a stomach bug, but it lasted a couple of weeks. This time it seems to point to stopping Herceptin.

Anyone else out there feel any physical symptoms?

Joann · 08-03-2009, 03:30 PM

Pat,

It is normal to feel those side effects. I remember them being terrible. Try to rest as much as possible. My friend told me during this phase that I was detoxing and I believe her. I wish the doctors were more upfront about this.

Good Luck
Joann

PatM · 08-04-2009, 04:02 AM

Thanks Joann,

It's so nice to get feedback to let you know it's normal.