Please post your two cents on Herceptin "side effects" real or perceived!

[Andrea Barnett Budin]

Honey, I think you may need t get advice from a CARDIOLOGIST. Swollen ankles AND you're on diuretics, poor circulation -- these need to be addressed! Your onc should have recommended you follow up w/these symptoms! I don't know about the brown spots, but -- how are your red blood cell counts?????????? (In *normal* range?) Get a copy of your last two blood tests.

Do they do an every 3 mnth comprehensive blood work up as follow up? ANYTHING not within NORMAL range needs to be discussed further. Please do not let swollen ankles slide. It could be a sign of a problem.

When was your last MUGA/ECHO? The cardiologist may want to do another, along with an EKG. You must be proactive and take good care of yourself. If you have an onc who is oblivious to these important matters, you need to move on. These symptoms are very concerning, not to be negated in the least. Call today for copies of all your reports. Fax a signed piece of paper, if need be, to free your records, which you are entitled to legally.

And make an appointment with a well-regarded, highly recommended CARDIOLOGIST. Please, Kat.

Sending loving, caring energy your way... ANDI

[kat in the delta]

Thanks andi,
Will call for all records/go there now....you are right..kat

[harrie]

For a brief time after my chemo treatment ended and I started the 3 wk herceptin regimine, I was getting slightly swollen ankles. To ensure it was not my heart I had a echo done which turned out normal. It could have been capillary leakage syndrome from the chemo, but the edema was on the slight side so all I did was watch my salt and elevate my legs and then it cleared up. I have not had it since. I have been off chemo for almost 2 months and have had several treatments of triple dosage herceptin alone.
Maryanne

[Andrea Barnett Budin]

Please stay close and let us all know what's happening with you. You are very much in my thoughts. So glad you've got a mission in your head, and are tending to business for your wellbeing! Sending loving, healing energy... ANDI

[BonnieR]

I have not read this entire thread. Not sure that I want to scare myself too much prior to beginning Herceptin! But at the same time, wanting to be prepared. My question is, despite the side effects, have you mostly been able to go about daily life? I have travel plans that involve my driving and wonder if that is a good idea if my mind may be cloudy or my vision affected. Do the symptoms show up right away or gradually? I realize everyone is different. I would be taking H solo, no chemo...