Herceptin questions

cafe1084 · 09-13-2007, 03:36 PM

Yes, it is safe to have taxol and H on the same day. I actually had T and H together for 12 weeks and was fine as long as they ran each one separately and slowly. Otherwise, I had horrible heartburn, a metallic taste in my mouth, and nausea

The only side fx I've had from H is still the metallic taste in my mouth if ran too quickly and I have kept a sinus infection since I started it. I have a dry cough i never had before and my blood pressure still hasn't returned to pre-cancer normal, but my heart is fine. I am sure there are others who've experienced different side effects, though.

As far as surgery, I have read that it is completely safe and being on H during surgery is an added benefit because if there are other cancer cells that get "activated" or stirred up during surgery, H will target these.

It's always scary starting new meds, never knowing what to expect, so I wish you the best of luck!!

steph C

Lolly · 09-13-2007, 04:19 PM

Hi Kim;
In my experience it's been fine to be on Herceptin and taxanes together. Currently I'm on Taxotere and Herceptin and get them both on the same day.

Your onc should order an Echo or MUGA scan of your heart soon,to use as a baseline measure. This should be repeated throughout your course of Herceptin. Some oncs run the scan every 3 months, some every 6 months.

I had a mastectomy while on Herceptin, and did fine. I know several others on this board have had various surgeries while on Herceptin and had no problems, so you should be fine, although I would hope your onc would order the heart scan at some point before your surgery just to make sure you're fine.

Welcome to the board

<3 Lolly

tousled1 · 09-13-2007, 08:59 PM

Welcome to the board. Yes you can have Herceptin and Taxol at the same time. I'm currently getting Herceptin, Taxol and Carboplatin. Just make sure that your oncologist orders either an echocardiogram or MUGA and that you have them repeated every 3 months while on Herceptin. Herceptin can reduce your LVEF (left ventricular ejection factor). If it drops to 50% or below Herceptin would have to be stopped.