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

[Kathy S in Tokyo]

My opinion is that the sinus troubles are from the Herceptin. I started weekly Herceptin last March and had sinus troubles, then added Taxol to the regimen (3 weeks on, 1 week Herceptin only) in June. On came the muscle pains in toes, feet and sometimes legs, mostly when I lay down to sleep. The runny nose got a little worse because of the loss of the hair in my nose from the Taxol LOL. I'd only had a sinus infection ONCE in my life, about ten years ago, before cancer and subsequent treatment.

Hugs,

[tdonnelly]

After my 13th treatment of Herceptin (every 3 weeks) I became very nauseated; this has lasted now for 4 weeks. I feel the constant urge to vomit. I have had no appetite; I force myself to eat 3 meals a day. My recent blood test shows complications with my liver. I decided to forgo my remaining 6 treatments. I fear my body is rejecting the Herceptin; all previous were tolerated. My thyroid disease with liver complications is a real concern. I am just praying my body finds its own way back to normal. No tests, no treatments etc. just lots of rest.
Tamara Donnelly
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma 10/2006 HER2+

[ElaineM]

Hi T Donnelly and anyone else who is reading this.
I am so sorry you have been feeling so under the weather from your Herceptin treatment. Oncologists and/or chemo nurses might be able to suggest medicine for that. There might be a dietician, nutritionist or natropathic physician in your area who can help you plan a menu that will not make you sick if you decide to try some more Herceptin in the future. Maybe your doc can refer you to somebody for that kind of help. There is a list of Herceptin side effects at http://www.herceptin.com. There might be some information about your side effects there. Everyone's body is different, so not everyone will experience the same side effects from medicines. Hang in there.