Starting Herceptin tomorrow

Liz J. · 01-15-2006, 07:12 PM

Hi all,

Scheduled to start Herceptin tomorrow. Was dx 4/05 with HER 2++. 1.5 cm er+/pr+. Had 6 rounds of CAF. Finished chemo 9/05. Taking Arimidex daily. 48 yrs old. Menopause at 42. No family history. Have been reading the site for awhile and it has given me so much encouragement. Just a little anxious about tomorrow. Any feedback on what to expect. I would appreciate any advice. My prayers are with all of you.

Thank you .

Liz

sherri · 01-15-2006, 07:26 PM

Hi Liz,Herceptin may give you some flu like symptoms for the first time becuase it's a higher dose, mine was gone the next day. Most people find it very easy to handle. Comparing to chemo is like a brise. Good luck to you.

Liz J. · 01-15-2006, 07:44 PM

Hi Sherri,

Thank you. Will let you know how I do.

All my best,

Liz

Maryanne · 01-15-2006, 08:00 PM

Liz, you should be fine.

I had mine in conjunction with Taxol at first so did have pre-meds just in case, but I believe this was for the Taxol. Since finishing Taxol I have it ever 3 weeks and have absolutely no side effects.

Best if luck tomorrow, keep us posted.
Maryanne

Liz J. · 01-15-2006, 08:07 PM

Thanks Maryanne,

Will Do.

All my best,

Liz

Merridith · 01-15-2006, 09:54 PM

Hi Liz:

I just got my first loading dose of Herceptin a few days ago. My biggest symptom was severe chills. I froze to death under a ton of blankets!

A friend of mine is just a couple of doses ahead of me and she also got the chills. Her solution has been to either sit in a hot bath or to nuke a seed bag and wear in against her body. She said that you definately need a source of heat during that phase. She also got severe pain in her knee joints.

Apparently the herceptin collects in the synovial fluid. You need to exercise your joints (ie walk) to express the herceptin out of your joints. I didn't get the joint pain myself, but she said that other people in her study got similar symptoms.

Regards,
Merridith

Becky · 01-16-2006, 06:25 AM

Dear Liz

The first dose is larger than the others. You will get benadryl and tylenol for possible allergic reaction and flu like symptoms. I got a moderately bad headache the next day but it was ok.

I do get a runny nose from Herceptin and sometimes a mild headache (only the next day after infusion - even the first time).

Twice, I got flu like symptoms (after the first infusion) but I feel this shows that it is working. Fever of about 101 - not bad and it lasted only about 20 hours. This usually doesn't happen after the first time.

You will be fine. Herceptin is like nothing. If you have any side effects, it is only the next day and it is ok.

Write us on how you do. We are here for you.

Becky

kristen · 01-16-2006, 08:18 AM

A tip my nurse gave me with the chills was to ask for a hot pack and put it between your legs and it does help warm the whole body. Good luck.

Maggie · 01-16-2006, 08:07 PM

Liz,

I was a bit aprehensive before my first treatment, especially after reading some of the information, but I had no symptoms at all. I, too, was given two tylenol and Benadryl, IV first. I asked if I could just have half the Benadryl this third time and they did that and I did stay awake this time.

Someone here did mention that perhaps I didn't need benadryl after my first dose and I asked my doctor about this. He said as of now, this was the protocol they had. Perhaps that will change. Everyone is still learning about this new wonder..
Maggie

Merridith · 01-16-2006, 08:51 PM

Hi Maggi:

I didn't receive any drugs at all with my herceptin and everything was ok.

Merridith

chrislmelb · 01-17-2006, 01:56 AM

I had no pre meds. I had a lift in and home. I had my daughter picked up from school and basically organised to feel awful for a few days, but i danced out of the ward delighted. Then i knew that i would easily be able to organise myself in the future with no problems. No side effects that i can even think of. I have a sniffle now. As for body pain, it always aches so nothing was different.
But people do react, so all the best
Christine

barbaralea · 01-17-2006, 02:45 AM

I had my first treatment of Herception last Wednesday and had a severe allergic reaction. Blood pressure & oxygen level dropped rapidly and I had difficulty breathing. I was given benedryl + steroids+ oxygen. It was very scary!. I could not breath or speak. I am really afraid to ever try it again. I am stage ! with Her2 no node involvement. I had 4 treatments of AC plus radiation and am on Arimidex. I am ER positive and thinking of quitting Herception but am also worried about a return of cancer. Don't know yet what the oncologist will suggest.

dskdrive · 01-17-2006, 05:37 PM

I had an infusion reaction on the first trip for herceptin. I got very cold and had the shivers. They gave me benedryl and tylenol and I was OK. I have been 4 more times, every three weeks and no more problems. I am a little fatigued for a few days after the treatments,

Liz J. · 01-17-2006, 06:32 PM

Hi all,

Thank you for the responses. I had the first treatment yesterday afternoon. Treatment was preceeded by benadryl and tylenol. Initially my onc. was going to start me on a weekly plan, but yesterday decided to go with every three weeks. Thank God, so far so good. My thoughts and prayers are with all.

Talk to you soon.

Liz