Side effects?

[Brenda S]

I completed infusions of Carboplatin/taxotere/herceptin in October 2008, I took them every three weeks. I am now on herceptin every three weeks until May I will have 18 treatments total. I have developed significant hip pain that radiates down my legs-at times. My oncologist suggested Ibuprofen and tells me that this is not cancer related. I also suffer from split nails, memory loss and fatigue. Is this normal? I am afraid that all of this chemo, radiation and surgery has not worked and cancer is still in my body. The objective, rational side of me dismisses this, but the dark nights of sleeplessness when the cancer demons are out scare me. Any thoughts or wisdom?

[Valerie in Michigan]

Hi Brenda,

I also had TCH x 6, finished 7/08, then continued on H for a total now of 18 mos. I was diagnosed IBC with 2 IDC tumors (1cm & 2cm), Her2+, ER/PR-. I am currently NED. I also did not have surgery or radiation. My onc. says he will continue me on H indefintely. I do feel fatigue about 3 days after infusion, and joint pain mainly in my lower body. My nails also are affected with ridging. From what I have heard this is very common. My hair also has been slow to return and is not thickening as yet, also I believe a common complaint.

So keep the faith, you had the optimal chemo cocktail for Her2+ (non topol) locally advanced bc and IBC.

Valerie