Has anyone here had herceptin after breast cancer?

Question

My sister will be starting herceptin in april, and is worried about going back to hosp again every 3 weeks and side effects! any reassuring stories?

Answer 1

I have been on Herceptin since December and have expereinced very few side effects. I sometmes feel a bit flu like for a day or two. I am given a paracetemol and piriton tablet before the herceptin to reduce any reaction.

Of course everyone is different and she may have other side effects but I have always taken the view that it is a small price to pay for all the good the herceptin does. I am also having chemotherapy and I can honestly say that Herceptin is a lot easier!

Please wish your sister well and tell her to think positive as it really does make a huge difference.

Take care

Answer 2

I did it but I went every week. I only had a headache after and was a little tired. But, the first dose is called a boost and they give more than the rest of the doses. After my first Herceptin I felt like I was hit by a bus, but it never was that bad again. Good luck to your sister, we are fortunate to have Herceptin as an option.


****I just wanted to add some info for the person below me:****

Dr's will not give Herceptin unless the person is Her2+. It won't do anything for someone who is negative. As for the heart issues, yes, it can cause those things, they are POSSIBLE side effects. I had 4 echos done while I was on Herceptin to monitor how my heart was. I had no problems. Chemo can have similar side effects. But, what the person didn't note is that Herceptin can cut the chance of recurrence IN HALF!! I went from a 30% chance of recurrence to 15%. A big improvement in my opinion.

Answer 3

My mother and me are both on Herceptin at the moment and we have found that it causes us to go very tired and lethargic. All our energy goes and we have to struggle to do the most simplest of jobs. I'm sorry it's not reassuring for yo but I believe that it's each to their own. Each person who is on the drug will have their own side effects, if any at all. Good luck.

Answer 4

i was just wondering if you have researched this drug as i have it can cause left vent failure ,congestive heart failure, liver failure,severe heart problems when given with some chemos can also have a severe allergic reaction.have you had the HER2 test done to see if you are a HER2 neg or a HER2 pos? my mother has breast cancer and has decided not to go on the herceptin she is 61

Answer 5

My mom was on it for a year after her chemo was done. She said that it made her a little tired and that was it. If she is worried about going to hospital every three weeks, she should make a "day" of it. Maybe get her hair done first, providing she still has hers of course, or a manicure or something. You know, something for herself. Maybe your two could go out to lunch even.
But as far as the side effects, like I said all my mom felt was tired. Good luck.