Herceptin questions

[Francesca10]

Good morning all my warriors

I will be starting Herceptin soon. Can those of you on it please share. How often? Infusion time? Anyone have reaction? What was done? Pre- medication? Side effects?

I come here first- meeting onc next week to discusss. Appreciate any advice or insight. Thanks so much❤️♥️❤️

[Ppppopp]

Hey Francesca,

I had it every month with zero side effects. I also had pergeta with it, again with zero side effects.

I think the first time they give it to you slowly to ensure no reactions.

It was a very easy medication for me. I’m sure it will be for you too.

It’s very effective! My first cancer was her2+ when they took it out it was her2-.

Best wishes,

Paulina XX

[Staysha]

I’m on herceptin and perjeta every 3 weeks. I was on taxotere with it and it was working. After 8 rounds with the taxotere I’ve had 3 rounds with just the herceptin and perjeta. My energy is back and I’m feeling good. No terrible side effects for me. I have dr appt today. I’m sure he is going to schedule a scan. Hope it’s working good for me.

[Rhwright12 in reply to Staysha]

Good luck to u! I’ve been on Herceptin/Perjeta for over 3 years now as first line of treatment and am doing well...❤️

[Titaniam_Turtle in reply to Rhwright12]

Did you have chemo with Herceptin and Perjeta, and then also taking them afterward, when chemo treatments are complete?

[Rhwright12 in reply to Titaniam_Turtle]

No never had anything but Herceptin/Perjeta! There are new studies out about skipping chemo with Her2 stage IV...it works just as well and less/no side effects...😀

[Selmac in reply to Rhwright12]

Can you tell me if herceptin will also work if the cancer is in lymph nodes?

[Rhwright12 in reply to Selmac]

Someone at my center just had breast to lymph nodes and has had Herceptin for about 7 years...

[Selmac in reply to Rhwright12]

Thank you so much for answering.

[Francesca10 in reply to Staysha]

Thanks for responding. Did you need to get a port?

[Staysha in reply to Francesca10]

I have a port. It makes it easier.

[Titaniam_Turtle in reply to Francesca10]

Nurses said ports are used for this protocol since it can be rough on your veins. I got mine 2 days ago and it is still sore and swollen. Knowing what I know now, I would have waited a few more days before getting treatment. Two days was not enough for me.

[Rhwright12 in reply to Francesca10]

Yes! I hated it at first...now I barely think about it. Life has moved on! 😀

[Titaniam_Turtle]

This is my first post and my story is far too long to write right now. In short I have breast cancer ER positive on the left (3 and 1/2 years, on Ibrance/letrozole) and just today I started chemo for my newly diagnosed breast cancer HER2 positive in my right breast. Yes, 2 different cancers, one in each breast. It does happen. I did not have any side effects from the 4 medications given today for the HER2. I got Zantac and steroids prior to those 4 meds. They were herceptin, perjeta, taxole and carboplatin. They told me the effects are cumulative and that most of their patients experienced the worst time from 5-8 days after treatment. They also said the first 3 meds usually showed an allergic reaction on the first treatment whereas carboplatin usually happens around the 7th treatment. There are always people who don't fit the pattern. Hope that helps and sorry for the long post.

Andrea

[Andersl in reply to Titaniam_Turtle]

I had a reaction to herceptin.

It was on my first cycle 3 weeks ago.

I was being given it separately before the chemo the next day. Next time i have all drugs together.

I started to feel cold. Put my cardi on then asked for a blanket. I was shivering. Then my teeth started chattering non stop like a wound up toy! I felt very anxious.

The energency bell was sounded and 7 nurses jumped into action. I was given iv steroids and antihistamine.

Ten minutes later i was almost back to normal. Just felt like id been in shock.

I still had the chemo the next day but they covered me with steroids beforehand.

If you do have steroids for any reason, be mindful that you should taper off them not stop anruptly. Also steroids mask how your body is feeling physically so dont be alarmed if you feel weary and some of the side effects of treatment (ie ie nausea) come back. Anti sickness tablets work really well.

Keep eating good food and drink lots of water during treatment. And rest when your body tells you.

Hopefully you wont have a reaction but if you do you'll know what to look out for and be assured you'll be well looked after.

Take care xx

[Kaisgirls]

Herceptin once a month for the last 3 years and 2 months. No side effects.