First of all, Happy New Year to everyone who is reading this.
I’ve just had my 7th herceptin (subcutaneous) injection into my thigh.
24 hours after my 6th injection I developed a red circle around the the injection site. It was still there when I went for my 7th on Friday and I showed the nurses who told me to “keep an eye on it”. Anyway, the same thing has happened again. I now have two red circles on each thigh measuring around 10cm by 10cm.
Has anyone else experienced this?
I’m honestly thinking about stopping at 9 Herceptins. My ejection fraction dropped and I was referred to a cardiologist who was going to put me on an ace inhibitor but as my ef rate had risen again after suspension of herceptin he recommended restarting but getting an echo heart scan every 6-8 weeks. I previously had two mugga scand but the echo scans showed a higher ef rate. My blood pressure is slightly high and the joint/muscle pain in my legs in getting worse.
Happy New Year to you too. I am sorry to hear you are experiecning some discomfort. I am sure some of our users will be along to share their experiences and show their support soon.
In the meantime you can always use our Ask the Nurse service or call our helpline on 0808 800 6000, who will be able to talk you through any questions you have and offer a friendly ear. The opening hours are below.
Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm
Late opening Wednesday 9am-7pm
Saturday, 9am-1pm
Yes I have had a similar sounding rash around the injection site from the first injection but it usually goes after about a week. I’m also still suffering from neuropathy and myalgia/pain and stiffness. The pain can be very bad.
I don’t look on the forum very often but I am pleased I did this week and spotted your post.
I am seeing the GP tomorrow to see if he can help with the pain and will ask about loratidine. I also have problems with my heart function dropping and am thinking about trying the supplements, but I’m a bit worried they might affect the efficacy of the herceptin. I’ve also had folliculitis but antibiotics cleared it.
Hi Hazel
I have not had any heart issues as yet. Hopefully won’t.
I had my first Herceptin on its own this month. Having sleepless nights going between sweating and freezing all night.
Aching heavy legs and arms. I always blamed the chemo before.
It is still early days, but hard to tell if se are still ongoing from the chemo or if its the herceptin.
Will update.
V xx
Just a wee update from me. I wasn’t able to have what would have been my 8th herceptin injection this afternoon due to the two “red circles” that I previously mentioned in my original post further down. They are still there, although not painful or angry, inflamed or anything…just visible. It’s where you get the “pocket of fluid” immediately after your injection that eventually disperses.
As I also previously mentioned, my clinic is Nurse Led. The Nurse specialist referred to the Senior Nurse specialist who have referred to my oncologist. It’s obviously quite a rare skin reaction has they had never seen it before. So I now have to see onc on Wednesday to see what he thinks but Nurse has booked me in after appt to have my herceptin by infusion in the chemo suite. :smileysad: Not looking forward to playing “hunt the vein” again.
Hi
I went to have my 5th herceptin today but it is to be delayed for another 2 weeks. ?
Reasons are blood pressure up, slightly raised temperature and my face and neck keeps coming out in a sore red itchy rash. ( like an alergic reaction to something)
Anyone else having the red face?
Also worried about the delay in herceptin.
Vx
Just an update after my oncologist appointment this afternoon. I am so glad to be home after a very stressful 4 hours in the Cancer Centre. My Onc’s clinic was running over an hour late. I got “missed out” somehow and people arriving after me were being taken before me. Ended up in tears delcaring that I was “done with my cancer treatment” etc. etc.
Anyway, spoke to my Onc who looked at my thighs and suggested having the next few herceptins by iv infusion. An appt had already been provisionally booked for this last Friday at the Nurse Led clinic. I had my herceptin by iv infusion which was fine, they found a vein easily enough and the infusion lasted 30 mins with a quick saline flush before and after, so around 45 mins in all. The worst of it was being back on the Chemo suite.
The plan is to have the next few by infusion and then maybe try and go back to the injection into the thigh but in a slightly different way? I have posted about this on a new thread. I would be extremely grateful if anyone reading this would have a quick look at the other thread and comment if possible.
Hi Hazel
You have had a rubbish day, with all that waiting around. XX I think they give everyone the same appointment time. But can’t figure out how they pick who is next? Bug hugs, some days are tougher than others I find.
Thanks for replying earlier.
I have now taken a cold virus which has floored me today. Suppose I did well all last year avoiding one. Also slept most of today because of the Antihistamines.
Radiotherapy finished yesterday. Feeling not too bad in that department . Just a bit tender thanks.
Hope the iv makes a difference to you.
Take care V .