Hi all, I’ve been on herceptin for nearly 6 years and initially seemed to tolerate the drug extremely well, I had a few side effects mainly intermittent diareah and constipation also stuffy nose all of these I can put up with but recently I’ve been feeling very tired or fatigued to the point where I find myself sleeping a lot even during the day. I am due to have my usual 3 monthly heart and ct scans shortly followed by a results appointment so will ask about it then. In the mean time I was wondering if anyone else long term herceptin users have experienced any side effects? especially fatigue, thanks in advance for any tips or pointers. Xxxxx
Hiya,
ive been on herceptin for 9 years and have had a number of side effects including a runny left eye! And at times I’ve had quite extreme fatigue, but usually occurring about 4 days after receiving the treatment. Occasionally Ive been very fatigued at other times, and this has usually coincided with a drop in my ejection fraction, shown up at my next echo, or once when I accidentally took the wrong dose of my heart meds (losartan and bisoprolol). It’s good that you have a heart scan due soon. Do mention it to your team. In the meantime take it easy on yourself and do accept help with household chores ( I can talk - I’m hopeless at accepting help, but having to learn!)
Jx
I have had threes diagnoses of Breast cancer in the same breast (2000, 2003, 2007). Since the third diagnosis in 2007, I have been receiving Herceptin and an injection of Faslodex when I see my oncologist every four weeks. (I also had a one year course of Herceptin/Arimedex after my first recurrence in 2003.)
i am blessed to be responding to the combination for 9 years! My side effects are very tolerable - headaches after treatment, bad nails, thinning hair, fatigue, sore inside of my nose, and easy bruising on my hands and forearms.