hi i am worried about this as had to stop chemo short due to couldnt cope. has anyone any advice tipsetc to get through the next year for a scardy cat. thanks have a good day. julie
Hi Julie
Provided your veins are ok you should be all right on herceptin. It doesn’t have any of the vile immediate chemo side effects. It only takes 90 minutes to run through once it is started off so you have a better chance of getting through reasonably quickly. They will keep an eye on your heart and your bones throughout - if either are affected then they will sort it or stop the treatment. But it isn’t like the chemo at all. Feels like forever when you start off on 18 three weekly cycles - can’t believe I have only three more to go now!
Good luck
Dilys
xxxxx
Hi Julie
Try not to worry as Herceptin is the easy part of the treatment. I hardly feel the needle going in as it’s so tiny (although you may have a line in). My experience is exactly the same as Dilys and the only thing I would suggest is that you don’t plan anything much on the day you have the treatment and just take it easy afterwards. I only have 6 more to go - can’t believe it!
Wishing the best of luck
Ruby xx
I had to stop chemo after 4 because of serious side effects. But Herceptin is ok. Usual problem is hunt the vein but there is one nurse who can cannulate me using the inside of my elbow as all the veins in my hand, which were always very difficult have given up completely now. I have had 11, 7 more to do.
Good luck
Anne
I’ve had 6 Herceptin so far with no problems apart from the veins, so ask for a warming pad before being cannulated.
The first dose (the “loading” dose) has to be given slowly and you will need to stay at the hospital for about 6 hours so that you can be monitored for any allergic reaction, take a good book and some snacks/drinks.
Herceptin temporarily lowers your blood pressure, and mine went very low indeed the first time I had it, so I was advised not to take my usual beta-blocker the night before and after treatment.
Good luck!
xxx
thank you the answers have put my mind at rest a bit i was dreading it as such a coward. my only worry is my veins i have a lot of pain at elbow area although i can strestch arm out fully now. appt on 11th to discuss start date. cant wait then i think i shall book my hols for next year something to look forwad to and hopefully celebrate… i am so depressed i should have been flyingto bulgaria with son and girlfriend tomorrow. now they going alone, my other son offto ibizia tomorrow and sister off to teneriffe tomorrow and me house sitting gt.
I’ve just finished my herceptin, can’t believe it’s all over after having to attend my local chemo unit for almost 2yrs. I too have had terrible veins-chemo knackered mine after 2 doses so had to have hickman lines to finish chemo and since September last year we have managed with only one little vein in the back of my unaffected sides hand. It’s held up! the nurses are great at getting the vein and as it’s every three weeks and doesn’t damge the veins like the chemo it should be ok. Might have fluid retention and some aches, but as also on tamoxifen which can give same side effects don’t know which did which or if was both.Good luck, take a book or some music to pass the time with.
It will all be ok- keep positive.
xx
My oncologist told me to expect a runny nose for a year - and I did get that, plus sometimes a slightly bloody nose and an intermittent sinus type headache. Also some minor muscle aches and pains and I felt a bit tired sometimes. Apart from that Herceptin is a doddle and I found that my veins recovered from chemo by about the third Herceptin so they managed to get in first time nearly every time.
good luck
Anthi x
I have now had my third dose of herceptin. The nurse hit the vein first go this time! and no bruising. So far no side efects, just tired. I am also on arimedex which has affected my joints (had reactive athritis in the past) again. My fingers are swollen and i cannot get my engagement ring on, has also affected my shoulder andback. I find it diffficult to sleep at nights, as having to keep still on my back. Any one else affected by the tablets?
Mary
xx
Hi, my mum will be due to commence herceptin at the end of her Chemo and although I had heard about the possible side effects re your heart I was not aware it could damage your bones. My mum has suffered from Osteoporosis for a number of years and has recently been told to stop her medication as her bones had stabalised.