Blood test when having herceptin only

[Donnaandfamily]

Hi ladies

I am due to have my final herceptin sub cut in two weeks.....I have never had blood tests prior to and like the other lady said just the echo heart scans every 3 months. Apparently we have them after we stop the herceptin for the year...that is out hospital policy. My friend goes to Christies Hospital and they stopped her scans when she had  2 herceptin to go...so different for all hospitals I think.

I did not have side effects from the herceptin so I hope you ladies will be the same

Good luck all xx

Donna

[nebsminty]

Marli, I'm not doing too bad with the herceptin. Well the main thing is my heart is coping, I assume any of the other side effects are considered minor in comparison! My thigh always goes red around the injection from pretty much immediately they start pushing the drug through and then for about 3 or 4 days afterwards I have a feint bruise about 20x30cm in size. It doesn't hurt but you can definitely see it

I've learned now from the last two injections that I get a head rush for a few hours as if I've had too much caffeine. It leaves me a bit dizzy/disorientated. I only worked it out as being a possible side effect after injection 8 as on the previous one I had had a coffee and walked in the sunshine so just assume it was because of that. No coffee last time and the same feeling so it must be the herceptin. I've also learned that it gives me a dodgy tummy for 48 hours or so but them I'm ok.

I'm mainly suffering from the neuropathy that the chemo brought on and all the menopausal symptoms since chemo decided to switch off my ovaries (I'm not on any hormonal medication). So I'm putting weight gain and aching muscles and joints down to the menopause although have heard these can also be side effects of herceptin

[snapper58]

I had my first one on 23rd March and so far no problems, really hope it stays that way though. Don't understand why they don't fit everyone with a hickman line, I asked before I started chemo and the Oncologist said that the nurses were very good, It wasn't the nurses I was worried about but my veins because they are deep set. Next Herceptin is on the 16th April when I checked the calender, so fingers crossed.

I also need to have hormone therapy, do you know how long before they start you on them?

[marli]

Thank you for your replies ladies - that is the answer I was looking for !

Lynne -have already had 4 alongside Taxotere and pertuzamab but after echocardiogram it has been suspended because of changes to my heart. Am seeing cardiologist on Thursday, day after last chemo. Was told would have it sub-cut but if still having pertuzamab that is infusion so not sure  now. If continues will need Hickman line which should have had in January but we have just managed to use hand. Had chemo 5 years ago so veins are very poor.

Are you both coping with Herceptin well?  Marli x

[snapper58]

Hi Marli, You don't have them before each treatment like chemo but obviously they'll check every so often. Is your Herceptin by IV or sub cut injection, I had an hickman line fitted after one cycle of chemo which was great. Had the line out and are having Herceptin by injection in my thigh every three weeks. Due my second one on the 14th April, you will have to have a echocardiogram before you start Herceptin then usually every three months to check on your heart. Best wishes Lynne

[nebsminty]

Hi marli. I don't have blood tests before mine and I've just had my 8th injection. My hospital has just introduced a blood test every 6 or 7 cycles to be looked at alongside the heart scans to check for any damage. So I have to endure 1 or 2 more of those but I'm hoping my days of being jabbed all the time are behind me

[marli]

Hi - can anyone tell me whether I will still need routine blood test before each herceptin treatment ? Finish chemo tomorrow and as veins are giving up hope I don't. lol. Marli