aches and pains while on herceptin

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Hello everyone,

I was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer over 2 years ago and after 2 courses of chemo i am now on just herceptin. I feel full of energy and some days i can just forget about my illness. I am always anxious though of any aches or pains or anything really that effects my health in case its something nasty. I have had a dull ache in my side( did break a rib though last when my dog ran into me!) and general aches in lower back. Luckliy i was due a ct scan which came back showing nothing nasty and my bloods were good so my Specialist not concerned. I wondered if anyone else on herceptin gets these aches and pains and is it anxiety related or in my case is it age im 54. Would love any comments from anyone. Wishing us all good health. Skelts

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Hi Skelts,

You can stop worrying. There are many side effects with Herceptin but most of them are a nuisance and minor. The only worrying one is the heart reaction and you will be monitored for that. I have just finished a year on Herceptin and the side effects I had were aching joints, running nose, diarrhoea for the first 3 days, itching, sneezing and coughing. My heart was fine.

Just remember that you will, as most people do, suffer from other complaints which have nothing to do with Herceptin. It’s always wise to get things checked, as you did.

E