Breast Cancer Now Forum

Dear Jane, Thanks for the post. I am aware that I do not know enough about Herceptin, exactly why I am on here and trying to find out. All I know from stats is what I read. It is a pity that I did not bookmark the double blind trial which came up with the numbers I posted. There were 100 on H and 100 on a placebo. Figures looked good to start with but time passed and things happened and the final count was indeed 82/79. I will look again when I have the patience. There is no doubt that I will be asking lots of questions when I am due to start Herceptin. Thanks again ... View more

Dear Carriann, Thanks for your post and the information. It is so good that your Oncologist has been honest about the stats and that you have jointly come to a decision about the Herceptin. However, I am somewhat confused due to you already being on Arimidex, and also being considered for Herceptin, as Breast Cancers are either hormonal or protein based so would only respond to one drug or the other. Have I missed something somewhere? Great news that you are clear, get on with your life and enjoy every minute. Thanks again ... View more

Dear peacock, I have just read your post on 'When will I feel better'. I am so sorry you are having such a bad time, presumably with the Herceptin as that is all you are having. Mind you, many more people are complaining about the side effects even though there are not supposed to be any. It is difficult knowing what to believe. Have you had a chat with your oncologist? The cat is not mine, he does not know that, he lives next door and comes here when they go to work. He is lovely. ... View more

Dear roadrunner, Thanks for the input, you sound to be doing well. My problem is that having done a lot of research I realize that Herceptin is only as good as the way the statistics are jumbled. It would appear that in trials, 82 women who had Herceptin were alive after 4 years and of those who did not have Herceptin 79 were still alive. Those figures are not good especially as 8% of those on Herceptin developed Congestive Heart Failure which is irreversible. CHF is more prevalent in older women which is one of my reasons for concern. I think I must talk to my Oncologist. Thanks ... View more

Thank you all for your input. It is good to hear that some people are finding Herceptin acceptable. I will discuss my concerns with my Oncologist when I next see him. I think that for younger women Herceptin is a definite yes, but, I am already 71 and am not sure I want to waste another 18 months being ill and tied down with more infusions if the percentage of improvement in life span is small. I could be out there getting on with my life. Thanks again ladies ... View more

Hello to you all on this thread. I am feeling so sorry for all of you as you do seem to be having or have had a bad time on Herceptin. I am due to start on it in July but quite frankly this thread is putting me off. I have yet to hear of anyone not suffering awful side effects. Is there anyone out there who has sailed through the treatment? ... View more

Hi Andie, You were typing at the same time as me. Thanks for the info, especially on the eyebrow pencil. I will try and get one. I am on day 9 so am sure to get hair loss soon. So pleased that you have had your scans done. E xx ... View more

Hi geewhiz. Thanks for the info. I did not realize that nails were sensitive to light so I will use dark polish today. I had my first chemo on the 27th and so far have not had problems with hands or feet. I have been using aqueous cream since before the chemo so maybe that has helped. My Tax is only 75% as I am having it in combination with cyclo so maybe that is reducing the hand/feet problems. Hope your soreness soon goes. E xx ... View more

Girls, I forgot to ask. How soon do the problem with hands and feet start? ... View more

Hi Andie and Geewhiz. Good that the hospital pulled the stops out for you Andie even if you did have a scary adventure getting there. All sounds very promising. I have discovered that ginger ale tastes fine. Also, Swiss vegetable bouillon powder. Geewhiz, It's so good that things are working out for you despite the side effects. My hair is still with me but I won't be able to live without my eyebrows. Hope I have a steady hand. E xx ... View more

AndieT Did you manage to get to the hospital for your ultrasound? ... View more

Sorry about your appointments having to be canceled girls. Better to be safe than sorry. Just cuddle down at home for a few days and spoil yourselves. e xx ... View more

Thanks Andie and Lucy. I will check the thread. I am using the mouthwash recommended. I am also having pineapple juice but it tastes awful as does most things. Just had a curry for dinner in the hope that the spices would mask the nasty taste in my mouth. Will go on tips now. E xx ... View more

Hi Pals, I need some help please. I am having many side effects and am not sure how to help myself so, if those of you who have already had chemo can help I would be most grateful. 1. How long does this awful taste in the mouth last? Does any food or drink taste okay? 2. What can I use for the awful itch around my bottom? 3. How long do the nose bleeds, sore gums and the painful throat last? Any help would be gratefully received. Thanks, E xx ... View more

binkie, The tablets are different. Lans comes in 15 and 30mg. Omep comes in 20 and 40mg. Have not checked on the difference but Omep works best on me normally. It could be I need a stronger dose. Andie., I had a Mastectomy. You will have 2 drains in the side you are having the glands out. I do not know about the side you are having the breast off. You will have to sleep on your back I would think. Breast drain normally is taken out before you go home. The others after a week. The nurse came in to change my drain when I was home. You can drive as soon as the wounds are properly healed. I got an infection so could not drive for 5 weeks. ... View more

sorry binkie, that last one came out wrong. I am on 20mg Omeprazole. Lans does not work on me for some reason. ... View more

Lovely to see new people on the thread. Andie-I did not have a problem with the steroids for some reason. I had an early breakfast and lunch at 1pm along with my tablets. They did not keep me awake. My problem last night was the pain in my stomach. I am already taking Omeprazole and Gaviscon but they are not much help. Did you have bad indigestion? The surgery is a doddle compared to the chemo. It will be more difficult for you having both off, or perhaps you are having them off one at a time. You have to keep up with the exercises to get your arms moving properly again. It is a nuisance having to go to the hospital to have the excess fluid drained but it does not last long. Binkie. Just seen your post as I was about to submit. I am on 20mg Gaviscon. e Bye. ... View more

Hello ladies, Had my first chemo on Tuesday. Was at the hospital for 7 hours and thought that was the reason for my exhaustion. Wednesday I felt spaced out. Thursday I was worse but still coping. Friday I was awful. Think I had every side effect known to man. 3 hours sleep last night and not looking forward to going to bed again as lying down makes the indigestion worse. Tried to sleep propped up but it was too uncomfortable. I thought I was strong but now realize I am a wimp. Did not help when this web page closed. Thank God for Binkie who managed to get private messages to me. ... View more

Hi binkie, All your tool bars should be at the top of the page you have open. There should be file, edit, view, history, bookmarks, tools and help. If you right click on a clear bit outside the box you are typing in you should get a list comes up with bookmark in it. Tell it to save the page and when you want to open the forum where you left it you click on the bookmark at the top of the page. This will give you a list of all the pages you have bookmarked so click on the one you want. This web page is a disaster, I do hope they are still working on it. I asked the nurse about piriton and she said it was fine to take it. I am having pure pineapple juice to help keep my mouth clear. One down and five to go and I can't wait. Talk soon, embee xxx ... View more