Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hi.  I finished my Herceptin treatment about 18 months ago. Since then I have continued to get stronger and feel back to normal. I have however looked at my lifestyle since then and made some adjustments. I turned to a whole food plant based diet, lost about 30 pounds and went back to the gym.  ... View more

So much herceptin. I grumbled at having 18. You make me see how lucky I’ve been. Now 12 months post herceptin I feel great. A few stiff muscles but once I get myself moving I’m fine.  So good luck with your continued recovery and I wish you the very best of health.  Pam ... View more

I too read about magnesium tablets for the aches. I found some magnesium oil on Amazon. It’s a very fine oil which you can spray onto the souls of your feet where it is said to be absorbed more readily into your system and doesn’t cause problems with your bowels. Or you can spray directly onto your body. It’s really been a case of trying anything I can get my hands on. My steroid injections in my knees have given me a new lease of life but I’m going to continue using the spray and sometimes soak in a warm bath with a couple of cups of magnesium flakes. All the very best with your treatment. ... View more

Hello Carebear. I finished Herceptin in April but didn’t have to have tamoxifen so perhaps my body didn’t suffer as you seem to be. It was only yesterday I commented that I’d rather go through chemo than Herceptin because of the muscles aches and joint pains associated with Herceptin. Twelve months of hell really. Saw the oncologist last week who suggested I see my GP about my painful knees. After shopping one day I made it back to my car and cried my eyes out in Sainsbury’s car park, because one painful knee I could cope with but two was just too much. In my desperation I made an appointment with my GP. He admitted he didn’t know anything about Herceptin and looked it up to confirm the side effects of the drug. I felt hopeless. I’d done s bit of research before I went and told him about muscle relaxant drugs which sometimes help. These are antidepressants (diazepam) and they have helped. As for my knees which was like walking with knives stuck in them I managed to get steroid injections and within 24 hours the inflammation of the lining of my knees had subsided. The relief was just amazing. You’ve got a long way to go and I can only empathise with you. See your oncologist or your GP and keep on at them until you get help. Do some research of your own (from a reliable source) and be armed with your information because in my experience it’s been a case of “get on with it”. I do wish you well and for someone who has come through the other side there is light at the end of the tunnel. ... View more

Hi Donna Fox Firstly I think each individual reacts differently to the drug from what I’ve seen and heard. I’m 70 this year and my age might have some bearing on the side effects. For myself I’ve only suffered from aching muscles and fatigue. Usually by my next treatment I’m feeling ok. Of course then it starts again. But for the most part it hasn’t stopped me doing things like driving and going about my daily routine. I might do it a little slower but l do get there in the end. They do say to drink plenty of water. I’m guessing if you’re teaching rumba you are well aware of the benefits of keeping hydrated. I’m also guessing you’re a lot younger than I am and probably a lot fitter which I’m sure is going to help and see you through the next twelve months. I wish you all the very best. I’ve got my 16th injection on Wednesday so almost at the end. ... View more

Hi Yorkie. Thanks for your words of encouragement. Slept for 12 hours last night and only stirred when I was hurting. I don’t drink as much water as I probably should. Drank 3 liters a day whilst on chemo and can’t explain to myself why I don’t follow the same regimen. I do get lots of fruit and regularly juice fruit and or vegetables. I’m really pleased to hear the side effects go when treatment comes to an end. With spring and summer on the way I’m hoping to reclaim my body as I knew it and get out and do walking. Many thanks again and may your health and well-being continue to improve. PamH ... View more

Hi there. Good luck with your treatment and who knows you might be one of the lucky one who escape these side effects. Be positive. I didn’t start to notice side effects straight away but I do think being as active as you can be must help if only on a psychological level. I go to the gym and occasionally swim and I feel good afterwards. Good that I’ve made the effort and it is an effort some days. Get yourself an exercise buddy if you can. You’re more likely to make the effort then. I’ve got only four more treatments and can’t wait to be done with it. Best wishes. Pam ... View more

Thanks Blueash for the link to the film. I watched it and think I blubbered all the way through it. I guess in the grand scheme of things a few aches and pains are a small price to pay knowing how effective this drug is. Many thanks again. ... View more

Can’t wait to hear how you get on. Anti histamines didn’t do much for me either. ... View more

Hello there Wales 786 I thought herceptin would be a breeze after FEC-T chemo. How wrong I was. I’ve been advised in the hospital to see my GP. Well that’s a joke, trying to get past the receptionist is a hurdle in itself in my surgery where it is run entirely by locums. So for my aches I self medicate with an anti inflammatory about three times a day. Seems to work for me. When I can’t sleep as seems to be happening with some frequency I take an antidepressant which was prescribed to ease the burning sensation caused by the chemo going into my tissue instead of where it was supposed to go. I also take a couple of co codamol just before bed if I’m really struggling. Can’t take too much co codamol because of its side effects-constipation. Herceptin seems to be a necessary evil and it also seems we just have to get on with it. It does seem quite daunting early on in the treatment but all I can say is keep nagging to your care team although all I get is sympathy and no practical help with the side effects. I do find myself forgetting what I was about to do or say but maybe that’s more to do with my age than the treatment. Best of luck and don’t be scared. It will soon be over. Well that’s what I tell myself. ... View more

I do wonder why do many specialists are in denial about the side effects of Herceptin. Surely common sense would dictate that so many women aren’t making this up. I’ve had a really bad sore throat since my last dose. No other symptoms that would suggest a cold or the onset of flu. I’m not even going to mention it on my next visit to the oncologist. I might however leave a list of side effects listed by the manufacturer!!!! I feel so strongly about their denial. It makes me so mad I want to scream. All I hope for is after my last treatment things will settle down. To Jan15 I can only empathise and hope they manage to get you sorted out. ... View more

Hi Maggi Thanks for your reply. My joints and muscles have eased up a bit since my first post. It’s bearable now but sometimes in the night I hurt all over. I have tried the antihistamines and can’t really tell if it has helped or not. Perhaps I’ll give them another whirl. Nothing to loose. Couldn’t get to see my GP and was referred to a physiotherapist who suggested I change my shoes and put some supports inside. Well I didn’t even consider that one. I got some strong painkillers when the pain is really bad. Took two at the weekend and slept like a baby for 12 hours straight. Wonderful. I have number 12 tomorrow so only six more to go. Good luck to all those out there with aching joints and may the pain go away soon. ... View more

Thanks for replying and for the advice. I will certainly give it a try. I have been taking vitamin d capsules long before before my diagnosis and continue to do so. I’ll check out the links you kindly sent me. I’m beginning to feel old with all these aches and pains and this is just not me. Many thanks again. ... View more