Herceptin and BOOP

Pam123

I posted a topic, I think in March, asking if anyone else had any sort of breathing troubles while on Herceptin.   I appreciated all of the comments.   A year ago March, I was told that the cancer had taken residence in my lungs.   It was in the xrays prior to radiation that my lungs looked "junky".   After a ctscan, a bronchoscopy, antibiotics and steroids and then one big final open lung biopsy, it was determind that I had BOOP.   In March after being told that it was cancer, I began doing a lot of googling on the internet.   And as it became more and more clear that it was not cancer, I began to suspect the Herceptin.   Both my oncologist and my lung doctor told me that herceptin was not known to cause BOOP.   Again, looking on line, I began finding articles relating to the subject, with stories very similar to mine.     My cancer came back and I had a mastectomy in February.   Another ctscan in March that showed that I am really good at growing cancer.   I received a chemo port in May.   Again my oncologist was recommending chemo along with herceptin.   I told him that I was still apprehensive about going back on herceptin because of my breathing was just returning to normal.   He pretty much was looking at me like I was nuts.   I mean do I breathe and grow cancer? or Do I kill cancer and not breathe?   The reason for this post.   I had an appt with my oncologist yesterday.   While he sat at the computer typing and looking at the screen, he told me this," We now know that Herceptin is associated with BOOP.   We learn something new every day.".   I still have cancer, but its just nice to know that apparently research is now catching up to  the patients.

florencedonna

I consulted Dr. Google to find out BOOP is bronchiolitis obliterans organising pneumonia. It is inflammation of the bronchioles (small airways), it is called pneumonia but is not an infection but an inflammation (pneumonitis would be a better term)

Would Tykerb be a good drug for you?

I am done with Herceptin but glad to know this in case it is recommended again.  thanks, donna

cookie1956

Pam123

Most interesting post! You go, girl.

snowyday

Crikey, talk about listening,  I find the oncs never listen and when you mention something...the eyebrows fly up in surprise and the mouth says, " Oh I've NEVER heard of that happening