Toxic Pneumonitis + Herceptin/Taxol

JeanneG

  I got my 3rd Taxol/Herceptin weekly treatment last Tues.  Wed eve I felt like a cold or flu coming on...coughing up stuff but nothing gross....by Thurs had fever 102.7 and started IV antibiotics (Levaquin & Vancomycin).  Fri a.m. coughing up blood and sent to ER.  Chest CT showed "pneumonitis" and lots of blood cultures taken (I don't have results).  Have been on these IV meds since Thurs daily at the hospital. 

  Here is my concern -- I see this could very likely be a complication of receiving Herceptin.  I have HER2+ and obviously really want this chemo! 

  Has anyone been down this road? Did you try Herceptin again with more steroids or additional antihistimes? 

  I had chemo first (A/C x 4 dose dense cycles) and just started the Taxol/Herceptin but was to have weekly x 12.  THEN surgery and Herceptin and THEN radiation.  If I can't resume Herceptin, what next? Older chemo drugs pre-Herceptin?

  I know this is a lot of questions but everyone's been so concerned with fixing the acute problem they aren't telling me anything about what is next.  Any help appreciated!

Gitane

Hi Jeanne,  These are such an important questions, but I don't know the answers.  I remember that AC really affected my immune system.  I had an outbreak of shingles, but it was handled quickly with treatment.  Unlike you, I didn't go on to take Herceptin and have no experience there.  Have you posted these questions on the Her2 forum?  I bet women there could help you.  Giant, giant hugs.   

KerryMac

Jeanne - sorry, I can't help at all, but just wanted to let you know I was thinking of you. Big Hugs.

Hope you get this sorted out quickly, I can imagine your anxiety. Keep us updated.

AnacortesGirl

Don't know if this is any help.  My neighbor worked through AC then they gave her rads because of her work schedule.  No problems. Two weeks into her Taxol she came home from work one day just dragging.  Discovered she had a fever (102) and ended up in the hospital with pneumonia.  Took her a week to get over the pneumonia with some high dose antibiotics.  She finished her Taxol without any other problems.  She wasn't on Herceptin.