Herceptin ONLY

ThePrincess

Hello ladies - anyone doing Herceptin only for a time after chemo - what are the side effects if you get only Herceptin?

Thanks in advance!!!

ElaineTherese

Hi!

I am currently receiving Herceptin only, every three weeks. Personally, I experience no side effects from Herceptin.

Italychick

I am getting Herceptin every three weeks. First Herceptin only infusion, I felt like I had a mild case of the flu for a few hours. The next infusion, nothing. I rode my bike 25 miles right after the infusion.

Alibeths

Do any of you have heart issues? Shortness of breath? I think that may be from chemo. Just had an ECHO and my function came back at 65. Apparently, thats normal.

coldnewf

Had chemo and radiation Now having herceptin alone. No side effects for the first 12 treatments but on number 13 I started to have pounding heartbeats 24/7. Recently had holter monitor done. Cardiologist says there is no significant heart issues. Just finished treatment number 16. Read on this site that some ladies are having treatments every week. Could this make a difference ? Have side effects to many drugs. Already had to discontinue exemestane and Femara. Anyone else have this side effect with herceptin

coldnewf

Having my last herceptin in 9 days. Still having pounding heartbeats mostly 24/7. Treatment number 17 was infused over 90 minutes and I feel that might have made some difference to the severity of the pounding heartbeat. Thank you so much to those who suggested the 90 minute infusion Just asking of those who have experienced this side effect how long does this side effect last after the final treatment. Had to discontinue Femara as I am extremely sensitive to a lot of drugs and could not cope with side effects of both drugs and would like to try Femara again after some of the SE of Herceptin are gone. God bless you all who still have more treatments to go and those who have completed their course of drugs. It is not an easy journey that we are travelling but with the help of good medical care,supportive family,friends and discussion forums like this we will get to the end and hopefully lead a healthy and productive life once again

windingshores

Are you taking brand name Femara or generic letrozole? I have a lot of problems with medications. I started with 1/4 dose, for 4 days, then 1/2, then 3/4 then a whole pill, which helped. I also switched to brand name because there are fewer fillers. I hope you can get on the Femara at some point. I also found, like others, that side effects went away with time. First I had some sort of buzzy sensations and hot flashes, then joint issues (better with walking) but after a month not many side effects at all- and I am very sensitive.Maybe that can give you some hope. And hope the Herceptin effects go away soon,

coldnewf

I was prescribed the generic letrozole. Should have picked up on that because I have had many problems with generic drugs. Thanks for your tips on how you gradually got to the whole pill. Really do want to get on them. Don't really want to start tamoxifen because of the SE of stroke. Have a real problem with hypertension for many years. At the moment however, I have hypotension as one of the side effects of herceptin along with several others. Can't wait for sept 16th for the final treatment. Thanks for your quick reply. Blessings!!

coldnewf

Finished herceptin four weeks ago but still having SE of pounding heartbeat. Wondering how long this will be around. Had holter monitor but cardiologist says there was nothing cardiac wise going on. Very distressing esp at night. Starting brand Femera tomorrow. Hope I do better than on letrozole. Had several SE on that. Any info from someone who had the problem with the herceptin would be most appreciated.

WarriorCheryl

Just diagnosed HER2+ and have only one early detected tumor, no lymph nodes affected thus far. Are you doing Herception only without additional chemo? . I an skeptical of the other chemos, which some doctors prescribe just because. I am searching for an oncologist, as I didn't like the first consults manner, facility or matter of factness. Any feedback appreciated.

ThePrincess

warrior - is the onc prescribing herceptin only

coldnewf

I started Herceptin when I started my chemo (TCH) After the chemo I continued with the Harceptin every three weeks for a total of 52 weeks. Usually everyone does well with herceptin but after 13 treatments I developed several side effects. I have a history of developing side effects to a lot of drugs so I was not surprised. I was ready to quit after my 15th treatment but after talking with my oncologist decided to continue one treatment at a time- no promises. She is amazing and now, of course, I am glad I finished the 18 treatments. Now if the darn old SE's would only disappear. 8-12 weeks my pharmacist at the cancer clinic told me. Warrior. Hope you find an onc that you feel comfortable with and one that will help you when you have a miserable day. You are going to be seeing this person for a long time. Good luck in your search

coldnewf

I did ok with the other treatments. Had some problems but weathered them ok. Started out with TCH but after two courses had to be switched to HTC. Did 25 rads with very little trouble and ,of course, the 18 Herceptin treatments. Had 4 Mugga scans to check heart function and had no changes there. I am also triple positive, grade 3 and only 2 of 22 nodes negative. I live each dayin hope that all the side effects will help the treatments be worth the misery. On Femara,just starting, I have already tried exsamestane and letrozole but had to stop because of SE's. However I push on with each day because the alternative is not something I am ready to accept just yet. Good luck 841911.

JerseyGirl22

Having my last chemo with only Herceptin and Perjeta, on Nov. 2nd. Then onto Herceptin only, Nov. 23rd, before surgery. Praying for no side effects. Thanks for being out here and offering insights, warrior women!