2009 Herceptin group

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  • nobleanna007
    nobleanna007 Member Posts: 641
    edited March 2009

    Hey Everyone, Your Bartender has not been on board latley, maybe its cause I have actually gone back to work part-time being a manager/bartender. Boy I did not realize how much I missed the interaction with people till I went back, was kind of nervous cause I finally let go of my HAT!! Big step!!!! I am sorry I have not been here to make you drinks!! But am offering up a ScoriponBowl if any one is intrested?????  It made me feel so good to go back to work customers who knew I was coming back brought me flowers and it made me feel so special. I still hurt on this damn Herceptin and am going to a pain management dr. and were mapping out a plan, I am only in hopes its the herceptin and not the chemo I endured causing these nerve issues. I will soon find out I have 3 more to go!!!! My Onc. is not going to make me make up the rest that I missed which was 8 weeks. Now I have heard they are doing clinical trials on doing the 2 yr. Herceptin which I would hope I would be a candidate for but due to low Muga Scans probably not. I am highly +++ for Her2 so I want to do all I can. I am scared that when I stop it will come back. And I know when I mention doing the 2 yr. trial my Onc. is going to pooh pooh the idea. I may get a 2nd opinion if she does. What do you gals think??????

                                                       Cheers to all of you!!!!!!!!

                                                                 Bridget

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  • GramE
    GramE Member Posts: 5,056
    edited March 2009

    Laura, you may be slightly dehydrated and the cause for tummy upset.   I get an extra whole bag of saline with my herceptin and also drink at least 2 glasses of water or ginger ale while I get it.   Try to drink something every hour for a day or two after.   The fluids help flush it through your system and get it out quicker.  AND they slow mine down to 50 minutes instead of 30 minute drip.   My worst SE was chills during the infusion, but that has stopped.  

    The bone, joint aches are still there.  Waking up and feeling like a stiff, creaky old person.   If I sit too long, it is the same - achy, creaky, stiff.   So far tylenol takes care of the pain.   I try to walk every day, but the weather is not cooperating -- rain today.  

    I know someone who had to go to Herceptin every week instead of every 3 weeks due to stomach problems.   Your onco should be able to help.   My tx went well yesterday but it took forever because they were really backed up.   But I do not have to rush home for kids or pets or anything.    

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  • mamakaren
    mamakaren Member Posts: 225
    edited March 2009

    Hello ladies,

    I haven't posted due to my moms condition. I'm so worried and get more stressed out as the day gets closer which is this Friday!! That's the day she gets her surgery. They say it's called exploratory surgery and i'm praying that all goes well.

    LeftyAKAnancy~ I've been having stomach problems also but they just tell me to take some anti acid so they have been giving me zantac with every Herceptin every week. I feel very nauseated. Maybe it's the worrying about my mom.

    Started working also so it's been kinda nice to be busy and not think about all the problems. Hope that everyone keeps doing good. Best wishes and goodnight.

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  • GramE
    GramE Member Posts: 5,056
    edited March 2009

    Karen, my stomach was ok the next day, and I take mylanta.   They used to give me pepcid with the chemo, maybe time to add it again.   

    HAPPY St. Patricks Day.   HUGS,   Nancy 

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  • Smile2006
    Smile2006 Member Posts: 155
    edited March 2009

    mamakaren:   hope all goes well with your mom....my thoughts and prayers are with you both!

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  • mamakaren
    mamakaren Member Posts: 225
    edited March 2009

    Hi everyone,

    I just got back from the hospital and I'm very tired I have been there since 5am. Just wanted to update all of you on my moms surgery. She came out good Thanks to our Jesus Christ. They took out 70% of her stomach and they say she has some lymph nodes involved. I know it sounds bad but i'm looking on the positive side. I'm just grateful that it wasn't a open and shut situation. Yea my mom has a hard road ahead with chemo and rads but i have faith that she will be okay. I really want to thank you all for all your prayers.

    Smile2006~ thank you and you are also in my prayers.

    God bless and keep up the good spirits everyone! Thank you BC PARTY BUS gals for being my backbone.

    Lots of Love, Karen

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  • AmyA7
    AmyA7 Member Posts: 16
    edited March 2009

    I'm in too! What a journey huh?

    I've been on herceptin since June 2008 and will be done in June 2009. I also did 6 rounds of chemo -taxotere and carboplatin from June 2008-September 2008 I didn't drink during chemo and wasn't much of a drinker to start with but it was fun to have a few drinks after chemo!!! I'm on herceptin 2 times a month til June! I'll take a tequila shot! My hair is about 1 inch long now and I can't wait to get out of the wig! Woo hoo!

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  • AmyA7
    AmyA7 Member Posts: 16
    edited March 2009

    Karen, oh gosh -- the waiting in the hospital can be so draining. I'm so glad your mom is doing well. It's a long journey but my motto "one day at a time" has helped! Sometimes it's "one minute at a time". I'm sending prayers and positive energy to you and your mom! :-) Take good care!

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  • suemed8749
    suemed8749 Member Posts: 1,151
    edited March 2009

    Hi Karen - Glad to hear your mom made it through the surgery and they are treating her case aggresively. I would imagine that the stress of all of this could certainly cause stomach problems. Prayers for both of you.

    Welcome to the bus, Amy!

    I have one more Herceptin tx! I tried to talk my onc out of doing another MUGA since the previous ones have all been good, but no go.

    Today's my last day of spring break Cry. Gotta admit I've had a few libations this week - went and visited family in Illinois - my niece is an chemo nurse and she said she was calling my onc and ordering a brain scan since I obviously was not thinking clearly to leave Arizona and go back to the Midwest in March. But I liked being cold!

    A wonderful Sunday to the ladies on the bus.

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  • mamakaren
    mamakaren Member Posts: 225
    edited March 2009

    Good Day Gals,

    Amy Welcome! Yea my hair is 2inches long and it has no shape or form it's just crazy! One day at a time!

    Sue~ CONGRATS on one more to go! I'll second on that brain scan. When will you be back? Wishing you safe trip.

    I know this isn't the answer but last night i was so stressed out and i wanted to relax so my husband and I went out and we had some drinks. Captain and coke! We had a blast and laughed alot!

    They took out the tube in my moms nose today so i'm glad. Have a great Sunday.

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  • reeniebabe
    reeniebabe Member Posts: 7
    edited March 2009

    HI

    Can I join the party - I a dinky-di chick from Oz! so I hope you like to party all night (given the time zone difference!).

    I've had 3 x Herceptin so far and will continue through until February 2010 so I'd love to join the party.

    I've been married to a wonderful man for 31 years (April 1, 2009 anniversary will be on the day of my mastectomy - what an awful coincidence).  Three wonderful sons 27, 23 & 19 and one daughter-in-law.

    I'm an adult education teacher (am now on extended sick leave as this is not a job that enabled me to work around my treatments).

    Looking forward to a great year with you all!

    Reenie

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  • jezza
    jezza Member Posts: 698
    edited March 2009

    Hi reenie...

    I have sent you a Private Message...go to My Home at the top of the page to retrieve it!

    Hugs

    jezza

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  • GramE
    GramE Member Posts: 5,056
    edited March 2009
    Welcome to the newbies.  Here's hoping Spring is on its way soon and we can all get out for a walk or something fun.   The forsythia is blooming and the Cherry Blossoms are on their way.   Have a good rest of the week and Keep smiling.   Kiss  Wink  Smile
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  • ango74
    ango74 Member Posts: 255
    edited March 2009

    Karen, I'm glad your moms surgery went well. With only 30% of her stomach left will she be able to eat normally. I hope that isn't  stupid question. When will you know the full pathology on it?

    Welcome Amy and Reenie!

    Sue congrats on having one more Herceptin to go.

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  • Estepp
    Estepp Member Posts: 6,416
    edited March 2009

    Ladies, just a quick tired hello... I am finishing rads and it is kickin my booty. I just wanted you to know I am hear with you all reading... I hope to be in full action within a  month or so... blasted rads...

    God Bless!

    Laura

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  • KM47
    KM47 Member Posts: 65
    edited March 2009

    Hi guys,

    I just had my first Herceptin treatment yesterday and so far am feeling okay. I've just found this thread so thougth I would post.

    I guess my main question is...if you are going to have side effects, do you normally feel them straight away or can it take a few days or a few treatments?

    I am also having chemo at the moment so I guess it will be hard to know which side effects are from which drugs, until I'm taking Hercpetin alone. I have three infusions with both Taxotere and Herceptin (including yesterday's) and then the final 15 Herceptin ones will be given alone.(I had three FEC chemo treatments prior to the Taxotere but they would not start the Herceptin until the FEC was done due to potential for heart side effects from both drugs.)

    Thanks in advance for any feedback - I really don't know too much about Herceptin in terms of side effects. Here in New Zealand much of the coverage of it has been about how long the drug was funded for. It was only funded for 9 weeks originally so unless you had health insurance or could fund it yourself that's all you got. However, with a change of government late last year it was changed to 12 months.

    Cheers

    K.

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  • Juli50
    Juli50 Member Posts: 859
    edited March 2009

    My ejection fraction is back up to 40, but my onc said he may not put me back on the Herceptin. I did have 11 tx and he said that might be enough. The cardiologist is doing a stress test on me next Thursday.

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  • Smile2006
    Smile2006 Member Posts: 155
    edited March 2009

    KM47 :  I have not heard much of SE from Herceptin alone...some just get a mild headache...I am on TCH every three weeks with Herceptin weekly.  And so far the weeks I have Herceptin I have not experienced any major SE.  Hope this helps

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  • GointoCarolina
    GointoCarolina Member Posts: 753
    edited March 2009

    I am new to this and thanks for starting it! I had mastectomy in September 2008,started TCH in October,terrible side effects, was in hospital over Christmas holidays for ten days due to severe gastritis and neutropenic fever.Had my third of thirteen only herceptins last Thursday, I do not sleep the night of treatment,kind of envy you  that it makes sleepy! My worst complaint is the off and on nausea,but I have a very sensitive stomach, so that may be why it hits me there.Do have headaches off and on,some blurred vision and terrible post nasal drip.Brittle nails and have started soem neuropathy,start physical therapy next week.Having my port removed today as the catheter may be on a nerve and is causing me lots of discomfort,so feeling a little uneasy about the actual removal, but will be glad to have it out.Cannot wait to be done with herceptin and get back to  kind of normal! Hope everyone is having a good day. Jackie

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  • traceyz
    traceyz Member Posts: 745
    edited March 2009

    Karen still praying for you and your mom.Kiss

    Tracey

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  • BrandonMom
    BrandonMom Member Posts: 412
    edited March 2009

    I'm in as well.  I started herceptin on December 31st, so I'll be getting it for the whole year!!  Woo hoo??

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  • mamakaren
    mamakaren Member Posts: 225
    edited March 2009

    Hello gals,

    Well Ango, I guess we wont now until she goes to the oncologist. My mom is gonna see the same onc as me.

    Tracy~You go girl with your bad self!! You look really good in your picture also can't thank you enough for all your prayers.

    Today is the first night i'm not gonna stay with my mom. Sleeping on a chair sure did kick my ass! I'm so stressed out and tired but so thankful that my mom is doing good today they gave her some broth to eat and passed gas so they were amazed how well she is doing.

    KM47~ welcome and Herceptin is really a wonderful life saver even though we all complain but we really are grateful for Herceptin. You will experience some SE but nothing to serious that we can't handle. I have had some painful hand problems and my EF went down 10 points then they gave me a month break and tested me again and put me back on it again and haven't had any problems knock on wood. I was very sore and ached everywhere. I have had 24 herceptins and the SE seemed to have gone away almost completely. Hope that you have no problems good luck!

    LotsOfLove, Karen

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  • Yogi70
    Yogi70 Member Posts: 654
    edited April 2009

    Well, I'll have my last treatment Friday, March 27 YAAAY!!  It hasn't been so bad for me except that my knees and hips ache especially if I sit too long. I have a runny left nostril which is at the most aggravating and the tips of my toenails are discolored. But for the most part I've been doing fine.

    Yogi

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  • vangoghpro
    vangoghpro Member Posts: 47
    edited March 2009

    Hi everyone,

    I just had my first Herceptin yesterday along with Taxotere and carboplatin. I feel a bit sluggish today but am at work. I probably will crash on the weekend, but I plan on working as much as possible.

    I am about to turn 53.

    I am a mom of a 20 and 17 year old (boys in college and high school).

    I am married since 1985.

    I live in Southern California.

    I am a pet lover with two retrievers, two cats, two thoroughbred horses and one paint horse.

    I teach ninth grade English.

    I hope to meet many of you online as we go through this journey together. I will be on Herceptin into 2010.

     Linda

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  • BrandonMom
    BrandonMom Member Posts: 412
    edited March 2009

    Has anyone else had trouble with rashes from Herceptin?  The backs of my legs by my knees is so itchy. 

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  • pmellon
    pmellon Member Posts: 38
    edited March 2009

    Hi All - I would like to board this bus --- well, not really - but here I am.  Started Herceptin this month.  Have had 3 weekly treatments along with Taxol so far.  Will be on Herceptin until March 2010.  So far so good!    I am 40 with two girls ages 9 and 12.   

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  • momgovero
    momgovero Member Posts: 28
    edited March 2009

    I had the first of my 12 weekly treatments of Herceptin and Paclataxol (sp?).  I was amazed at how long it took to get the treatment.  I was at the hospital by 9am to do my labs, then meet with the oncologist.  Then, 11 o'clock was my appt time for chemo.  By noon, I was in the recliner, waiting for my drugs.  I don't remember the order, but I got decadron, Pepcid, and Benedryl.  The Benedryl knocked me out!!  I vaguely remember her telling me the times on each bag of Herceptin and paclataxol (90 minutes on one, and 60 minutes on one, and thinking, man, I'm not leaving here until 4 or so).  I woke up in the chair around 4:30, wiping dried drool off of my chin!!  I could not believe it knocked me out.  My husband said I was solid gone!  So, it was almost 5pm before we were in the car in the garage, leaving Siteman.  Crazy long day.  Even though, that day, I was whipped, mostly because of the Benedryl, I think, the next morning I was up and out of the house, taking my mom out to lunch for her birthday.  Today, I feel a little fatigued, but other than that, I am having no side effects at all.  My kids are still amazed at the fact that I had chemo on Wednesday, and I am not in bed for a week after, like I was with the every 21 days of FEC.  This routine is much easier, at least so far. 

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  • Estepp
    Estepp Member Posts: 6,416
    edited March 2009

    Welcome new gals!!! Sorry you are here... but so be it right....

    Taxol and Herceptin was quite easy for me. I am now on Herceptin alone until Sept. I think.. LOL.. I will ask that question Monday...

    I am in rads now, so I do Herceptin weekly..

    I hope all is well for all....

    Momgovero.. I am outside Kansas City... are you in the boothill?

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  • mamakaren
    mamakaren Member Posts: 225
    edited March 2009

    Welcome to the crazy Party Pink Bus!

    I have noticed that I have a rash on my arms and thighs. The rash isn't major but it's rather irritating so i keep it well hydrated with creams and ointments. Other than that today I was so scared, My little girl had to have a bone scan and of course you can imagine the things that i was thinking. She has been having alot of back pain so i guess they want to rule out anything bad. Won't get the results until doc calls me.

    My mom seems to be doing good thank the Lord above. I could really use a drink to relax my nerves!! Just an idea for our bartender, You should invent a drink called amnesia!  A drink to forget about all our problems for awhile. Have a good weekend everyone!

    Karen

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  • Smile2006
    Smile2006 Member Posts: 155
    edited March 2009

    mamkaren, I have found that golds bond with aloe really helps with the dryness and rashes!  So far its the only thing that keeps my hands and feet from peeling soooo bad!  My prayers are with you in regards to you daughter....please keep us informed!  And glad to hear your mom is doing better,

     I had my 3rd tx thursday and I am having a rough time!  Hardly no sleep from stomach issues....naseau is okay, but just the uneasiness and the really bad taste in my mouth....I keep lemon drops by my bed just for that....still..YUCK! 

    My mom has cooked a large dinner and is bringing over today....all my favorites!  But, I dont think I will be able to eat them (but I will give it a try). 

    Good day to ALL!!

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