Herceptin weekly or every 3 weeks

Hi Mom-

I have been getting Herceptin weekly along with my chemo since Jan. I have 2 more chemo's to go. Should have been one but unfortunately yesterday, my platlets and RBC was too low for chemo. They did give me Herceptin though. I'm interested in what you have to say because once chemo is done, the plan is for Herceptin every three weeks. In other words, just like you going from weekly to once every 3. I'm sorry that that dosage has you now feeling bad effects. What does your Onc. say about it?

I have no idea how I will handle it but I was assuming it wouldn't be a problem. Most everyone is on every three with no problem. Could it possibly have to do with infusion time? I've read where some woman had some trouble and they just slowed the drip.

Hoping you'll continue to be OK on Herceptin, I don't know that I'd want to keep going every week once I'm done with chemo.

Best of luck to you,

Ellen

Mom of 2,

i did my first 12 weekly with taxol, then started the every 3 week dose. I had headaches after infusion that would last for 2 -4 days.  About half way through, i asked onc for weekly dose.  Once i did that my headaches were much better.  I really did feel better when i did the weekly dose.  So i am a believer.

Good luck with finishing your last few doses!

My Herceptin was given to me every TWO weeks right from the beginning (since last April)..........and I never had a problem until about a month ago. I believe my body is just tired of it now..........my muscles ache, my fingernails are a mess,  and my bones hurt (even the bones in my feet - but I am blaming that on the Arimidex). Mostly I'm very tired and coughing. My onc gave me an antibiotic which did seem to help a bit, but I haven't had a muga scan since January (it had dropped just a bit, down to 63% which is considered very good.)  I only have one more Herceptin tx left (next Wednesday, the day after my colonscopy) - and I can't WAIT! I don't have a port any more - it got infected after only two infusions and had to be removed. I've been very lucky that the nurses were able to infuse the Navelbine without burning my veins - the Herceptin is VERY easy through the veins, not dangerous at all. My onc will probably request one more muga scan after my last infusion - but to be on the safe side, I made an appointment with a cardiologist in May to have a complete workup done on my heart. I've been to so many specialists already - it suddenly dawned on my - my heart has been through so much this past year - a cardiologist will give me peace-of-mind moving forward.

Mom-of-2 I hope you feel better - but be sure to tell your onc everything you feel - even if it means delaying your Herceptin another week - your heart is so important for your future health - better be safe than sorry!

I'm starting Herceptin next week - and go once every 3 week.  How long does the infusion usually last?

I get herceptin every three weeks.  My infusion takes about 90 minutes.  I get tylenol for pre-meds.  

Thanks Ladies.

The first time I was on herceptin for a year, the cardiologist put me on a low dose BP med. lisinipril. It made it so that your heart does not have to work as hard and it stopped the once in a while palpatations that I got from the herceptin. I am back on the once a week herceptin and chemo now, but the doc wants to put me on the 3 week schedule after I go on a chemo break. I will definetly want to go back on the blood pressure med lisinipril again if I do that.

Voltie, they say your heart ejection fraction will go back up after you stop the Herceptin.   Mine went from 65% + to 53% in the first 3 months.  So I am pulling for you!

I did pretty well on July 8th when I received my Herceptin because  I got it over 60 minutes.  I had not arthritic pain, drippy nose or wakefulness at bedtime.  Then about 13 days later it started and I ached from the tips of my fingers and to the tips of my toes.  I take Tylenol during the day and benedryl at night.  Today I get doses 43, 44 & 45.  I will ask to get it over 90 minutes.  

I didn't know that the Herceptin would need to be given again.  Did they tell you why?