Just beginning my journey

My Herceptin was not a shot, but rather infusions and I tolerated it just fine.  No problems heart-wise.

kjt: I remember how terrified I was when I was at your stage, and I'm sorry you have to be here, but glad you found us. I did Taxol/Carboplatin/Herceptin April-July of 2008 then Herceptin every 3 weeks - finished this last April. I had MUGA scans throughout treatment, and I suffered no heart damage. Like Sheila said, Herceptin is tolerated very well by most women.

I worked throughout chemo (I'm a teacher, so I finished up during the summer), taking off a few days during the treatment weeks. Everybody reacts differently, but I was actually surprised by how much I was able to continue doing through all of this.

Let us know what your treatment plan is after you see the oncologist. This is a great place for questions and support.

Best wishes, Sue

ktj1947:  I agree with Sue as I was surprised how I tolerated chemo and Herceptin.  You may be the same way and I pray that for you.  I am currently on Herceptin only until next April which is tolerated very well by people with hardly any side effects.  I even asked my oncologist about the heart issue and he said the amount of Herceptin we take does not damage the heart.  Even on chemo I was shocked as I had a little nausea 2x and the one time was after I had eaten sauerkraut.  I was very frightened of chemo but please don't psych yourself out.  Take one day at a time and try to just get through this very different time.  In the beginning with all the tests, not knowing what you are dealing with is the hardest part, believe me.

Blessings, Char 

I had six rounds of TCH (taxotere\carboplatin\herceptin) which ended 11 months ago.  I still get herceptin infusions (thru my port) once every three weeks for over a year now and have zero heart problems.  Many of us with stage IV are on it for many, many years and do not have problems.  It is a great drug and has been doing wonderful things for those of us who are her2+!  

I work full time and on the day I go for my herceptin treatment, I take a few hours off and work from home the rest of the day.  Sometimes I take the whole day off because it can make me sleepy, but usually I am just fine and feel back to normal by the next day.  

It is very hard to be positive, but you will find your footing.  I always equate it to waves.  A big one will come along and knock me down for a minute, but I get myself back up and am able to stand up to a few more waves before another big one comes along.  Over the last year, I have gotten stronger with each wave and I can hold my own against some pretty darned big ones.  Hang in there because you will get stronger, too!!   lisa

Kathy, I'm glad that you know what's coming - sometimes the unknown is the worst part. The most important things I can recommend are resting as much as you need to, taking things to treatment like liquids (drinking before and during can ease the effects), something like hard candy to help if you get a bad taste (some do, but not all), and asking a lot of questions -doing your own research to make sure that the treatments they are recommending are right for you. It also helps if you are outgoing enough to make friends with people you are getting treated with -you will be surprised at how much quicker it goes if you have someone there to chat with. You find yourself looking forward to that time with others, instead of dreading the appointment. 

Best wishes to you, may it be over before you know it!