Is this an Allergy to herceptin?

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shellbell1963
shellbell1963 Member Posts: 39
edited June 2014 in HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer

Tried two chemo drugs on Tuesday had severe allergic reactions had herceptin on wednesday came home with chest discomfort. All day yesterday my chest was right could not breathe starting getting congestive in face ears throat and chest. Went to the er they thought heart problem or  blood clot in lung. Tests were all ok. They said an inflammation to the lungs and chest wall. And an allergic reaction to something. I asked herceptin and they would not comment. Anyone hear of such a reaction? I am at a loss and so scared from all of this.

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  • leggo
    leggo Member Posts: 3,293
    edited April 2014

    Shellbell, scary indeed. As a rule, herceptin doesn't cause reactions like that. It does affect the heart, but usually only after many cumulative doses. Certain chemos on the other hand, do cause the kind of reactions you describe. I vividly remember getting taxol and feeling like I was going to die then and there. I never saw so many nurses move so quickly. You mention the two chemos so I would tend to think they were the problem, not the herceptin, but who really knows. Did they give you some pre-meds before the chemo to reduce the likelihood of a reaction? 

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  • leggo
    leggo Member Posts: 3,293
    edited April 2014

    Shellbell, I'm so sorry. It seems I mislead you. I just did a quick google to see the real deal on herceptin and it seems the kind of reaction you had from it isn't all that uncommon. I learned something new. Here's the link.

    http://m.herceptin.com/



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  • shellbell1963
    shellbell1963 Member Posts: 39
    edited April 2014

    thanks for responding yes I was highly premedicated with steriods benedryl and Pepcid. I was initially given the chemo tasotere then cabaplatin. They want to start a new chemo on me next week which I am beyond scared. This is such a nightmare to me. A routine mammo has turned into  cancer with treatments that feel like they are killing me. 

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  • leggo
    leggo Member Posts: 3,293
    edited April 2014

    I'm so sorry it's been so rough. The link has a lot of good info about herceptin and the more I read, it sure sounds like herceptin was the culprit now. Did they decide to change chemos because of your reaction? 

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  • shellbell1963
    shellbell1963 Member Posts: 39
    edited April 2014

    Yes dr wants to  ambraxrne  (spelling?)  but since I may be allergic to herceptin I am doomed?

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited April 2014

    Abraxane is the replacement for Taxotere, not Herceptin.  I think it may be difficult to tell which agent is causing the reaction since the reaction can be similar for all the drugs you were given, including the pre-meds.  Do they plan to try the Herceptin again combined with Abraxane, or by itself?

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  • shellbell1963
    shellbell1963 Member Posts: 39
    edited April 2014

    thanks for replying to me the herceptin was given alone only with premeds of steriods Pepcid and benedryl. I can't imagine what would have happened with out premeds.

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited April 2014

    How are you feeling now?  Has your MO discussed trying to infuse your chemo drugs on a different day from Herceptin, or are they thinking of discontinuing the Herceptin for the moment?

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  • leggo
    leggo Member Posts: 3,293
    edited April 2014

    You're not doomed. They can try several things such as different pre-meds, lengthening the infusion times, different mixing agents, etc. They'll figure it out. Please don't worry. I hope the next round is uneventful for you.

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  • shellbell1963
    shellbell1963 Member Posts: 39
    edited April 2014

    I still feel awful and have such a headache. I talked to my dr and told me to take benedryl and either Claritin or Zyrtec. I really don't want any more meds. I asked the dr could I be allergic to the herceptin and he said probably. I see him on Thursday and I will decide on continuing treatment  or just have radiation. It's a tough call but I am so scared of dying from the meds. :(

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  • sumair
    sumair Member Posts: 12
    edited April 2014

    I had an anaphylactic reaction to Herceptin on my first infusion. Throat swelled, breathing became difficult. I was given three shots of epinephrine and then transferred to trauma to get help with my breathing. No Herceptin for me. That was two years ago and I'm finished all other treatment and healthy.

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  • shellbell1963
    shellbell1963 Member Posts: 39
    edited April 2014

    thank you so much for responding to me. I am beyond scared. Can you tell me what other treatment you had? I still feel strange from all the meds I was given. I have had so much steriods and Benadryl in my system because of my allergies which I warned the drs about. They tried separating two different chemos and the next day the herceptin. After having throat close, chest pains and trouble breathing I am so afraid to try anything else. 

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  • sumair
    sumair Member Posts: 12
    edited May 2014

    Hi there! Sorry for the delay. I just saw your response. After finishing my chemo, minus the Herceptin, of course, I had radiation for five weeks. I finished May 18, 2012 and I've been fine. Hope things are going well with you!

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