TRIPLE POSITIVE GROUP

My herceptin was given over an hour and I have seemed to be ok. Headaches have been tough at night (not sure if that is the herceptin or myhormones going wacky) but other than that ok compared to the days after my first TCH ugh! I ended up getting platelets the same day and wonder if that is going to be a regular thing because I am on a blood thinner and have been for a number of years because of factor v Leiden and DVTs way prior to breast cancer so my platelets are always funky. Next TCH will be coming up soon August 13 I'm a bit more prepared this time with how awful I will feel but now I also know that I will feel better in between thanks to your support and the experience. Here's to the good days! Thanks again everyone!

I have had them slow it down a couple of times. It felt like my heart was racing. Just ask, it cannot hurt.

MMay, sorry they won't schedule fluids for you they are so helpful. I felt crummy after round one and two. My MO's nurse tried to get me to go back in for fluids, but I said, "I'll just drink more". Round three I ended up in the ER. After that fluids were always scheduled. 

Maybe they don't want to scheduleI fluids ahead of time, but don't let that deter you for asking for them if you feel weak after future infusions.

I am having herceptin / perjeta tomorrow. 5 left. Since my heart function has decreased I intend to ask if a slower infusion might be helpful. Love, Jean

Howdy all, I started having dull headaches about the middle of May. They are daily and not debilitating but none the less bothersome. I went away for the 4th of July weekend and forgot my arimidex and the headaches were gone for three days. Back the day after I started back up on the ESD. So I decided it was a SE. Saw my MO for my 3 month appt today and he wants me to stop taking arimidex to see if they go away - wants me to give it two to three weeks to make sure. If I still have headaches - even if they are different - I will have to have a brain scan. If they go away, he will try a different AI - most likely femara. He thinks SE also - but wants to make sure since HER2 likes to go to the brain - UGHHH - does this stuff every stop?

thanks SpecialK - I really just wanted him to say I am sure it is just a SE so let's switch. But NO he had to say "brain scan" and that is when the anxiety started. ALTHOUGH - I do appreciate that he wants to be certain - he is a very good doctor and I am lucky to have him in my corner.

How are you doing? Are you ready for some football? How are you doing with all this rain? I am building an ark if you need me to come pick you up.

just scheduled a brain mri for myself next Thursday all I had to do was ask for one and my mo simply said ok then I will be getting a pet scan aug 26 after I finish chemo not fun month at least I look forward to being done with chemo and my mini celebrating vacay to traverse city!!

Linda, Its good to see you around again. Headaches do seem to be a common se of Arimidex, so hoping that's all it is.

Jerseygirl,

I was advised by a doctor herself a bc patientwho's been there that 90 minutes would be easier for me so that's what I asked for. They told me when you come in, it's your chair for as long as you want it you want 90 minutes you got 90 minutes

My doctor and nurses at the cancer center both advised me that I could do 30, 60 or 90 minute infusions and also said the some had issues with shorter infusions so they advised me to do 90 at first and try a faster one to see. I ended up at 60 and stayed there. I wouldn't ask on this issue. They are charging the insurance company the same amount no matter how long they run it over and if you are having issues then they should try a longer infusion to help with those issues. If they still say no - then I would threaten to move my business elsewhere. They make big money on these infusions.

I had my herceptin over 90 minutes, but there were a few times that they timed it wrong and it was shorter by 15-20 minutes and on those days I always ended up with headaches and aches all over. I can't even imagine how awful I would have felt at 30 minutes 

Has anyone here had to stop Taxol early, prior to completing the 12 doses, due to adverse affects? I developed a terrible rash as well as neuropathy in my legs- not just numbness and tingling, but weakness and a clumsy gait. After the 8th Taxol, they held it for 2 weeks. The rash subsided and the neuropathy lessened. I received the 9th dose and after 5 days the neuropathy returned more significantly. They held my Taxol again last week and my MO said they will likely stop but will make a final decision this week. I am worried about only receiving 9, but also fearful of worsening or permanent neuropathy.

Thank you, that is encouraging to hear. I know they try to get as far as they can. I am thankful that my MO is cautious about giving Taxol through neuropathy. It is so difficult to know how to measure neuropathy- it's not like looking at the numbers on the liver enzymes or the ejection fraction...there are no numbers here. I try to ask myself, is this something I can live with forever and even though it can fluctuate from day to day- the pain and weakness is pretty significant and would most definitely impair my quality of life and impair my activity.

My cardiologist talked to me about all the women having cardiac issues after chemo. His preference is to put women on heart medications prior to certain chemo and Herceptin treatments. They will help to protect the heart. He said there are going to be some changes to way things are done now.

My first MOs office looked at me funny when I asked about icing my fingers and toes. They also dismissed my question about taking Claritin after neulasta and getting the shot in my belly instead of arm. I never did any icing but I did take Claritin and got my shot in the belly with no bone pain at all. It was an expert here that gave me those tips!