Taxol + Herceptin Fatigue?

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Thinkpink67
Thinkpink67 Member Posts: 8
edited June 2016 in HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer

Hi all,

I am early stage HER2 positive going through the standard 12 weeks of weekly taxol + herceptin treatment . Yesterday was my first meeting with my MO since starting 3 weeks ago. So far my side effects are minimal compared to what I thought they might be. No nausea at all, mainly just feel out of shape and more tired than usual. I have been able to keep up my daily routine with some modifications. I am able to walk every morning for about 1/2 hour, do laundry, dishes, grocery shopping, pick up kids, etc. I'm just needing to rest more between activities and pretty much done for the day around 5'when I feel like I just need to rest. I've had a hard time finding the energy or even motivation to get out much at night. I felt like I was doing pretty well and thought my fatigue was moderate. The main difference I've noticed in trying to keep up these activities is that I just feel like I'm out of shape.

When I updated my MO on my activity level yesterday she was highly concerned that I am feeling the need to limit my activities at all and am not able to just power through my normal day and said she would catorgorize my fatigue as severe and not normal for most people going through this same treatment. She is having me see a physical therapist for some weight training during this to hopefully help my endurance.

Has anyone else just felt extra tired during this? I thought feeling more tired was a typical side affect, but now I feel like maybe I should be trying to do more than I am even if I am tired. I know my MO didn't mean to make me feel bad, but now I'm beating myself up about being so tired and not trying to do more. Of course I'm extra emotional during this time anyway and my visit yesterday isn't helping!

Any feedback is greatly appreciated















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  • ElaineTherese
    ElaineTherese Member Posts: 3,328
    edited June 2016

    Uh, I'm not sure why your MO is so surprised that you're feeling fatigued on Taxol + Herceptin. Fatigue is considered to be a common side effect for that regimen. I know that I was fatigued on T + H; I remember scootering with my sons and not being able to keep up with them. I also just went to bed at 8:00 pm, the time my youngest goes to bed.

    Your MO should take a chill pill. You're a busy Mom who exercises, does her housework and childcare, and just takes it easy after 5:00 pm. So what? She should be happy that you don't have awful diarrhea or neuropathy. Those side effects can be far more problematic, in my opinion.

    Best wishes!

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  • Deaconlady
    Deaconlady Member Posts: 158
    edited June 2016

    Thinkpink, you are doing wonderfully! I would fade quickly after work, but rest once i got home for a little while before starting dinner etc. I didn't keep up with exercise but wish that I had.

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  • Mommato3
    Mommato3 Member Posts: 633
    edited June 2016

    Thinkpink, You're doing great!! Fatigue is a common side effect so I'm not sure why your MO is so concerned. I would do my walking, laundry, house cleaning, dishes, etc in the morning so I could sit and relax a little in the afternoon before my three kiddos got home from school.

    Your MO should be happy you're exercising! Do you know how many women aren't able to exercise during chemo??

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  • Thinkpink67
    Thinkpink67 Member Posts: 8
    edited June 2016

    Thanks for the encouraging words everyone. I was rather shocked that she seemed so concerned, but thought maybe most people just sail through this without many issues. Glad to know I'm not the only one who gets tired. 8 more weeks, so hopefully fatigue will be the worst thing that happens to me!

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  • Bootscootin
    Bootscootin Member Posts: 70
    edited June 2016

    I had serious fatigue until I finished Herceptin. I was working full time but could do very little after work except rest. Was tired most afternoons at work but felt pretty good in the mornings. On weekends, I would plan to get important tasks done in the morning. There were many times that I cancelled planned activities because I was too tired. Now, two months after the end of Herceptin, I am almost back to normal

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  • Why2015
    Why2015 Member Posts: 38
    edited June 2016

    Yes, you are not alone feeling fatigued. Having this diagnosis puts a burden on us emotionally, and I can also add to one feeling tired. You may want to talk to your doctor about vitamins and what might help you get through the days. I found out was absolutely fatigued after going through a course of 4+ weeks of radiation. Of course the Taxol and Herceptin in and made me exhausted too. The first 24 to 48 hours so I couldn't sleep because of the steroids and then would crash about the third day and then felt awful for a couple of days. I'm so glad to hear that your side effects are minimal stay strong and wishing you the best and eventually your energy will come back

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  • viktoryak
    viktoryak Member Posts: 266
    edited June 2016

    What do you do about hot flashes? Will it end or Will it last through all Herceptin and then more on the pills?I can't sleep at night. Its 5am and it is probably 20th time I woke up during this night. I am constantly waking up from horrible sweat... I am past 8 Taxols.÷ 3 hercptins...

    Plus...what about mood? I keep crying on /off...i am not ready for this hormonal shit and iduced..menapose.

    And how about sex? I am not so sure I am very interested in it..for sure not near as before. My husband so stressed about it all he is not I retested in it either. Sometimes I feel life just goes around me and I am somwhere distant and just not part of this... I exersise, hang out with friends, try to act normal, , even hosted a grad look party for 12 wild kids. yesterday for my son's elementary school graduation... But it is still seems that I am not part of all these...Its weired.. And I start crying now just feeling sorry for myself.. Wtf? And I don't want to take antidepressnts or antianxiety drags.

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