Herceptin during rads- any problems?

Hey chemomom,

I had rads along w/ the herceptin. I don't think it caused any extra problems. I did have a bolus every other rad tx as I had an affected area on my skin. I have read that there can be some sensitivity to the rads when given during the herceptin txs. I thought that I had read that the rads and herceptin may actually work together to eliminate the ca cells in the affected area.

I do hope that you get some relief soon since you have quite a few more to go. But you will be done soon! Herceptin alone is really quite easy for most. Hang in there!

Hugs,

Lexi

I don't know about skin interactions, but I had to wait until after rads to start my Herceptin,

because I had A/C, rads over the sternum, and the Herceptin. My Onc said it would be too hard on my heart to have the Herceptin while getting the rads.  

I'd been under the impression that with a mast. one was not given radiation, unless nodes were involved?  I read a number of posts on this board where women said they were having a mast. to avoid radiation. Does anyone else out there know about this?

But about the two together, herceptin and radiation, I had mine together and was told by my radiologist that the two together were more effective in killing off any remaining cancer cells.  However, she also told me, when I was complaining of my burns that having herceptin and radiation together tended to create more serious burns for some people.  I almost quit twice and the radiologist talked me into continuing.  I was very sore and looked awful--skin was very red with a wide rash over entire area.  However, when it was over I insisted on a prescription for Silver Sulfadiazine cream.  Nothing else had worked, not any of the creams they gave me (biafine, in particular) or any of the over-the-counter creams they suggested I use.   The sulfa medication worked almost instantly to give me both relief from pain and to get rid of the burns.  The skin peeled and healed almost immediately.  When I asked why they didn't give it during treatment, my radiologist talked around the question, something, as I remember, about too many antibiotics being dangereous.  Memory is bad on this but this drug lived up to its reputation as a miracle drug, and I now keep a tube in the house for burns.

I can remember very clearly how awful I felt so you have my great sympathy. I did talk to other women at the center, but some had minor burns and one woman had open sores, so we were all different in our reactions.  Are you having a boost at the same time as the radiation--that can make a difference too.  But talk to your radiologist and your other doctors.  Don't suffer without getting relief.