Taxotere, Carboplatin and Herceptin
Comments
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Shari, good luck with your treatment today. I would recommend the Biotene toothpaste because regular toothpaste really burned my mouth. Since I changed to the Biotene, I have had no problems. Keep us posted.
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Hi ladies,
I completed Tx#6 yesterday. I'm pretty tired, but otherwise feeling good. My doctor agreed to let me forego the Neulasta shot this time around. She said my white cell counts were very good going into this last round of chemo and I didn't need it. I'm glad about this because the bone pain the last time around was pretty bad. I guess that when I go in for blood work in about 5 or 6 weeks, she'll let me know how I'm doing with my cell counts. I'm hoping that my recovery from this Tx will be better/quicker because I won't have the Neulasta shot to recover from.
Other than that, my last Tx was pretty uneventful. I was in and out of the chemo in 3-1/2 hours. We celebrated with the nurses and I brought some bakery items for them to enjoy. I will still be seeing them every three weeks for my Herceptin treatments, but that is just a quickie treatment. I don't have to see my doctor or have bloodwork again for 6 weeks.....YIPPEEE!
Very sleepy here, just going to crash for the day. Feel well ladies.....stay strong.
Anne
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Smile, I don't find that the Biotene toothpaste tastes bad. To me it is just bland with almost no flavor. It is what I use when I'm home. I think the mouthwash will be okay instead. I wasn't able to find Biotene toothpaste in a 3 oz or less tube to take in my carry-on luggage so I used regular toothpaste on trips and took the Biotene dry mouth gel which comes in a small enough container but I didn't need it. For me there were no issues with regular Crest or Colgate toothpaste burning.
I would ask the nurse for a cup of ice chips to work on when the Taxotere infusion was going in. That keeps the mouth cold slowing blood flow to it so that it doesn't get a big hit of Taxotere before things distribute out. It is suppose to help prevent mouth problems which are mostly due to the Taxotere. Maybe it worked for me. During all chemo I had one cold sore that was fairly brief and minor and no other mouth problems. Even when not on chemo, I occasionally get a cold sore.
As far as driving, they should have told you if you needed someone to pick you up. At chemo class the nurse told each person whether their drugs required that they have someone else come up to the chemo room for them and drive them home. One of the things is that some people get Benedryl as a pre-med against allergic reactions to chemo drugs. That can make one very drowsy so they want you to have a driver. My onc doesn't use it with TCH unless a problem occurs so I was able to drive myself (less than 5 miles).
For the first time - just to be careful, my husband dropped me off and picked me up (curbside because he has our little granddaughter for day care and we didn't want to bring her into the medical facility when it wasn't needed). After that I drove myself. The first time the chemo will take longer because they start the Taxotere going in very slowly to see if you have a reaction to it and if there is a reaction, there is a chance they will need to give you Benedry. So if you do drive yourself, it would be good to have at least arranged a back-up plan for pick-up.
Best of luck today.
Anne, welcome to the Tx 6 crew. I took a half dose of steroid last night and slept like a baby. Since you didn't get Neulasta, just keep an eye on your temperature next week. If you get a fever, it can be a sign that your white cells have dropped too low. The white cells bottom out pretty soon and then come back up.
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Sailor 35 my hair started shedding bad at Days 18,19,20 Ihad cut 6" off my hair already by the 3rd day of my 2nd treatment on Feb 2 I went even shorter like a inch long like you I have never had short hair but it is all good I have gotten lots of compliments,It is still shedding a little but I still have a fair amount ,I was not ready to shave my head yet but I am prepared for bald I have a beautiful new head of hair styled perfectly for me when I am ready! Also my white count has been good so far I haven't had any medicine mine has gone back up on its own,hope the same for you. Smile Great news about the sonogram,You will do great your first time You are one of us we will all be with you in prayer & thought every step of the way,you will never walk alone!! On the constipation problem,I have it a few days after treatment my Pharmacist aka My Boss told me to take Milk of Magnesia its an old tried and true thats been around forever I take 2 tablespoons then if it doesn"t work 2 more in the evening it works great for me.The stuff tastes horrible Im not gonna lie but I have had great results,it is cheap too! So Im putting that out there maybe it can help someone else. Then usually in a few more days I get diarreha Immodium is amazing for that! Blue I had to laugh at your hair loss benefit list this past weekend I went to a wedding I had a couple of drinks haven't had any since TX I told my friends at least if I start vomiting you won't have to hold my hair back for me LOL I thought that was great0 -
I would like to apologize for that being so big I hit something then after I typed all that I couldn't change it I have no idea what happened Sorry Sorry Sorry!! 0
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To all the new gals: you will see how different we all are and how different our bodies act to the same regimen. My side effects have been very minimal-have #5 next week. My counts always come back up, no mouth sores (I use the biotene toothpaste), no aches or pains and thank God I have not gotten sick. For me, I have the constant eye lid twitching and the sweaty hot flashes. The taste changes stink, but with tx #4 it didn't last long. I will keep my fingers crossed your side effects are mild.
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kjbell
i agree everyones reactions are different and every treatment of mine has been different too! Just had Tx 4 on Monday and neulasta on Tuesday. Tuesday night chills and sweats, and achey bones for the past two days. The nausea has not been so bad and find if I drink lots of yucky tasting water and eat something every 3 hours I can pretty much keep it at bay. Eye twitches and sweaty hot flashes ...yes and I went through menopause about 5 years ago. I don't know what to think about that but have had hot flashes ever since except when I was on estrogen patches which I quit using when I was DXd in October. My onc has given me a prescription for Efflexor but I am not sure wheter I want to take it. I would rather get the hot flashes over once and for all! Has anyone else had a similar situation?
Good luck to all ..you are a great source of support and information to me. Thanks. Carolyn0 -
I was on bc pills before my diagnosis. They totally stopped my hot flashes. I take effexor for them now, it does not stop them, but I went from about 20 a day to about 10 a day. I am going to try acupuncture for hot flashes. The place I go for chemo is going to have someone come into specifically do acupuncture for hot flashes. I have a physical job and I swear, I can get so hot that I think I am going to melt.
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Smile: I hope your tx went well today. The Biotene TP is what I used, I hate the taste of the mouthwash.
Anne: Welcome to the club!!!! Yea!!!!!! Another proud graduate!
Majanumba: Hey!! How did I miss you before? I was born in good ole Huntington WV at Cabelle County Hospital! I have a theory regarding cancer and that polluted OH river
, I still have a lot of family in that area. But yes to the hot flashes, they have been bad since the tx's started but they are always worse the first few days after a tx.kjbell Thanks for the tip on accupuncture. I am really worried about the hot flashes getting worse when I start the tomoxifen in a few weeks.
Paula If your hair is still hanging in that good, you may be one of the rare, lucky ones! Go girl!
I am pooped. I had doc appts into the early afternoon, then ran errand because I was on an end of town I don't normally get too. Now I am done. I did too much. Gonna drive out to feed my horses and then call it day. Hubby can deal with the rest of the barn chores. I am really looking forward to being lazy tomorrow.
Lisa
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Hi to all. I am very glad to have found "Camp Chemo"! I just got off the phone with the onco and everything starts to roll next week-port placement on Wed., first Herceptin on Thurs., and first TC on Friday. I am getting anxious, but have been so aggressive with my treatment so far, I understand how important this is. I haven't read much on the thread about anyone with tissue expanders. I had a bilat. mast. on Jan. 6. We thought I had DCIS (stage 0) in the right and some suspicious spots in the left breast but after pathology came back, turns out I did have DCIS in the left and very small (>6mm) foci (stage 1)in the right which were her2+ so, chemo was ordered. Yesterday, I finished half of the reconstruction (i.e. filing the tissue expanders) and will have the implants "implanted" after chemo (some time in July). I am worried about vomiting from the chemo b/c my chest is so tight and still with stitches. Anyone else going through this with tissue expanders in? All of you who are just now finishing-congrats! I can't wait to be in your shoes! Thank you for all your advice and encouragement.
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Magnola, I also had surgery on the 6th, but I just had one breast removed. I had reconstruction at the time of the surgery, and I have had 1 TCH treatment and 2 fills since then. My chest is extremely tight, but the first fill was worse than the second. I really have not had any trouble with nausea--on 2 anti nausea pills for 2 days after TX. On day 6 because of constipation and diarrhea I felt nauseated, so I took an Ativan(sp) and went to bed. Just got my head buzzed today and have a new wig, so I'm feeling lots better since I made that decision and did it. Take care.
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Magnola, sorry to have to wlecome you to the camp. Duneoaks is right, you should not be throwing up. If you do, call the doc asap!
You should look up Smile! She is in your area too!
Lisa
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Good Evening ladies,
Thank you for all of your warm wishes. I must say that I'm glad the chemo is over and done with. Now I need to get through these next few weeks. I spoke with my chemo nurse earlier today and she said that they will check my WBC count in 3 weeks when I go in for my first Herceptin-only treatment, but they are not anticipating any problems because I have been fine so far.
Blue - Thanks for the heads up. I will be watching my temperature very closely next week.
Lisa - Thanks for the congrats. Yes...I am officially a member of the #6 club...HOORAY!
Magnolia - Welcome to camp chemo! I had the tissue expanders put in at mastectomy last September and mine are about 3/4 filled. At first the fills really hurt, so I insisted that the doctor put less in at each fill and I spread them out over a longer period of time. This helped quite a bit and since I was in no rush because I was going through chemo, I was able to take my time. Now that time has passed and my chest is healed from the surgery, I am letting him do the fills more frequently and adding a little more each time. The last one he did on Tuesday and I didn't even need so much as a Tylenol afterward! I should be good to go in about 6 to 8 weeks. The expanders are a little uncomfortable, but not too bad. My advice to you is to start out slowly and only fill a small amount at a time and once your scars have healed (inside and out) increase the fills. There's no need to rush.....the implant surgery cannot be done while you are going through chemo, so take your time and it will be less uncomfortable. Good luck.
Helen - I'm glad that you are not having much nausea. That must be a big relief. I must say that the Emend is wonderful! I haven't taken anything else for nausea, except whatever the nurses give me just before a Tx (2 zofran). I stopped taking the zofran at home because I found that constipation was pretty bad. Since I discontinued the zofran at home, the constipation has gone away....thank God. I found that to be difficult to deal with. My wish for you is that your SE remain few and that your nausea stays at bay.
To everyone with hair issues...remember that this too shall pass. When I started losing my hair it was VERY traumatic. I cried for days. I had it buzzed very short and it seems to have stayed the same since that very day last November. It is a very thin buzz cut. I never lost all of my hair, but I do wear turbans/hats/wigs to cover it up because it is all white. I am hopeful that the Herceptin does not slow down the regrowth, but if it does, it does. There's not much we can do about that, is there. I stopped wearing mascara because I didn't want to be pulling on my eyelashes unnecessarily and they seem to be holding up pretty good. My eyebrows have thinned out, but not fallen out completely (kind of like the hair on my head). A woman I know who survived breast cancer 7 years ago, told me to continue to use my regular shampoo each day, the same as when I had a full head of hair. So this is exactly what I have been doing and to date I have not had any scalp issues. In fact the familiar smell of my shampoo is rather comforting.
Stay strong, my friends. The tx's fly by and before you know it, you will be counting the days until the last one.
Anne
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Magnola: I had BM with tissue expanders on Nov. 24 and my first TCH on Dec. 18 (just 3 weeks and 3 days later). I was also very concerned about the possibility of vomiting with my still very tight/sore chest. That never happened. I did experience GI problems (extreme constipation, queasiness, diarrhea) but none that made chest more uncomfortable. I also believe all side effects were made worse due to the fact that I wasn't fullly recovered from surgery. By the second treatment (6 weeks out from surgery), chest was much more comfortable and not really an issue. You should do fine. The chemo is not fun but doable. I'm now halfway through and looking forward to the end!0
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I think I was fortunate that I got 400cc's the day of the tissue expander were put in. My plastic surgeon could not say enough about my breast surgeon and her work. I finished filling the expanders after only 3 additional treatments. Pretty sure I'm right where I want to be. Time to concentrate on chemo. It is comforting to know that there are enough drugs out there to help with any vomiting. Thanks! Hope you all don't get sick of me over the next four and 1/2 months! Duneoaks-so you feel better after the buzz cut? I'm thinking about doing it before I start losing hair.
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Everything went great today! Hate the IV, but have no choice there! They gave me benadryl, which knocked me out a few hours. I was there for a total of 5....first treatment..seeing the doctor and nurses just making their rounds to get to me. But went pretty smooth after getting it started. Im a little tried tonght, which after only getting three hours sleep last night I should be. I did talk to my dr. about sleep aids and his suggestion was tylenol PM, but that makes me sooo droggy in the mornings. I have an old prescription of Clonopin (anti-anxiety) from my divorce. I took one of those last night, and fell asleep with no issues. And I love waking up rested. He said when I ran out of those he would refill
! I have only taken them to help rest my mind at night! Divorce was not fun, but we are back togeter. I have no intentions of re-marrying him, just hated the whole Divorce issue. Enough of me....hope everyone had a wonderful day with mild or no side effects!Magnolia....I live in Apollo Beach but work in Brandon. I co-own an wholesale apparel company so my job is not a stress to me. Look us up www.iceitbybebez.com! My email address is shari@iceitbebez.com Please contact me if you ever want to talk! We crystalize apparel. We are licensed to with Susan G. Komen and MGM Studios with Pink Panther to sale crystallized shirts called Pinkitude! Pretty cute stuff. I wore my pink panther today to the office. Its on my profile pic....A portion of our proceeds does go back to the foundation for fighting the cure of Breast Cancer
Thank you again ladies for all of your kind words and tips! I would have been a basket case today if I have not found this web site.
Congradultions LISA, Im counting down the days until I am there. I am trying to get my hairdress to drive up from Miami this weekend to give a short haircut. I would like to try something different while I can.Always wondered...and if it doesnt look good, then I have a wig for a backup...it looks alot like my hair now.
Quick question....after getting home from Chemo....how long before you take the anti naseau medicine???? I received some in my IV...I just dont want to start feeling bad. i forgot to ask the nurse...any suggestions??
Shari
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Shari, I would call your onc tonight and ask about the anti nausea med. They told me to take it at night and in the morning for 2 days. Have a good night's rest.
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I am so proud of all you brave campers...You have officially earned your merit badge and I congratulate each and every one of you. Your hair will grow back, but be patient. It is important to understand that it may take 6 months to 1 year before adequate hair growth recurs. The body has had a significant insult and healing is directed to the vital organs and cell regeneration before full attention is directed at the hair growth. It will come though. For those continuing with their Herceptin every three weeks it will take about 90 minutes for the infusion as it is a larger dose and it goes in slower. The bad SE's are over and Herceptin will not bother you unless you are bothered by the headaches like I am. For those of you progressing to Radiation it is very easy compared to what you have just gone through. It just takes time setting everything up and when you go in everyday for TX it takes all of 15 minutes until you are done. You may get tired, but nothing like chemo tired. I can see newbies coming in and hope you that just finished stays some time to reach out to the new ones coming into camp chemo. Maybe pull up our beloved Shebys camp song for them cause I'm sure they haven't heard it yet. When Cinrae first began this sight of TCH I'm sure she had no idea that 98 pages later there are still ladies coming in with the same dx. My prayer would be someday soon there would be no need for this sight anymore, but until then I am thankful it was there for me and the new ones following today.
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Cupcake, I agree with you on everything you said. the chemo is over soon enough it seems but when I was taking it I wondered if it would ever end and of course I had a problem or two. I am low on RBC again with the rad. I know this is just me so I don't want anyone to think it will happen to them. If you need blood transfusions just get them and the Neulasta shots too. They are what you need. I am still only working a couple of days a week and did work yesterday but had to sit down a lot. We were not too busy thankfully because the last hour when we are rushing did do me in. I slept really good last night though! I guess a honest days work will give you good rest.
Congrats to all that have completed #6 or #4 if that is all you are getting. I have not heard of many lately just getting 4. Shelby had 4 and maybe another or 2 did but most have had 6 so I am thinking they are going with that more now.
As for the hot flashes I never had them even after my hyst when I was 29 but boy I had one the other day after my rad. tx but only lasted a little while. I am usually cold right now with the weather and low RBC. I feel for any of you going through that. I did not have hormone involvement so maybe that is why no hot flashes. I did have nausea and vomiting but just get your head together and remember what meds are are for what. I could not get it straight what I was supposed to take when and my husband had to take charge of that the first few tx. After all that I was able to cope better. When he had his bypass surgery I helped him with the same thing so maybe the diag and surgery just messes with these old brains. We are back mostly to our old selves now. I do find after the Herceptin I have a weird taste in my mouth even before I was finished with TCH. the weeks it was just H I had that taste but it only lasts the day and maybe into the next. Not as bad as the TCH though!
Biotene is the toothpaste I used because I had horrific mouth sores and they reccomended Prevention for the mouthwash for me which burned like crazy but would help keep down bacteria. It is the kind in a white bottle with yellow and red on it and says oncology. My brother could not use it but he did use Biotene but when he got the lymph node in his neck they had to wait a week to get the Biotene out of his system because they said they could not see it on the PET scan for something in that toothpaste & mouthwash. I am doubting it was that now. Anyway should not be a problem for breast cancer. I will be really happy to finish rad. and I keep an eye on this site. It helped me so much and you ladies that are finished or almost finished are doing a good job helping the new ones. I just wish we did not ever have to have another new one but as long as we do we need support. Keep up the good work everyone. I wish every one few se and lots of hair. Mine did not all fall out but enough to need to buzz it off and it is not growing fast but it is growing. Finger nails are a mess right now but they did good while I was taking the TCH.
Happy Valentines and Presidents Day. Hang in there everyone.
Carolyn
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Magnola, yes I feel much better after the buzz. It's totally up to you and your state of mind, but I would wait till your hair starts to fall out--after 2 days of that, I was ready. Good luck.
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Hair - definately to me way less traumatic to cut it off. I cut mine shorter as soon as I was diagnosed and then had my husband buzz it a few days after it started falling out. I could not stand the hair everywhere, I was having to tie it back in a low pony tail,wear a headband and use bobby pins to keep it from falling everywhere. My hair was just below my chin at this time. It is horribly traumatic but it does grow back. I am now 10 weeks post chemo and have about 3.5 inches of hair.
I also had the Neulasta after every tx. I had no choice either. I never once got sick. It wasn't a pleasant shot to get and most times I had hip pain the day of the shot.
You need to ask your onc about the traveling for sure.
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Cupcake - I wasn't aware that the doses of Herceptin were supposed to be larger doses after chemo. My oncologist told me that it should take less than an hour (closer to 1/2 hour or 45 min.) unless I still wanted the additional hydration. Is this larger dose after chemo has finished a standard protocol? I will be certain to ask my doctor about this.
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My2boys: If you think about it you were getting Herceptin every week and now you have it every three weeks. I know mine is 90 minutes. Good question for you onc.
Carolyn: I am feeling really bushed now at rad 6 so whats the deal? Is this the radiation or just me, can your RBC be affected by the rads? Sounds like yours is. Is that what makes you so tired? When did your begin? I thought it was half way into the treatment before you felt that? I am just exhusted now I can't even imagine half way through what I am going to feel like. Not red yet or itching, maybe a little on my back. Is the tiredness something I should address?
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my2boys, some people get weekly Herceptin when they are getting TC every 3 weeks and then go to once every 3 week Herceptin after chemo. The dose for once every three weeks is three times the weekly dose so infusion time goes up.
I'm not sure why oncs do the once a week Herceptin at first. I have been getting it every 3 weeks all the way through and from what I have read, the doses are suppose to be equivelent.
Generally, the once every three week dose is given over 90 minutes though I did see something reported at the San Antonio conference on giving it over 30 minutes. I asked my onc about it and she said that her team feels side effects are more common when the shorter infusion time is used so they are sticking to 90 minutes for a once every 3 week Herceptin infusion.
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I got my Herceptin every week along with the TC and now chemo is done I finish out the year with every three weeks Herceptin. For some reason the ONC Radiologist doesn't want H during Radiation, but will resume after rads. All these ONC's have different ways to reach the same end. I watched the movie about the Dr. who invented H again yesterday. I taped it at one point and it was just as good yesterday and it was the first time I watched it. I sure wish there was a way I could e-mail him to thank him for what H has done in my life.
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I will try to make my type not get bigger today! Smile Without a doubt We all knew you would do wonderful Tx2 will be even easier I was not so nervous after being done with the Maiden Voyage. Go with the short hair girl it is sexy,I have gotten so many compliments,I never would have had mine so short,I also have a wig but still sporting my short do for now! Also same as Duneoaks I did anti-nausea med 2 times a day for 2 days after TX then never needed anymore than that. Cupcake So did you do Herceptin every 3 weeks for 1 year? Was it 90 minutes each dose? I started mine Tx1 it was 90 minutes for intial dose and now its like 30-45 minutes every 3 weeks for the year I never did once a week, my 2 boys Did you start Herceptin when you started Chemo? Are you doing a year? 0
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Hi ladies. I still get emails when someone posts,,,,,,,and as weird as it may seem,,,,,,,yes I read them. I know a while back I said I wouldnt post,,,,,,,,,,but just cant help but to chime in occassionally and give some love and support. I just wanted to tell you all that are finished or close to finishing,,,,,,,,,GREAT JOB. You all went thru this with dignity, grace, and patience. I told you there was light at the end of the tunnel,,,,,,,,,ya just gotta be patient. I am very proud of you all. And a very big welcome to all the new gals. So sorry that you have to be here,,,,,,,,but the support you will get from one another will be so beneficial.........it was for me when I was going thru treatment. And Cupcake,,,,,nope never thought this thread would still be going,,,,,,,,,,98 pages later. lol I am sorry that it is so long,,,,,,,but glad that everyone found each other.
Herceptin and radiation for me was a piece of cake. I didnt even get tired,,,,,,,did get the sunburn on the booby but used Miaderm and it sure helped. I know everyone is different,,,,,,,,but this soon will pass too.
Kimbly,,,,,,,,,,,,omg I am so jealous about your 3.5 inches of hair and just 10 weeks out of chemo. I finished chemo in Aug 2007,,,,,,,,,finished Herceptin in May 2008 and just now have about that much hair. Whats your secret? lol Mine came back exactly the same except thinner. You can kinda see my scalp on the top a little,,,,,,,,pretty thin. Any suggestions? I asked my onc about that and she told me to be patient. Easy for her to say huh? lol She has a full head of hair. lol
Smile,,,,,,,,,,,,,I checked out the website for the clothing apparel,,,,,,,,,,,,way cool. O and by the way,,,,,,,,,,I watched Miami Ink when they were in Florida and I watch LAInk when I get a chance. Now when I see something that Kat is wearing I will think that maybe it came from your apparel line. Pretty cool.
Hang in there ladies,,,,,,,,,,,,,the light at the end of the tunnel will get closer for you all. Thats a promise. To the new ladies just starting,,,,,,,,,,rest when u need it,,,,,,take help when you need it,,,,,,,,,let your dr know when you have a side effect that is in need of help as there will be something out there to help you with that,,,,,,,,,and keep your eye on the prize. It will all be worth it in the end. We all just have to do what we have to do to be around for a long time, right? Have to go thru some unpleasantness along the way,,,,,,,,but we will all be ok.
Have a great weekend ladies.
Cindy
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O.K. ladies, this Herceptin thing is making sense to me now. I always received my Herceptin every three weeks with my chemo. I was never on a weekly schedule. My first Herceptin/Chemo was VERY long. Gradually it shortened to just over 3-1/2 hours for the whole treatment. My Herceptin the other day was only a 30 minute infusion, which sounds like the example from the San Antonio Conference that Blue was referring to. I think that since I was not having any difficulty with the shorter infusions, my team must have just let it be.
Now that I will just be receiving the Herceptin alone every three weeks until next October, they told me that it shouldn't take more than 30 or 45 minutes, but since I request additional fluids, they said it could take up to 90 minutes.
I already asked if I would need pre-meds and they told me that I would not. At least I am grateful for that.
Thanks for all of your help, ladies. I'll let you know how it goes in 3 weeks when I start my "Herceptin only" treatments.
Anne
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my2boys What is the reason you request additional fluids ? Was your first Herceptin 90 minutes? Mine was! My first Tx was 5 hours and now my Tx is 3 hours.For sure keep us posted on the Herceptin only treatments Im curious about that.I can't remember if you have posted about having an Echo for your heart and if you have how often did you get checked? I am more nervous about the Herceptin than the chemo drugs,my Mom and Grandma both died from heart disease so I am freaking about my heart.0
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Paula, I took Herceptin every week during my chemo. so one week I took TCH and the next 2 were on Herceptin. When I finished the Taxotere,Carboplatin and Hercptin I took 1 regular Herceptin until I saw my doc. He then told me I would have the Herceptin every 3 weeks but would be the same amount I would have had in 3 weeks. I was worried about side effects because I get se so easy. He said he didn't think I would. I have had the triple dose 2 times now and it does not take any longer than the single dose so it must not be deluted much. It does not bother me except for the weird taste but I did that when it was a single dose. I guess if you want extra fluids then it does take longer. I have had to sit for a while with just the the saline going but it was the man's fault that mixes the stuff. He was behind but they said I probably needed the fluids anyway and once they did not have the delivery of the Herceptin for the day yet so they just kept me hooked up with the saline going slower. I was in a hurry that day but you can be sure you learn patience when this happens. I will take a fulll year of Herceptin my onc said since my heart scan is doing good. My family has a history of heart problems too but so many things can cause heart problems. the radiation is not good for hearts either but neither is a good steak or butter etc. I guess we can only do the best we can and pray it will all be okay. After all anyone can have an accident and die and be perfectly healthy. I think we just need to try to learn as much as possible and ask questions but don't take everything on blind faith from health care people. They are human and we may need to keep them honest. Please don't freak but pray and have faith in God. I think about all of you every day. Also the ones at the tx center and my list gets longer all the time. I find when I am thinking about others I don't worry about myself so much.
Cupcake I am not sure about the tiredness, the doc said my problem was low red blood and he thinks it is from rad. I feel sleepy when I get home but it goes away and I am not too tired just my heart beats fast when I walk too far and I feel faint when I bend over too much. He thinks they will come back on their own and I hope so. I don't like this feeling. I should be through with rads in a couple of weeks but lost track along the way. I will have 5 boosts which is just on the surgery area.
Carolyn
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