Triple Positive- Stage 2- Herceptin/Pertuz side effects
Hello- I am triple positive stage 2- status post lumpectomy, taxol with herceptin/pertuz, 30 day radiation. I am currently getting herceptin/pertuz every three weeks along with IV dexamethasone- 9 more to go. I have not yet started Tamoxifen.
I am finding that I am still getting a fair amount of side effects- GI upset, fatigue, and periorbital and perioral itchy and uncomfortable rash. I also notice a change in my mood- I am more irritable and less positive overall. My oncologist had said that the immunotherapy portion of my treatment would be "mild"- but, I am just finding that that while it is not severe- it is unpredictable and every day there is something new that I am contending with. Are others on a similar regimen and finding that side effects are persistent and disruptive?
Also- I am getting the IV steroids along with the treatment to try to decrease the inflammatory response I was experiencing from treatment. I am wondering if the steroids are making matters worse. Are there others who are receiving steroids with their immunotherapy?
I am very grateful to have these treatments available to me. And, at the same time I feel my patience and morale is at a low. Would love to hear of others experiences.
Thank you for the opportunity to connect. All my best to everyone.
Comments
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I did taxol with herceptin and perjeta (pertuzamab). I took dexamethasone orally for the first two infusions, then was allowed to drop it because I was not having any allergic symptoms. I would definitely think your mood disturbances are being caused by the dexa. I recently had some dental work done and the dentist wanted me to take oral dexamethasone for a week- I lasted two days. It really makes me feel crazy. I did not have any itchiness or rash, and I blame the perjeta for the mild diarrhea I experienced.
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Thank you so much for the reply maggiehopley. This is very helpful and validating. I am going to discuss with my oncologist before my next treatment because this is just so uncomfortable!
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Hi again, @dk2024!
We're so sorry you're managing these uncomfortable side effects of treatment. As you can already see, our community is here to help and share their experiences and suggestions.
We wanted to point you to this thread, where lots of others have been treated with Herceptin/Perjeta, so you can read about their experiences:
Also, using the Search function, there are lots of threads discussing Herceptin/Perjeta you might find helpful:
We have also heard often that the steriods can cause intense mood swings, so it sounds like @maggiehopley hit it on the nose.
For info on managing the other side effects you're experiencing, please see below:
We hope this helps and that you find relief soon! Please don't hesitate if there's anything else we can do to help!
—The Mods
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