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Would you share your experience taking trastuzumab (herceptin)? What were the side effects you experienced?
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member1474 (Survivor (1 year)) - 03 / 04 / 2012
Taking trastuzumab (herceptin) was no problem at all compared to the other drugs I was taking (carboplatin, taxotere). That said, the nurses told me that there were no side effects, but I was certain that I felt fatigue from the herceptin on the day of administration. After every infusion I strongly needed a nap before continuing on with my day. But I know other women who did not have this side effect.
member7087 (Survivor (5 - 10 years)) - 05 / 04 / 2012
I took Herceptin for one year along with other regimes for breast cancer, so it's hard to say what caused what. I felt fatigued during the whole year. But I also had radiation. I was never nauseous, or incapacitated. I always was able to get dressed and do modest activity. I only ache I had was from the taxol. It made my legs hurt, nueropathy. But the Herceptin, I have to say, saved my life. I just had my 5 year cancer free checkup at M D Anderson. My oncologist concurred.
member9403 (Survivor (1 year)) - 05 / 08 / 2012
Everyone is different ... my doctors told me not to expect any noticeable side effects from herceptin, however, I do have them.
My exhaustion levels are still so high. At first the doc blamed recovery from other chemo, but at this point believes it's the herceptin causing it.
Also, for about 2-3 days after infusion I have flu-like symptoms (very achey and sore and more tired). And for about a week I get taxol-recall joint pain.
That said, my doctors have said this isn't common BUT I have reacted strongly to everything we've done so far and they theorize that my body is just hyper-sensitive. Chances are you aren't and won't deal with it, but I share on the off chance you do get side effects, you're not crazy or imagining it!
My exhaustion levels are still so high. At first the doc blamed recovery from other chemo, but at this point believes it's the herceptin causing it.
Also, for about 2-3 days after infusion I have flu-like symptoms (very achey and sore and more tired). And for about a week I get taxol-recall joint pain.
That said, my doctors have said this isn't common BUT I have reacted strongly to everything we've done so far and they theorize that my body is just hyper-sensitive. Chances are you aren't and won't deal with it, but I share on the off chance you do get side effects, you're not crazy or imagining it!
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