Herceptin - on a need to know basis

Sending you a virtual 🫂 

Interesting - I’ve had Herceptin (12 months) and paclitaxel (3 months) and no-one has ever mentioned bowel thinning. I’ve also
had colonoscopies since completing treatment and it’s never been mentioned either. I’ll ask next time, just to know. 

@Afraser This is the first time I have ever been told this too. I have had three colonoscopies since my initial treatments of Herceptin and Paclitaxol.

Hmmm. My colonoscopies have always mentioned mild diverticulitis, little stretchy pockets all too common in the western world to anyone over 50 (according to a rather droll nurse!) so I am surprised that if the bowel
wall was thinner than normal this might not have been noted too. Bowel perforation of course is a possible risk. Maybe thinning is a possible side effect, among the many, rather than a common one. 

That's a bummer @Blossom1961  ... BIG HUGS xx ..... is there any chance you can have the 'camera capsule' that is less invasive than the colonoscopy? And it checks all the stomach as well as the intestines?

Sadly, there can be so many side effects (some that don't become evident for years) like the heart risk as well with some of the many treatments we are given, teeth, gums, hands & feet, skin, 

Keytruda is now being used for some with TNBC (as well as lung, melanoma, some stomach cancers & others) and is considered a life saver with some going into total remission  .... but IT can have massive side effects as well, even life threatening allergic reactions that CAN cause death.   

Everyone needs to grill their team on ANY possible side effects of ANY meds they take & also make sure you read all the verified documents that are available to all - and then ask  even more questions xx 

take care xx

@Blossom1961 I didn't know this specifically about Herceptin and Paclitaxol of which I had received both.  I do know that as we age the lining of the bowel thins, and therefore higher chance of rupturing the bowel lining. 

For now I am declining colonoscopies but used to have them routinely. I am opting for having the sample sent through the mail my GP Is happy with my decision presently.

Unfortunately the public system is moving towards have some trained nurses do the colonoscopies, to my horror last time I had the procedure.  

It sounds like you are in good hands with your medical team, and wishing you all the best.

@arpie I agree what a bummer!  Pun intended!  

When I next have a coloscopy I will go private and there is a doctor named Dr Justin Butt (seriously) who performs colonoscopies.  It seems a good 'omen' to me.  :smiley: What do you think?

I’ll happily stay with my current specialist who is thorough, checked out reports on previous colonoscopy (other provider) before my procedure and provides detailed advice. If I have to pay a bit more (and private insurance) it’s worth it! 

@Afraser I totally agree with sticking with the ones who are thorough.  The private provider I mentioned has a great reputation with doctors that are very experienced in their field.  I believe the out of pocket for me will around $600
00. 

I abandoned the one I was referred to first (my doctor kindly referred me to someone local). He might have been perfectly alright as a surgeon but in a long history of medicos (as we all experience!) I had never encountered anyone so rude. Asked me to come early, then kept me waiting 45 minutes, hadn’t read my notes, failed entirely to tell me who he was and responded to basic questions with snorts and impatience. So farewell. The days of patients (women especially) putting up with that behaviour is over! 

@Afraser it can be a minefield out there!  It shouldn't be too much to ask for common decency from our medical professionals.  Afterall they wouldn't have a job if not for us clients/patients.

I am not hard to please and because I go public I can't always pick and choose.  I would expect better when going through the private system though.  I had private cover previously, but not now!  I have seen it from both sides you could say.