Herceptin and radiation side effects

@sickgirl I started back at 4 hours a day...then came home and crashed and I increased my hours every 2 months....as I wasn't ready any earlier. I saw a dietitian to help with food and an did the encore exercise program which is for bc survivors through ywca and a cancer exercise program through the ymca. But that was a few weeks after recovery of chemo. I wasn't ready for work until about 7 weeks after chemo finished. 

@sickgirl. Ask your Doctor for an Allied Health plan. You're eligible for 5 x Medicare funded (you still might have out of pocket expenses) Allied Health appointments per year. I used mine for a nutritionist , exercise physiologist and podiatrist. Could also be used for a physiotherapist.The exercise physiologist assessed me and gave me some exercises to get bak into the swing of things. Good luck with everything. It's early days for you yet.I'm nearly 8 months post chemo and 6 post radio and still get extremely tired. Take care x

Hi Beryl, well then my vitality has definitely gotten up and gone too but I still have a week of radiation left so that is to be expected but I’m sure it will be a while before it returns. I would like to speak to someone regarding diet exercise and everything post cancer related but just not quite sure who to seek out for this??? My workplace all know about me it’s a small place and I have been away so much. I work full time but have not worked since late November. I may have to start back at reduced hours for a while when I go back maybe beginning of February as I’m so tired and I only have a half hr lunch break not much time to rest really x Kaye

Parabens are chemical preservatives used in cosmetics and hair care products. A visit to the hairdresser, spa, nail salon etc. means we are paying for chemicals to feel good, look good etc. I only use products that are labelled 'paraben free'. To colour my hair I use a product from our local 'health food' store. It only costs $28 and I get two uses from that. I take calcium, magnesium, Vit.B and fish oil although I'm haphazard - I just get 'over' taking things. Another way to talk about 'lack of vitality' is to say 'my get up and go got up and went'. I no longer wake up with an eagerness to start the day or that anticipation of what the day might bring. Have you told anyone at work about your health? I decided only to tell my immediate 'boss' or upline manager and asked for the info. to be strictly confidential. I did this to avoid being identified by my health. I wanted people to say 'you look good today' or, 'Late night? You look tired,' without having to consider if it was the 'right' thing to say. There were a couple of instances when another staff member was experiencing a recent diagnosis or treatment of a family member. I was able to join in conversations which may not have continued when I entered the room. Hope that makes sense. While at work there were times when the fatigue 'hit' so I made sure that I put my feet up during break times. I worked part-time  and that was very suitable, I could not have managed full time. I guess we all have to re-assess our limits and tolerances and adjust life accordingly. xBeryl

Hi @poodlejules. Thanks for your reply and bet you are happy to be at the end of your treatment I can’t wait for that day. I wish I only had the tummy troubles for a day or so mine went over a week and still even this week it’s settled but not quite right! My legs feel heavy too and not much strength in arms or legs! Nice for you that you’ve lost some weight and are doing well x

Yes @J59 I will ask my oncologist also. Im
also going to ask about their exercise program as need to regain some strength. That’s not nice about your nails mine are slightly dark too but no bleeding thankfully. We have so much to deal with hey it’s rough. I know it’s all to save our lives and I’m thankful for that just wish there was an easier way

Hi @J59 and @sickgirl.I had 12 weeks of taxol,4 weeks radiotherapy and I'm about to finish up a year of Herceptin in a couple of weeks. It has caused tummy upsets for me too, mainly reflux which actually changes my voice for a week or so and a few rumbly "squirts"  :o on the day of treatment and the next day. My feet and legs just feel heavy all the time and my nails are weak too.I used to get really dizzy from radiotherapy which isn't a common side effect but it did get better and eventually went.So write it all down and mention everything at your next oncol appt as once its in your file they will follow it up with you at your next appt.And @"Beryl C." I too have changed to a plant based diet, and gave up my naturapath because of the expense but now buy my own herbal supplements  (iherb is reasonable) and follow Marnie Clark ,an online naturopath.I can now fit into some dresses that had made their way to the 'too small' part of the wardrobe and everyone tells me how well I look so I live in hope. Good luck with everything girls x

Hi sickgirl
i go back to the Oncologist next Tuesday for my next dose of Herceptin so I will ask her about it! Yes the feet thing is just so frustrating every few hours I get the rubber ball & roll my feet over it! It relieves the symptoms but only for a short time. Yes I was told it could take 18+ months but I also believe some people never get relief from it! I don't think I will cope with that as it does impact on our lives. I am commencing an exercise program for cancer patients next week so I hope it will assist me in motivation & shed a bit of weight. 
Regarding Hormone therapy the jury is still out as it may not make any difference as I only had 5% & 25% E & P it is mainly the Herceptin that will be my life saver? I suppose they will let me know in due coarse. The other thing that I have is bleeding ( brown discharge)  coming from under my toe nails

Hi J59, yes I didn’t associate it with the  herceptin to begin with but makes sense now and wish they’d been more informative with it all I understand especially in the public system the volume of people they are seeing but something might have been helpful. I have the completely numb feet and hands also and no improvement since finishing in November but I was told that can take up to 18 mths it’s horrible hey. I still have almost 3 weeks if radiation but will be glad to tick that one off too. Do you have to have the hormone therapy as well?

Hi
interesting as I have similar symptoms. I stopped Chemo in November but I am on Herceptin until August & yes I do get diarrhoea still mainly in the morning. I haven't thought much about it being related to Herceptin but it is certainly possible.  I suppose I put it down to the Dosataxil as I still have so many side effect left.  I also have terribly painful joints & totally numb feet from the peripheral neuropathy which does not seem to be improving at all.  I have 2 more Radium sessions left as well. Can't wait until that is finished as well! 
I too would be interested in some of your suggestions Beryl ie   parabens , toxins etc.