Forum Discussion
Herceptin side effects
Hey - just wondering what other people's experience with Herceptin has been?
I have been on 3-weekly Herceptin for 8 months now, my chemo finished 3 months ago. I felt good initially when the chem...
Hi Tany, thought I'd fill you in on my story while on Herceptin, this may not apply to you but perhaps worth checking out with your oncologist?
I finished Herceptin in July 2013 and although, like you, I felt OK when I was having it on its own after chemo, I did start getting very tired and weak and a bit breathless. I mentioned it to my oncologist and she arranged for an ECG & ultrasound to check my heart function. These tests showed that the Herceptin had caused some heart problems (cardiomyopathy). For the last 6 months of my treatment I also had to see a cardiologist regularly to be more closely monitored and I was on heart tablets and my Herceptin dosage was changed. Thankfully, the issue was temporary, and my heart function went back to normal within about 6 months of finishing treatment, so I no longer see the cardiologist and I don't take the heart tablets anymore. I was really worried when they first told me about the heart issues, but the close monitoring and other measures meant that I could complete the treatment, which was really important and it provided me with some reassurance.
As I say, this may not be the issue for you, and I hope you are able to find a solution and wish you all the best for the remainder of your treatment. Jane xx