Herceptin
hi all
due to have herceptin for 12 mths via IV in a 3 week cycle. Does it cause hair loss or is it just the chemo that does that? ( part of my first 6 courses)
Carmel
Forum Discussion
- Hi @"Carmel Woolford"
I am also on the Herceptin as well at the moment three weekly infusions until after radiotherapy finishes and then I am changing to Kadcyla for the last few rounds. My hair is growing rapidly back since finishing the other chemos and Herceptin doesn't seem to be causing any hair loss. I have had the super drippy nose and reading here I am so pleased its not just me!! I was wondering if it was a common thing during Herceptin. It is so hard to navigate new treatments and not being sure what to expect, but I have learnt to just try and roll with it the best you can and not overthink it too much (it's taken me ages to get to that point though!!) I found Herceptin much easier to navigate than AC and Taxol etc.
Try and take it as it comes, I wish you all the best xx - Hi all. I have just started taking Herceptin - first dose. I will continue with it for 17 doses in all each one given at 3 weekly intervals. I have had an echocardiogram which shows my heart is very good. So far not any bad side effects - yes very thirsty as someone else has noted above and also a bit of a runny nose. I am having it via an injection that takes about 5 minutes to give - very stinging sensation but OK really. Trying to stay positive and keeping fit and focussing on good things such as short holidays!!
Hi Jane
your positive outlook is so encouraging and gives me some peace of mind. I am telling myself to take it as it comes but since this is a new playing field it is often not as easy as said. So far I have just kept myself as busy as I can with lots of projects to focus on rather than cancer .
Thnx again car
Hi Carmel, it is a bit frustrating when you are presented with a list of possible side effects and are given the spiel about how no one can predict your response, but unfortunately that is the nature of the beast (as so many of us have found out) and we can't know just how each of us will be affected; some people seem to sail through particular treatments, whereas others don't - there doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason. Like you, I'm a planner and an organiser, so have found the lack of control one of the most challenging things about having cancer. When people say take it one day at a time it's largely in response to the fact that we need to focus on what is happening rather than what might happen - a complete turnaround for those of us who are so used to thinking ahead. Cancer forces us to live more in the present and it took me a long time to get used to that idea. Fear of the unknown makes it all that much harder at the beginning of this process, but once you begin your treatment hopefully you will start to feel more confident in your ability to handle it all - and you will! Best wishes, Jane xx
Thanks Jane
i think it is more the unknown that is getting me as when I ask, the response is it affects everyone differently so not able to get peace of mind. I am a list and total control person so having to take regular "chill pills" to cope.
carmel
Hi Carmel, the herceptin shouldn't cause hair loss. I had a very drippy nose throughout the treatment and was one of the unfortunate few that had some heart issues due to the Herceptin but as you are closely monitored this was well managed with lower doseages, regular scans, ECGs and heart pills. It was also just a temporary issue and my heart is now basically back to normal and I no longer use the heart tablets. Don't let my story put you off Herceptin, it is a very valuable drug to fight Her2+ cancers, and it was an uncommon side effect. I did finish the full treatment and am now feeling very well some 2 years later :-) Jane xx
Hi Carmel
No hercepton doesnt cause hair loss. All I had was the dryness - drink lots of water!!! I just finished my hercepton in March, after 8 cycles of chemo. The hercepton is a breeze.
Pam
