Forum Discussion

MissyMoo's avatar
MissyMoo
Member
12 years ago

Herceptin, Abraxane and beyond

Hi all

More information for those that may be researching side effects before or during treatment with Abraxane and Herceptin on a weekly protocol. Very different to those that have them 3 weekly or monthly.

Well it has been a long time since my last blog at 3 weeks. It is now 13 weeks of weekly treatment. I am also now on Xgeva for bone strength. It is a subcutaneous injection. My bone and body scans at week 9 showed no real improvement (as expected) but no new lesions - which is excellent. Apparently my bony mets are sclerotic rather than lytic and so do not show much improvement on a bone scan. 

My side effects have been minimal. I still have my hair and although it has thinned considerably, if you just met me you would not know.

I have changed jobs from working in the Prep room to working in the office. Less hours and physically less work. I was finding it really hard going by the end of the first term. I am feeling more normal now.

I can't exercise much. My legs are like lead, my lungs hurt if I try to do too much and I get out of breath on exertion. Again all this is able to be masked to the outsider and you would never know I am undergoing chemo. My Dr said it is normal but it holds me back...oh well.

My haemoglobin is consistently low (104-114) and the cut off for blood products at my treatment centre is 100. I have dropped below that once (95) but refused the transfusion. I just didn't feel comfortable about it. I bounced back to 114 the next week...so my body is still capable of doing its job.

I have suffered a urinary tract infection and managed to kick it with antibiotics...I felt awful while I had it.

I have a heart echo this week to check on the functioning of my heart as Herceptin can effect that. We are not expecting bad news there.

Parking can send you broke! Thought I would just put that out there. Whenever possible I park on the street and pay via txt to iPark...you can top up if you are not out in time and you can also just do the clockon/clockoff method which is what I prefer. Much cheaper than the $19 plus dollars every week if I use the hospital car park.

I guess that is it for now. Life continues to be busy with learner drivers, a daughter with casual work that finishes between 10 and 11 pm and a year 11 student in the house. I know we just had holidays but I look forward to the next lot.

:)

Wendy

 

side-effects
  • MandaMoo's avatar
    MandaMoo
    Member
    12 years ago

    Thanks for sharing - I have just started Abraxane on a 3 weeks on and 1 week off.  It is pleasing to hear you only have hair thinning as everyone has said I will lose my hair.  I will hold out some hope it will just thin and I can avoid the wig again!

    I am having Herceptin and Perjeta with my abraxane and with only my second week down I am doing ok.  

    I still exercise but can relate to the heavy leg feeling.  

    Thanks for the information.

    A x