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primek's avatar
primek
Member
8 years ago

kmcin28 Post Herceptin side effects?

@kmcin28 is new and  has posted a question see below
@Giovanna_BCNA  can this be changed to @kmcin28 post?

Hi, I am new to this site and not sure if this is the correct place to post. I was diagnosed with her2+ just over 12 months ago and finished my chemo just before Christmas, at the moment I am being treated 3 weekly with herceptin and Leterazole (taken orally daily). I was quite sick with the first four rounds of chemo before I started on taxol, I tolerated this ok but in the last few days I have noticed I'm unreasonably emotional and have pain in my right arm and hand, I have had some amount of pain in other areas but not as severe as this. At this stage my last Herceptin will be in October. Has anyone else experienced this?

chemotherapy
side-effects

8 Replies

  • primek's avatar
    primek
    Member
    8 years ago
    @kmcin28 Yes you can  get wrist, hand and ankle pain on femera. I have found exercise really helped and after about 6 months I barely notice it unless doing  repetitive movements. Using my mobile phone a lot can cause one hand to play up. My ankles ache when I do a lot of swimming but the discomfort settles quickly. Hope  things improve for you soon. 
  • kmcin28's avatar
    kmcin28
    Member
    8 years ago
    Hi, just an update. I had my herceptin on Thursday and asked my oncologist, he seemed to think it was more from the femara but has given me a referral for an x ray. I've only been on this site for a few days what a great support you all are. Thank you.
  • Giovanna_BCNA's avatar
    Giovanna_BCNA
    Member
    8 years ago
    Hi @primek I have edited the title of the thead to include kmcin28 thanks for letting me know
  • primek's avatar
    primek
    Member
    8 years ago
    Okay so same side as surgery. I think it best you contact your lymph specialist tomorrow for review to exclude anything related to that. . If in doubt see a Dr asap. 

    I had herceptin and just had general aches and pains. On taxol and  herceptin I developed tightness in my arm at the wrist and elbow. It was cording and worsened by lymphodema in the armpit  and breast. The steroids and taxol was causing a lot if it. It dramatically improved after taxol finished and some laser fixed it. It was done by lymphodema physio. 
  • kmcin28's avatar
    kmcin28
    Member
    8 years ago
    Hi Kath, thank you for your reply. It is my right arm that I have had 20 lymph nodes removed 3 initially and the 17 when one of those was affected. My arm and hand look normal and I have a lymph massage regularly. I have my chemo in my left arm.
  • primek's avatar
    primek
    Member
    8 years ago
    @kmcin28 is tbe swelling same arm tbey give chemo.

    Is the arm puffy or looks swollen when you look at it. Have hand wrinkles disappeared? 
  • primek's avatar
    primek
    Member
    8 years ago
    Hi there @kmcin28. Is the pain in your arm on your  treated side (like did you have nodes removed on that  side or radiotherapy ) or is this in tbe side of infusion.

    So look at your arm against the other. Is it bigger? Is it inflammed or swollen, hot to touch ir red looking.

    It could be cellulitis, lymphodema.
    Please contact the  chemo unit or breast  care nurse tomorrow to discuss.

    If there is noticeable  swelling and/  or redness and heat please go to the Emergency department at your closest hospital and have it checked out. 

    Let us know how it goes. Kath. X