Worsening side effects from Herceptin

[PennyK]

I've started having severe cramps in random places...my hands, my back...I am seriously considering asking my oncologist how much it would worsen my ultimate outcome if I were to stop early. I've had 11 out of 17 treatments (that's eight months, and the standard is a full year). I was finishing dinner, logical that I was using my hands to use utensils, when my hand seized up. A few minutes later I broke out in a cold sweat. I took a Zofran for nausea and two Tylenol. The pain did ease up, but I can hardly wait to see what's going to happen when I go to bed tonight.

I had my last infusion one week ago; my next appointment is January 9. If this cramping continues, I will tell him I can't handle it any more (this is on top of one hip joint giving me trouble since I started the Herceptin-alone treatments in September). I was sent for an X-ray of the leg (which showed nothing, AND a bone scan). This drug is really wreaking havoc on me.

[alfredo]

1. Sorry you are suffering.

It seems to be a common theme, cancer treatment really sucks. I hope they find a way to lessen the side effects.

[PennyK]

2. Thank you, alfredo

I know you've had it pretty rough, and I feel like my issues are small compared to yours.
But...i had a lumpectomy, full chemo, a mastectomy, radiation, and the five just-Herceptins. For all I know, they could've gotten it all after the lumpectomy. I know treatment is based on statistics, but I really feel that I've had enough treatment by now! It has gifted me with a blood clot, neuropathy, two nails that just fell off, and ongoing anemia. Did I mention the blood transfusion I needed after five chemos?
On the bright side, Italian food tastes good again.

[alfredo]

3. Compared to you, my treatment and recovery has been a walk in the park.

[PennyK]

4. OK, that didn't last!

That bad night, I took pain meds and Tylenol, and had a great night's sleep. The bad cramps didn't return, but I have tried to be careful when eating, writing, and sewing, to avoid hand cramping.

This would be the second Herceptin where I had one event of pain that lasted for an hour or two. If that's all I get, I guess I can deal with it. Even the pain in my hip has lessened, to the point where I can consider a shopping trip or even a short walk around the neighborhood. Phew!

Gotta say, I'm impressed with Tylenol...something I used to mock when I was an aspirin acolyte. If I take two right before bed, it seems to really keep the cramping at bay. The pain meds really work their magic, too...I just take one 5mg mid-evening.

Six more treatments. Can't wait to see what else will happen.

[PennyK]

5. Today I see my primary-care provider for my yearly exam.

I can hardly imagine what we'll talk about! I last saw him, following up on last year's annual checkup, just after I had been diagnosed.