Herceptin for Breast Cancer User Reviews

• its...
• January 24, 2010

"I did 7 months of treatment, then my oncologist had to take me off due to congestive heart failure. I personally don't think Herceptin contributed to it at all, but I was told it was the combo of it and Adriamycin. It was pretty bad, my ejection fraction was down to 28. I was so short of breath that just walking to the bathroom was a real effort. The fatigue was the mind-numbing kind that just turning over in bed felt like I had run a race. As for side effects of the Herceptin, I had frequent nosebleeds, mild nausea, and occasional headaches. I would have gladly endured any side effects for the benefits of this life-saving drug. I am so thankful to Dr. Slamon for all the work he did and to Genentech. I am a 4-year survivor, so I think that says it all."

• sur...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 13, 2023

"I was given Herceptin every three weeks for a year. The first 18 weeks were with Carboplatin and Taxotere. I had very mild side effects, nothing that I couldn't handle except maybe chemo brain, which still seems to bother me. I went into chemo with the idea that the medicine they were to give me would fight the cancer cells and I would come out the winner, and I did. I had chemo first, followed by bilateral mastectomy and radiation, continuing with Herceptin. If I hadn't had the chemo, I am sure I would have suffered more and would be dead by now. I thank all my team, the hospital staff, all the women and men who had gone before me enduring cancer, and all who follow me."

• Lis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 15, 2022

"Where do I start? Severe fatigue, severe shortness of breath, rash, mouth sores, back pain, joint pain, irritability, anxiety, depression, change in taste, loss of appetite. I can keep going. What did people do before this drug, who are still alive? My first infusion almost threw me in the hospital from an allergic reaction. I know it’s supposed to be a lifesaver and prevent recurrence even though it doesn’t cross the blood-brain barrier. I wish they could’ve come up with a drug without the severe side effects. I am not sure if I'm able to continue treatment. My quality of life is diminished. Doctors just promote and never listen."

• Mar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 14, 2022

"I'm on injection Herceptin every third week. I've had twelve so far, but I've suffered with water infections every month now for three months. As of now, I've got no energy and have started itching, no rash. Don't feel like myself and been like that for two months. Oncologist said I could stop, but I'm worried about recurrence, so trying to continue until it gets too bad."

• Glo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 2, 2022

"I have Herceptin every 21 days. Everything I eat tastes like metal. For nine months, I can't take it anymore. Does Herceptin cause a change in taste? Please help me."