The first dose of Herceptin is on board. I received this dose on Nov. 5 over a period of 4 hours. They administered Benedryl by I.V. prior to the Herceptin drip. I had a reaction to this Benedryl. I guess I have not had it before but I had 250 mg and I almost fainted....felt loopy. So they slowed the drip down and I think that is why I was there so long. The paper says it should take 60 minutes once the I.V. is started. Side effects are flu like symptoms and I feel lucky. I was Bone Achy and had a head ache until Wednesday. So that is great I feel. Constant nose drip is common too. I have that also. I receive this drug once ever three weeks for one year. Next dose on NOV 26. I wanted to explain the dug a little better than I had in the past posts so this next information is straight off the information drug sheet they gave me at the doctors office.
What is Herceptin:
It is the only FDA- approved therapeutic drug for HER2 protein overexpressing metastatic breast cancer.
How Does Herceptin Work?
1. MAY Block tumor cell growth. Herceptin binds to HER2 positive cancer cells and may block them form dividing and growing.
2. Targets the cell for destruction by the immune system. HerCEPTIN attaches to the HER2 positive cancer cells and may signal the body's own immune system to destroy the cell.
Reading this information helped me understand better what is is and does.
My next surgery will be after Jan. 8 2008. I have an appointment with the plastic surgeon on this date and I will be informed when surgery will be at this appointment provided every thing is headed up from my mastectomy.
Physical therapy is still happening. I do feel there is progress being made but it is slow. My right is arm is 100% back to norma. My left may 60% or more. I can raise my hand to shoulder height with no help. If I am laying down I can make it get over my head straight with the help of holding a ball with two hands. I then need to bring it right back down because it is not at all comfortable.
The hair is growing. I need to comb it now. I think it is trying to be curly. Same color as before maybe darker. Rachel likes to touch it all the time and says on soft it is.
I am feeling really good these days. Mostly like normal. I don't feel like days pass without getting some things accomplished. I do have tired days but don't we all.
New Flash: I want you all to know that there will be a HUGE party when I am done on this HERCEPTIN DRUG. A Huge THANK YOU party. Thank YOU for YOU and what you have done and Thank you for health Party. You are all invited and know it will be in NOV. 2008.
Thank you EVERYONE! Everytbing you say and/or do mean a lot to me, on my bridge to health. Every day there are steps taken to cross that bridge and you all are a great strength. Thank you for holding my hand and/or lifting and carrying me when it has been needed the most.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL!
Love
KElly
