Herceptin, bone pain

I had my herceptin yesterday. I was up all night last night with bone and muscle pain. It is really bad in my right hip but I do have the pain all over. I do worry that the cancer is in my right hip. I realize that it is extremely unlikely to recur while it is actively being treated but I sometimes have trouble not going there. The fact that I have pain all over, although less intense, does give me some comfort. I think it is unlikely that I could have it everywhere. I had a bone scan a year ago and there was no cancer. I think it is impossible that it could be everywhere in a year. Breast cancer is considered to be a slow growing cancer.

I have been told by my oncology office that bone and muscle pain is not really a herceptin side effect. However, I go on the herceptin web site and breast cancer.org and it seems most of the people are having the same issues. On the drug manufacturer's website it is listed as a side effect.

When I was getting my herceptin I had to get more appointments. The nurse told me I had to get herceptin until March. I kind of freaked. I told her the doctor told me it would end in December. Then she asked me when I started chemo. I advised her that it was December 7th. She asked me if I was sure. I told her I would bet she could ask anyone in the room when they started chemo and they would know the exact date for sure. A few women were nodding their heads. There are some things you know for sure and that is one. I am sure I will always remember the date my daughter was born, the date I was diagnosed with breast cancer, the date the chemo started and, for sure, the date it ended.

In the end she checked with the doctor and he said it should end in December unless there is some type of recurrence. If there is a recurrence I will need herceptin for the rest of my life. That would be the biggest bummer ever.

I have an appointment with the physician's assistant at the oncology office on Thursday. She is going to go over all my blood work, MUGA scan (they already told me it was normal) and a lot of other things.

On a positive note, my stepmother Betty is home and doing well. She is very happy to be home. Julianna is enjoying her new school. She is a little ray of sunshine, always happy and full of life. She really does keep me going.

Thanks everyone for all the positive vibes, good thoughts and prayers!!!

Got yelled at, need MUGA scan

The nurse from my oncologist's office called today. She advised me that I haven't had a MUGA scan in six months. I knew that but I have been avoiding it. I hate going for it because they inject tons of radioactive stuff into me and tell me I have to stay away from Julianna for two days. I can be in the house with her but I can't hold her or snuggle with her. Plus, I figure pumping all that radioactive stuff into a person can't be good.

She said the herceptin can damage the heart and lungs so we have to do MUGA scans every three months to make sure its not doing damage. It can cause congestive heart failure. I don't have congestive heart failure. I had it when I delivered Julianna. It was pretty horrific so I am certain I would know if I had it again.

So, they made me schedule the scan. It is September 2nd at 7:30 am. They only do MUGA scans on Thursdays at 7:30. I think I will soon be like those glow night lights. If any one's kid is afraid of the dark I will be able to stop by and sit in their room. It will help you save on electricity.

I have herceptin on Monday. They gave me a two week dose last time on purpose to change my schedule. They didn't want my day to fall on Labor Day because they are closed.

I am still fighting fatigue. I joined Weight Watchers to try to lose some weight. I am hoping that some weight loss might help with my energy level. The doctor's office told me not to get too discouraged if I don't lose because a side effect of the herceptin (and the chemo) is weight gain. I am going to try anyway. I am also having some bad hip and back pain. I am hoping it is just muscular but I am going to have them check it out. I would bet they will order some type of radiological test, they like those.

Thanks everyone for all the help, love, prayers and strength!