Herceptin and Dexamet
salspec posted:
We finally have a full diagnosis for my 90 year old mother.....HER2 positvie BC with METS to the liver (4 1/2 inch tumor). We are meeting with the oncologist Wednesday, but spoke with him on the phone today. He will treat her with Herceptin and a low-dose, oral chemo (don't know which one) and feels that he can buy her some time. Has anyone taken Herceptin and can comment on how they felt and how effective it was. Also, she is nauseous and has very little appetite. Any thoughts of what foods might tempt her. She is taking Zofran and it helps some with the nausea, but still no appetite. He plans to prescribe Dexamet for the appetite. Anyone tried that? She is taking Paxil and already having sleep problems without the added steroid in the Dexamet. Her doctor doesn't seem to mind her taking 5 mg. Ambien. SO many drugs....would love to know how others are dealing with these problems.
Prayers and well wishes to all of you!
Prayers and well wishes to all of you!
10 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Herceptin and DexametWe finally have a full diagnosis for my 90 year old mother.....HER2 positvie BC with METS to the liver (4 1/2 inch tumor). We are meeting with the oncologist Wednesday, but spoke with him on the phone today. He will treat her with Herceptin and a low-dose, oral chemo (don't know which one) and feels that he can buy her some time. Has anyone taken Herceptin and can comment on how they felt and how effective it was. Also, she is nauseous and has very little appetite. Any thoughts of what foods might tempt her. She is taking Zofran and it helps some with the nausea, but still no appetite. He plans to prescribe Dexamet for the appetite. Anyone tried that? She is taking Paxil and already having sleep problems without the added steroid in the Dexamet. Her doctor doesn't seem to mind her taking 5 mg. Ambien. SO many drugs....would love to know how others are dealing with these problems.<br /> <br />Prayers and well wishes to all of you!
judyfams responded:
So sorry to hear the news. I was never on any of those meds - but do know that steroids usually do not make you sleepy. Steroids usually deal with keeping down inflammation.
There are different anti-nausea meds that you can ask for if the one she is taking is not giving her the relief she needs.
She is lucky to have a daughter who is so wonderful and my heart goes out to the both of you.
Much love and prayers to you both. Please let us know what the oncologist says.
Judy
There are different anti-nausea meds that you can ask for if the one she is taking is not giving her the relief she needs.
She is lucky to have a daughter who is so wonderful and my heart goes out to the both of you.
Much love and prayers to you both. Please let us know what the oncologist says.
Judy
Report This| Share this:Herceptin and DexametSo sorry to hear the news. I was never on any of those meds - but do know that steroids usually do not make you sleepy. Steroids usually deal with keeping down inflammation. <br />There are different anti-nausea meds that you can ask for if the one she is taking is not giving her the relief she needs.<br />She is lucky to have a daughter who is so wonderful and my heart goes out to the both of you. <br />Much love and prayers to you both. Please let us know what the oncologist says.<br />Judy
I did not take these meds but had a lot of nausea. A clear broth seemed to help me a bit. Also raisin toast was tolerable. She really needs to stay hydrated, as difficult as that can be sometimes.
Sending you lots of well wishes and keep us posted on what the doc says.
best to you -
Jenna
Sending you lots of well wishes and keep us posted on what the doc says.
best to you -
Jenna
Report This| Share this:Herceptin and DexametI did not take these meds but had a lot of nausea. A clear broth seemed to help me a bit. Also raisin toast was tolerable. She really needs to stay hydrated, as difficult as that can be sometimes.<br /> <br />Sending you lots of well wishes and keep us posted on what the doc says.<br /> <br />best to you -<br />Jenna
mhall6252 responded:
I'm so sorry that you and your mom are dealing with this diagnosis. My mom is 82 and if she had breast cancer, I would not let her undergo any chemo treatment.
The oral chemo may be Xeloda - I am taking it and so far my side effects are pretty minimal. But that's not the case for everyone. Herceptin usually doesn't cause much of a problem, either. Are they going to give your mom a port for the herceptin, or will they try for a vein every time? Herceptin is usually given for a year.
She's already feeling poorly, chemo is not going to help. May I suggest you seek a second opinion and be sure to discuss your mom's quality of life, should you decide to proceed with chemo.
Does she like fruit? That might taste really good to her and it will hydrate her. Also, puddings, mashed potatoes, ice cream - they all tend to be foods that taste good. Will she drink Boost or Ensure? Or could you make her ice-cream shakes?
Dexamet will not help her sleep.
The oral chemo may be Xeloda - I am taking it and so far my side effects are pretty minimal. But that's not the case for everyone. Herceptin usually doesn't cause much of a problem, either. Are they going to give your mom a port for the herceptin, or will they try for a vein every time? Herceptin is usually given for a year.
She's already feeling poorly, chemo is not going to help. May I suggest you seek a second opinion and be sure to discuss your mom's quality of life, should you decide to proceed with chemo.
Does she like fruit? That might taste really good to her and it will hydrate her. Also, puddings, mashed potatoes, ice cream - they all tend to be foods that taste good. Will she drink Boost or Ensure? Or could you make her ice-cream shakes?
Dexamet will not help her sleep.
Michelle
Read my blog at www.mch-breastcancer.blogspot.com
Smile and the world smiles with you!
Read my blog at www.mch-breastcancer.blogspot.com
Smile and the world smiles with you!
Report This| Share this:Herceptin and DexametI'm so sorry that you and your mom are dealing with this diagnosis. My mom is 82 and if she had breast cancer, I would not let her undergo any chemo treatment. <br /> <br />The oral chemo may be Xeloda - I am taking it and so far my side effects are pretty minimal. But that's not the case for everyone. Herceptin usually doesn't cause much of a problem, either. Are they going to give your mom a port for the herceptin, or will they try for a vein every time? Herceptin is usually given for a year.<br /> <br />She's already feeling poorly, chemo is not going to help. May I suggest you seek a second opinion and be sure to discuss your mom's quality of life, should you decide to proceed with chemo. <br /> <br />Does she like fruit? That might taste really good to her and it will hydrate her. Also, puddings, mashed potatoes, ice cream - they all tend to be foods that taste good. Will she drink Boost or Ensure? Or could you make her ice-cream shakes?<br /> <br />Dexamet will not help her sleep.
Rachael67 responded:
I have no information to add to what the others have said, but I did want to say how sad I am that Mom and you are on this journey. Please come here anytime we can help even if it's just to listen and offer a virtual hug.
Blessings on you both.
Rachael
Blessings on you both.
Rachael
A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer; it sings because it has a song.
Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou
Report This| Share this:Herceptin and DexametI have no information to add to what the others have said, but I did want to say how sad I am that Mom and you are on this journey. Please come here anytime we can help even if it's just to listen and offer a virtual hug.<br /> <br />Blessings on you both.<br />Rachael
cindy12345678 responded:
Salspec,
I have taken herceptin. It can cause some fatigue, but not
bad. Your mother is 90. I think quality of life should be the
issue. She should be kept comfortable and in no pain.
enjoy every minute you can.Have you tried puddings
or ensure? Sometimes the elderly just loose the taste for
much food. Ice cream maybe? My Dad liked shrimp, and
watermellon, applesauce.
Prayers and good wishes to you and your Mother,
Cindy
I have taken herceptin. It can cause some fatigue, but not
bad. Your mother is 90. I think quality of life should be the
issue. She should be kept comfortable and in no pain.
enjoy every minute you can.Have you tried puddings
or ensure? Sometimes the elderly just loose the taste for
much food. Ice cream maybe? My Dad liked shrimp, and
watermellon, applesauce.
Prayers and good wishes to you and your Mother,
Cindy
Report This| Share this:Herceptin and DexametSalspec,<br />I have taken herceptin. It can cause some fatigue, but not<br />bad. Your mother is 90. I think quality of life should be the<br />issue. She should be kept comfortable and in no pain.<br />enjoy every minute you can.Have you tried puddings<br />or ensure? Sometimes the elderly just loose the taste for<br />much food. Ice cream maybe? My Dad liked shrimp, and<br />watermellon, applesauce.<br />Prayers and good wishes to you and your Mother,<br />Cindy
salspec replied to cindy12345678's response:
Thank you all for your input and suggestions. Both the oncologist and the surgical oncologist are perplexed at what to do with my mother because they both have said they have never seen a 90 year old like her. The onco said he would NEVER order a PET scan for someone that age, and yet he did for her. She lives independently in a senior home, takes line dancing, exercise class, plays bridge, travels, is the librarian, goes to bible study and church, is on several committees, goes to plays and musical programs, etc. and, by the way, has a 93 year old boyfriend. Up til now her health has been perfect, so for all these reasons, the doctors feel is it is worth a shot with the Herceptin and low-dose chemo. If she can't tolerate it, we stop.
I think anxiety may be contributing to the nausea and loss of appetite, but the doctor also feels that shrinking the liver tumor will help a lot. She is taking Zofran and managing pretty well.
Thank you all so much for your concern....I will let you know how we fare.
I think anxiety may be contributing to the nausea and loss of appetite, but the doctor also feels that shrinking the liver tumor will help a lot. She is taking Zofran and managing pretty well.
Thank you all so much for your concern....I will let you know how we fare.
Report This| Share this:Herceptin and DexametThank you all for your input and suggestions. Both the oncologist and the surgical oncologist are perplexed at what to do with my mother because they both have said they have never seen a 90 year old like her. The onco said he would NEVER order a PET scan for someone that age, and yet he did for her. She lives independently in a senior home, takes line dancing, exercise class, plays bridge, travels, is the librarian, goes to bible study and church, is on several committees, goes to plays and musical programs, etc. and, by the way, has a 93 year old boyfriend. Up til now her health has been perfect, so for all these reasons, the doctors feel is it is worth a shot with the Herceptin and low-dose chemo. If she can't tolerate it, we stop.<br /> <br />I think anxiety may be contributing to the nausea and loss of appetite, but the doctor also feels that shrinking the liver tumor will help a lot. She is taking Zofran and managing pretty well.<br /> <br />Thank you all so much for your concern....I will let you know how we fare.
My mother started the Xeloda and Herceptin yesterday and we are very pleased so far. The doctor took her off Dexamthasone (it wasn't helping her appetite) and put her on Marinol. She started taking it this morning and has had a wonderful, much better day than any lately. I talked to her at 10 this morning and she hasn't been in her apartment since - too busy with the 4th of July celebration and visiting with her friends and boyfriend. We stocked her refrigerator with some homemade chicken noodle soup and applesauce and she said both were delicious. Hopefully, with the Marinol, she will begin eating more.
The decision to buy herself some more time is hers. She is completely clear and lucid and knows that her cancer is very aggressive. She appears ready for the fight. I have told her that if she ever wants to quit, we will respect her decision.
One day at a time!!!
The decision to buy herself some more time is hers. She is completely clear and lucid and knows that her cancer is very aggressive. She appears ready for the fight. I have told her that if she ever wants to quit, we will respect her decision.
One day at a time!!!
Report This| Share this:Herceptin and DexametMy mother started the Xeloda and Herceptin yesterday and we are very pleased so far. The doctor took her off Dexamthasone (it wasn't helping her appetite) and put her on Marinol. She started taking it this morning and has had a wonderful, much better day than any lately. I talked to her at 10 this morning and she hasn't been in her apartment since - too busy with the 4th of July celebration and visiting with her friends and boyfriend. We stocked her refrigerator with some homemade chicken noodle soup and applesauce and she said both were delicious. Hopefully, with the Marinol, she will begin eating more.<br /> <br />The decision to buy herself some more time is hers. She is completely clear and lucid and knows that her cancer is very aggressive. She appears ready for the fight. I have told her that if she ever wants to quit, we will respect her decision.<br /> <br />One day at a time!!!
"One day at a time!!" is the only path...And if each can be this good for her, we'll all join in the celebration!!
Blessings.
Rachael
Blessings.
Rachael
A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer; it sings because it has a song.
Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou
Report This| Share this:Herceptin and Dexamet"<i>One day at a time</i>!!" is the only path...And if each can be this good for her, we'll all join in the celebration!!<img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/smile.gif" align="top" border="0"> <br /> <br />Blessings.<br />Rachael
cindy12345678 replied to salspec's response:
Salspec,
You are right. It is her decision. Most 90 yr olds are not as
spry as your Mother. That regimen shouldn't take from her
quality of life. That is most important . I got some great
advice from annother cancer patient. She said "Just keep
living your life" . I am glad she is doing well. I am
so glad she has the support of family. It's everything!
I agree , One day at a time.
Cindy
You are right. It is her decision. Most 90 yr olds are not as
spry as your Mother. That regimen shouldn't take from her
quality of life. That is most important . I got some great
advice from annother cancer patient. She said "Just keep
living your life" . I am glad she is doing well. I am
so glad she has the support of family. It's everything!
I agree , One day at a time.
Cindy
Report This| Share this:Herceptin and DexametSalspec,<br />You are right. It is her decision. Most 90 yr olds are not as<br />spry as your Mother. That regimen shouldn't take from her<br />quality of life. That is most important . I got some great <br />advice from annother cancer patient. She said "Just keep<br />living your life" . I am glad she is doing well. I am<br />so glad she has the support of family. It's everything!<br />I agree , One day at a time.<br />Cindy
salspec replied to cindy12345678's response:
Thank you, Cindy and Rachael, for your support. Here's hoping for many good days ahead for my mother and for both of you!
Report This| Share this:Herceptin and DexametThank you, Cindy and Rachael, for your support. Here's hoping for many good days ahead for my mother and for both of you!
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