On To Herceptin Infusion

The first time I heard my Oncologist say I need 18 cycles of Herceptin as I’m HER2 positive ( actually triple positive) after 8 cycles of chemotherapy and 33 sessions of radiation,  I felt like cold water was poured on me and I got teary-eyed. I got worried on what I would live on after my treatments.  Herceptin is expensive, but with God, I found a way to make it possible.  I applied with Roche on the recommendation of my Oncologist, so now I’m getting 40% discount plus a little government medical  assistance that would make it possible for me to complete the treatment.  I’ve heard about some people who did not go on with Herceptin infusion even though they were HER2 positive and had cancer recurrence after only about 2-3 years.

I can only breathe a sigh of relief as I look back at what hardships I’ve been through with chemo and radiation as I felt no side effects with Herceptin.  However, it is said that it can damage the heart so I have to undergo 2D Echo tests every 3 cycles.

Herceptin infusion would have been a breeze if only they didn’t require much IV rehydration. As such, I still need a companion for trips to the toilet to pee often.  I thought, I could have the treatment with no need of companion like I did radiation.  But it is still possible to be on your own like a few people I met at the chemo room.

Right now, I am doing more chores although I still feel easily tired because of lower RBC.  But I feel that slowly, I feel like I’m regaining my former life and I’m trying my best to take care of my health especially my diet,  so that nothing will come to stop it.

“With God, nothing is impossible”!