Day 162

Thought I would do some trawling of the interweb today, curious as to how the herceptin is affecting me and how long it will take for my hair to grow back. I have been feeling a bit wheezey of an evening, my lungs are crackling and I have noticed that if I am focusing on something like the tv and then I move my line of focus to something closer, I have been feeling a bit dizzy. Faintness and increased cough are common side effects of the herceptin. I have also got a mild rash on my tummy which is also a common side effect. The side effects diminish with every subsequent treatment as it is a 'natural' treatment. Herceptin works against the increased production of the HER2 protein which I have by bubblewrapping it so it cannot divide and grow and by boosting my own body's immune system against it. I have to have it intravenously because my stomach would destroy it if I took it orally. I have put a nice link to 'Hairy Karen' down the side. This wonderful lady has very thoughtfully photographed her hair recovery after her chemo. She has also done a daily blog - I am sure there are a lot more out there. I am about week four now, my hair is long enough to pull. I must admit, I found these photo's comforting. I do not like wearing my spare hairs now as they are really itchy due to all the regrowth going on. It is nice to see that although my hair feels very fine and baby like, as it gets longer it covers up more of my head. Having just typed that, it sounds perfectly logical! I am also feeling a lot warmer, noticed that yesterday so the post herceptin chills have worn off. Feeling much, much better today.