herceptin and panic attacks

Welcome to the forum. I wouldn't say it's the herceptin but I would imagine its the whole experience of getting cancer. It's all consuming. Might be worth considering going to your local cancer support centre and talk to a counsellor, as they are fantastic. Good to talk to someone outside family. Hope this helps

Hi there,
Sory to hear that your Mam hasn't been having a tough time. I agree with Wicklowlady that it is probably not the herceptin that has your mam so anxious and nervous but the whole cancer journey itself. I'm on herceptin myself and there are defintely times that I am very anxious and nervous in a jittery sort of way but I can remember being like this before I started on herceptin in December. I would also be far more emotional now than I was pre cancer. I have been to the local cancer support centre a couple of times and I find the support I get there amazing. So much has happened to your Mam in recent months and it's only natural that you can see changes in her.
I hope things get easier for you all soon,

Shirls

Hi, while it could all be a stress issue, it could also be a chemical issue. I am just writing this cause it sounds so familiar to my own case.

I experienced panic attacks after my chemo sessions, shortness of breath, and extreme anxiety. Everyone was telling me I was stressed out when in fact I wasn't, I was totally calm, efficient and organised before the chemo started, then the drugs hit and took a toll on my body. But because the doctors didnt recognise it, it was put down to "stress", eventually, after many other episodes and numerous side effects later, my chemo was stopped after 4 because it was too much for my body to cope with.
I am also on herceptin, but don't have any anxiety issues anymore but I developed a severe tremor because of the chemo, which is only starting to disappear now, 6months after chemo was stopped (again everyone told me it was due to stress, but I knew it wasn't) It just takes a long time for the toxic matter to leave your body.

My case could be completely unrelated to your mothers! And it could very well be a stress issue with her. So while it is not for everybody, I did temporarily go on anti anxiety meds and sleeping tabs, I honestly would have been lost without them. Get her to speak to her oncologist or go to the gp, because it's enough going through the regular treatment without additional unnecessary stress or side effects!

Hi B,

I too agree with the other girls, it's such a roller coaster that it's hard to pin down if it's a chemical reaction or emotional. I don't remember ever having panic attacks with either the chemo or the Herceptin but I do remember having some terrible lows. I know they give you a high dose of antihistamine just before the Herceptin & this may be causing your Mam's problems. The suggestion to go to the local Cancer Support centre is great advice as they will be able to help your Mam & you through this with relaxation therapies & counselling, they are great. Otherwise am sorry I can't be of any help.

Thanks to everyone for there answers and help[quote="FunkyChick":2mgt0x9k]Hi B,

I too agree with the other girls, it's such a roller coaster that it's hard to pin down if it's a chemical reaction or emotional. I don't remember ever having panic attacks with either the chemo or the Herceptin but I do remember having some terrible lows. I know they give you a high dose of antihistamine just before the Herceptin & this may be causing your Mam's problems. The suggestion to go to the local Cancer Support centre is great advice as they will be able to help your Mam & you through this with relaxation therapies & counselling, they are great. Otherwise am sorry I can't be of any help.[/quote:2mgt0x9k]