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Have just noticed I have a small rash on the underside of both breasts, should I be concerned? Maybe its from the heat?1
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Well had a busy time but glad things are moving along. Oncology had not seen a biopsy result of my type so needed to consult outside of Townsville as there is noone here experienced enough to know whether to class me as Her2 positive or negative ☹️. They have decided after consultation with others to class me as Her2 positive. Orders are in for port insertion and chemo to start within the next week or 2. Off to see surgeon and dr this morning to discuss results of the last week of tests.3
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good morning @Number2 in beautiful Townsville. It must feel a bit more settled to have a plan. For me having a port was a good thing - no need for the nurses to struggle to find a vein for the IV drip.Hope what you’ve heard so far is giving you a bit more insight into how 2025 could look for you. 🌸🌻🌺0
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Did the rash clear up? I hope so. Probably just the heat?
All the best for you meetings @Number2 ... take someone with you if you can as a 2nd set of ears - and also record the meeting too on your phone, so you can go over it again later, as it is difficult to remember everything that is said xx
All the best for the port insertion too - that will make the chemo a lot easier (make sure they give you some numbing cream to put onto the skin before you arrive at Oncology, before the needle insertion xx)
You may like to join the Triple Positive Group, where you can discuss all things TNBC in total privacy xx
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/group/31-triple-positive-breast-cancer-tpbc
take care xx1 -
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Action stations as of 23rd neoadjuvant TCHP starts.😳. 6 cycles at 21 day intervals followed by surgery followed by another 12 months of targeted drug treatment and chemo then possible radiation……….loooong road ahead.3
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Good morning @Number2 virtual hugs coming your way.That treatment plan will be familiar to a few of us and we’re here for you. ❤️🌷🌸I was offered a “port” - technically a “port-a-catheter” - has it been mentioned for you yet? It helped ease the setting up of my chemo and was inserted via a short day procedure in my arm.As you say there’s a long road ahead but the good news is that the treatment you’ll have is tailored and informed by the tests and diagnostics you have been doing.
I had neo adjuvant TCHP and was motivated by understanding that mid-way through an ultrasound would be done to see if it was working (shrinking the tumour) and would also inform the choices around surgery (lumpectomy or mastectomy).Apologies if you have already found these BCNA resources, in case you haven’t they are short and sharp and useful to get a sense of where we fit and I also sent the links to selected family and friends so they could inform themselves about my situationhttps://www.bcna.org.au/resource-hub/articles/types-of-breast-cancer/
and
https://www.bcna.org.au/resource-hub/articles/her2-positive-early-breast-cancer/The BCNA site links to a very clearly written decision-making resource for people who are having neo adjuvant chemotherapy and immunotherapyhttps://myneoguide.com/#/
It’s from the Breast Cancer Trials website (an Australian site) and you can either download for reading throughout your journey or use it inter actively - it shows the different decision points and possibilities depending on how we individually respond to treatment. Again, one that might be useful for your family.
Sing out if you have any questions, the best thing is you’ve found this network 🌺🌻🌸 sending you all good wishes as you prepare for a slightly different time ahead.1 -
@Number2 We have the same type. Her2+ and ER/PR -. I had the neo adjuvant chemotherapy. Four doses three weeks apart followed by Paclitaxel every week for twelve weeks plus this is when the targeted therapy started. Herceptin every three weeks for a year. I had a mastectomy after the Paclitaxel treatment was complete. I did not have radio as it made no difference for me in regards to whether the cancer would return or not. I highly suggest you take them up if they offer you Perjeta with your Herceptin treatment. It reduces the chance of it returning. It will probably cost. My cancer is now metastatic and the perjeta may have prevented this. If you have any questions just ask. Sending big hugs4
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Thanks for reaching out @Blossom1961, sorry to hear that your cancer is now metastatic. Did you lose your hair/ eyebrows/ eyelashes/ fingernails? And when? Any advice for me other than the perjeta?2
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https://www.bcna.org.au/resource-hub/articles/chemotherapy-and-early-breast-cancer/
@Number2
The link above may give you an insight into your treatment plan
Take care1 -
@Number2 I lost my hair everywhere between days 19-23. My scalp really hurt leading up to this so the second time around I shaved it off as soon as it started to hurt which made a huge difference. I didn’t lose my fingernails but lost a couple toenails. My nails were all chalky and ridged. Dark nail polish may reduce nail damage. Everyone reacts differently to the chemo so just be prepared for everything and hope you don’t need any of it. I do highly recommend antacids for the first night of chemo. My heartburn was horrendous and I was not prepared. Don’t be hesitant to ask your medical team for any drugs to alleviate symptoms. It is only for the short term and will help you stick the course. If you feel like venting, hop on this forum. We get it. Once again, any questions, ask away.2
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Thanks @Blossom1961 So we can wear nail polish but not fake nails? What about the builder gel they use these days? And what antacids? I usually have gaviscon dual action, is that strong enough?0
