DIEP reconstruction or going flat
Good morning, I'm new to this site and I'm so glad I was referred to it. I've been diagnosed with HER2 positive last week and need to have a complete mastectomy on my left breast. Everything is mov...
Forum Discussion
Hi judith0861
Welcome to the forum and sorry to hear of your diagnosis. Arpie has provided some excellent info.
HER2+ breast cancer has some good treatments available. Not to cause you anxiety, but if they confirm the HER2+ diagnosis, you may be recommended to complete chemo/targeted therapy prior to surgery - called neo-adjuvant chemo. If so, one of the positives is having a bit more time to make a decision on surgery.
I too was diagnosed at stage 2, but mine was Triple Positive (HER2+, ER+ & PR+). I completed 6 rounds of TCHP, being 2 chemo drugs and two targeted therapies specifically for HER2+.
Following chemo, I had a bilateral mastectomy direct to implants, as I didn't have enough flesh for DIEP flap. The implants are small and above my pec muscle. I too am active (swimming) and didn't want my shoulder movement affected. I am now nearly two years out from diagnosis and doing all the sports/activities I was previously.
All the best and feel free to ask any questions xx