Forum Discussion
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...
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