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Lillyfurever25's avatar
Lillyfurever25
Member
2 months ago

Early HER2+

I understand what Early is and I am grateful that I found something at the same time as my breastscreen mammogram and it is not in lymph glands, PET was also clear but they need a new name for Early.

My treatment is starting 9/10 and will be Chemo (abraxane) & hercepton then surgery and radiation.

I thought I had choice after doing a lot of research on trusted websites, listening to great podcasts and asking questions of my MDT but although they say I do they highly recommend the above plan.

I am resolved to losing my hair and looking forward to the freedom no hair should bring me, I am self employed so can regulate my hours, I am active and look forward to keeping that going, as I know how good it makes me feel and again research shows, it helps us through chemo and everything else.

What I struggle with is seeing others reactions to the news and seeing my husband frustrated by the time it takes to have tests and get things started.

I would delay treatment even longer if I could but know that is not a good decision as the HER2+ is a grade 3.

With a name like Early people seem to think 🤔 I will have an easy run, and I certainly hope I do but have read enough to know that I may not. People also say oh that’s good it’s not urgent then and not that bad.

For someone who limits toxins as much as one can this is testing my self control to the limits and then having people say and think 🤔 it is going to be an easy road does not sit well with me.

I am babbling and that is certainly something that has happened since diagnosis. I spent 24 hours in denial and 24 hours in why and have decided to tell only positive supportive people going forward and focus on things I can control and leave the rest to my team.

thankyou for letting me rant and thankyou for all your encouraging posts and links which I have loved.

Let’s kick this tumours out of here x 

chemotherapy
emotions
her2
lumpectomy
radiotherapy
surgery
treatment decisions

2 Replies

  • arpie's avatar
    arpie
    Member
    2 months ago

    I am SO Sorry to see you join the club that no-one ever thought they'd be joining 🙁 Lillyfurever25​  xx

    You've found the right spot here tho, for support & info from those who've 'been there, done that'! So hopefully we'll be able to smooth the way for your own story.  Whack up ANY question - remember there are NO dumb questions!!!  Make sure you take a trusted friend or family member with you to your appointments, as a 'backup set of ears', as it is difficult remembering everything that is said.  Also, consider recording your sessions on your phone, so you can go over it again later, for the same reason. 😉

    Mine was ILC  (ER+ & PR+ but Her2-) ..... I was lucky to only have the one lumpectomy, rads & tablets .... and have recently finished with the tabs after 7 years! 
    Are you ER+ & PR+ as well as Her2+?   We have a private group for those who are Triple Positive - Click on the link here & you should be 'joined up' by the Mods tomorrow xx They will be more knowledgeable on treatments etc
    Group: Triple Positive Breast Cancer (TPBC) | BCNA Online Network

    This diagnosis can really muck with your brain too - so if you feel sad, angry, distressed .... ask your GP (or your treating team) for a referral to see a counsellor .... or listen to Charlotte Tottman's podcast (link below). 
    You can also ring our Helpline on 1800 500 258 for a confidential one-on-one chat xx    Try not to get ‘ahead of yourself’ with the ‘what ifs’ ….. as they may never happen - and going down that rabbit hole (specially if using Dr Google) will REALLY muck with your brain  :(  A lot of info on Google doesn’t relate to your diagnosis or is out of date - so put any questions you have, to your medical team (or here!) xx

    Charlotte Tottman  is a BC specialist counsellor who was diagnosed herself, also had a double mastectomy, so knows EXACTLY what we've all been thru, both emotionally and physically!  Her own reaction to her diagnosis was also quite different to what she 'thought' it might be, given that she'd been counseling women's reactions for some years before, so thought she 'knew' what to expect!  She is VERY easy to listen to, too xx
    http://www.drcharlottetottman.com.au/my-podcast.html. 

    Raelene Boyle's video is also well worth watching! 
    https://www.bcna.org.au/resource-hub/podcasts/upfront-about-breast-cancer/upfront-about-breast-cancer/episode-21-raelene-boyle-on-pulling-herself-out-of-the-darkness/

    There is HEAPS of info in the link below to help you navigate the blog and also some tools to evaluate your own physical and mental recovery thru your ongoing treatment! xx.

    https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussions/general-discussion/a-big-welcome-to-all-new-online-network-members-/222737

    Take care & all the best for ongoing treatment & your surgery  xx

  • Tri's avatar
    Tri
    Member
    2 months ago

    HiLillyfurever25​ I am so sorry for your recent diagnosis of HER2+ breast cancer.  Sending you plenty of positive energy as you bounce back from your first treatment dose. 

    I hear your caution in who you’re letting know about the diagnosis and managing their reactions; it’s such an intense time for you.
    Good on you for finding your way here to have a very tiny vent - it’s a good place, as you are amongst people who have experienced similar emotions! Also some very wise and thoughtful folk likearpie​! Who I see has set out a few links and resources. 
    I had HER2+ Early breast cancer and I was also hormone positive (oestrogen and progesterone positive) and it’s now over 18 months since I completed the treatment for it. Your treatment “cocktail” sounds like it’s a bit different to mine, although I had Herceptin like you. I had Herceptin doses with chemo (6 cycles of TCHP), then surgery, then radiation, and then 11 more doses of Kadcyla (Herceptin with a chemo added).  I found it challenging to fully grasp that my treatment would have a longer duration of 14-15 months (though it might be different for you). If you think your treatment will be for quite a few cycles (I had 17) I can recommend having a port-a-cath inserted under your skin to save your veins. 
    Everyone responds differently to the treatment, so don’t feel discouraged if you don’t feel terrific, just take good care of your rest time. In my case I also got super dehydrated!  It’s good you can determine your own hours.

    Keep an open mind on how you continue to be active over the duration, exercise is apparently very medically beneficial. I am someone who likes to be active but I found myself a bit floored after a few cycles. It was so positive when I found out about an oncology exercise rehabilitation program through the hospital (supervised by physios). 
    My oncologist referred me into it. I was quite deep into my treatment when I started but it was very effective for both my wellbeing and strength recovery as I was feeling a bit depleted. 
    Do sing out with any questions and let us know how you’re getting along. Sending lots of positive vibes,