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J59's avatar
J59
Member
9 years ago

Triple positive - HER2 - Newly diagnosed

Hi all
I started my journey 3 weeks ago! It started with a call back from Breast Screen Q.  I received the results, my GP got me to a surgeon the next day & I has surgery the day after! No thinking time I just wanted this sucker out! I have since had a 2nd surgery to increase the margins but all was good.
Diagnosis:
Invasive Carcinoma 10mm Grade 2 Total Score 7
0/2 Lymph Nodes
Oestrogen receptor: Positive 25%. (most women 75-100%)
Progesterone receptor : Positive 5% (negligible)
HER2: Positive Score 3+
I am very lucky that the cancer was very small, found early and hadn't escaped through the nodes.  There will Radium but the question of Chemo - the jury is still out? 
I have seen the Chemo Oncologist who just gave stats on the first visit, (see her next week again) Surgeon says I'm on the border in fact Chemo is over treating but I should probably have the Herceptin as an insurance policy. Radium Oncologist suggested same but you have to have Chemo to get  Herceptin.

I am terrified at the thought of Chemo!  I would value other ladies opinions especially if you have had to have Chemo just to get the Herceptin or if you chose not to have the Chemo just for the benefit of  Herceptin. 
J


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  • Afraser's avatar
    Afraser
    Member
    9 years ago
    Did the school tell you you could not work? Just interested as I had not heard that schools might do that. Some people can't work or choose not to, but others are able to work through chemo.
  • J59's avatar
    J59
    Member
    9 years ago
    Thank you all so much for your thoughts it is very valuable to me in my decision making.  I have been told that I won't be able to work whilst having treatment due to working in a school environment but I can cope with that. Cassini it is good to hear from someone who is also borderline as well and that you opted for treatment
  • fairydust's avatar
    fairydust
    Member
    9 years ago
    @J59 there is such a misconception around chemo. Years ago there were more side effects. Today there are side effects but not as bad as in the past. My oncologist stated I would probably not get nausea with the chemo she prescribed. If I did there were tablets I could take. I only used tablets 4 times over 16 weeks of chemo. 
    I did have side effects but not anything that couldnt be handled. 
    Yes my hair fell out and I became extremely fatigued but a year and a half later I am here and grateful that chemo and radiation saved my life.

  • primek's avatar
    primek
    Member
    9 years ago
    Yep...can only have herceptin with taxol chemo usually as it is far more effective in combo...plenty of clinical trials support this. So 12 weeks then just herceptin. We get it. Chemo is scary but plenty of drugs to help with side effects. Most people tolerate taxol pretty well. Best of luck. Kath x
  • Cassina's avatar
    Cassina
    Member
    9 years ago
    I had similar and was supported by this support site, Mine was much smaller and I was also borderline, however I was encouraged to have the very best chance and have Herceptin, ( cost to hospital $60,00) with chemo to enhance its working and chemo (taxol) was not too bad. I have worked through and although tired, baldish, some days in bed by 7, not the worst thing and now starting radiation. I think you should give it the very best chance and not a huge problem, the staff were excellent and very supportive. 
    It is the fear of the unknown that scares us! good luck and think carefully
  • Brenda5's avatar
    Brenda5
    Member
    9 years ago
    Radiation will mop up any stray cancer cells around the breast area but what about any that slipped into the blood stream and carried to elsewhere? Do you want to run that risk? Everyone fears chemo but usually apart from a bit of tiredness which you can get with radiation too, and some nausea and hair loss most don't have a huge problem with it. Actually sitting down and having it is the easiest part yet seems to be the most feared. <3

  • LMK74's avatar
    LMK74
    Member
    9 years ago
    Hi J59, sorry your here. My breast cancer is er positive her negative. Can't help with herceptin. I was literally terrified at the thought of chemo.whilst it's far from fun, it's nowhere near as bad as I imagined it would be. I'm nearing the end of chemo with one more to go then I have surgery and radiation. Of you have to have chemo it's not that bad.
    Hugs Lisa x
  • Afraser's avatar
    Afraser
    Member
    9 years ago
    Can't help with the choice as I had none but I did have both chemo and herceptin. Experiences with chemo vary widely so if it is recommended, think seriously about the benefit not just the possible side effects. Good luck.