Triple positive HER + grade 2A
Hi to everyone! I'm newly diagnosed with a grade 2A triple positive breast cancer, at age 40. So, from what I can understand (and I’m an experienced registered nurse… but not in the area of cancer) ...
Forum Discussion
Hi @nurserach
I am a fellow stage 2A triple positive patient. I was 47 at diagnosis with a 2.5cm tumor and no node or metastases on scans. Treatment happened over the full year of 2024.
Like @Tri, I had 6 rounds of neoadjuvant TCHP chemo. If you have private health, get your oncologist to claim for the Perjeta on your behalf - my private health paid for mine.
After chemo, I had a bilateral mastectomy (skin sparing) and direct to implants. No radiation.
I had a complete response (pCR) to the TCHP, so then had 11 subcutaneous injections of Herceptin (Trastuzumab) after surgery. I am now on Tamoxifen (anti-hormone pill) daily for at least the next 5 years (may switch to an AI at some point).
I found the recovery after surgery was ok, so I would say that chemo is the hardest part as I don't cope well with being "sick" . It is a weird situation where you have no symptoms from the cancer, but the treatment makes you feel rotten! Exercising every day (even just a walk) kept me sane and physically strong.
Make sure you let your onc know of any chemo side effects, as they can suggest remedies.
You will get through this. Feel free to ask any questions.
I am a fellow stage 2A triple positive patient. I was 47 at diagnosis with a 2.5cm tumor and no node or metastases on scans. Treatment happened over the full year of 2024.
Like @Tri, I had 6 rounds of neoadjuvant TCHP chemo. If you have private health, get your oncologist to claim for the Perjeta on your behalf - my private health paid for mine.
After chemo, I had a bilateral mastectomy (skin sparing) and direct to implants. No radiation.
I had a complete response (pCR) to the TCHP, so then had 11 subcutaneous injections of Herceptin (Trastuzumab) after surgery. I am now on Tamoxifen (anti-hormone pill) daily for at least the next 5 years (may switch to an AI at some point).
I found the recovery after surgery was ok, so I would say that chemo is the hardest part as I don't cope well with being "sick" . It is a weird situation where you have no symptoms from the cancer, but the treatment makes you feel rotten! Exercising every day (even just a walk) kept me sane and physically strong.
Make sure you let your onc know of any chemo side effects, as they can suggest remedies.
You will get through this. Feel free to ask any questions.
What were the side effects like with TCHP chemo? My MO is also suggesting this regimen for me? Was your hormone status high?
HiIce_Ti
Welcome to the forum and sorry to hear of your diagnosis.
My hormone status was high - strong staining in 95%+ of tumour cells for both estrogen and progesterone.
The TCHP side effects for me were:
- hair loss
- diarrhoea
- weight loss
- bad mouth taste and dry mouth
- tiredness
But everyone is different, so you may get none, some or all. Make sure you alert your onc or BC nurse to all your side effects as they happen. Try to do some exercise (even a little walk) every day, or join a Cancer Council exercise program. Also drink lots of water.
I had a complete response to the TCHP at surgery, so it is a tough regimen but can also be highly effective. There is a Triple Positive group on here, if you want to join and post for specific info.
All the best and hit me up for more questions if you have any xx
Hi, I've been diagnosed with IDC triple positive breast cancer. So far I've done a biopsy, mammogram and pet ct scan. The results showed that I have a 2.1 cm localized lump on my right breast that hasn't spread. ER 100% PR 100% and HER 2+ 30%. I've consulted with a few BSs and MOs and each seem to be recommending different treatments. Some surgeons say I can have surgery (lumpectomy) first as the size of my lump is borderline at 2 cm and hasn't spread but they would have to take more tissue out (around 5 cm). Other doctors do not recommend surgery and say I must do neoadjuvant chemo first to stop the cancer from spreading and shrink the lump so that less can be taken out during surgery and to see the effectiveness of the chemo.
Among the MOs also differ in treatment. Some suggest I do TCHP, another advises I do TCHP while having ovarian suppression shots at the same time and another MO suggests taxol and herceptin only. I'm so confused and with all these differing approaches and I'm having a hard time making a decision.
Sounds very similar to my diagnosis. I had a 2.3cm localised tumour in my left breast with no spread. I was in the private hospital system and only saw one onc (who came highly recommended), but had my case discussed at by a Multi-Disciplinary Team.
The MDT confirmed neoadjuvant TCHP and then I elected to have a bilateral mastectomy, direct to implants (not enough flesh for DIEP flap and microcalcifications in both breasts). I am now on Tamoxifen (anti-hormone) treatment. I was 47 years old at diagnosis (Dec 2023), so the chemo put me into menopause and I am still there - no ovarian suppression required!
The beauty of neoadjuvant chemo is you can see how effective it is and tailor your treatment accordingly. Breast Cancer Trials has an online tool to assist with treatment decisions about neoadjuvant chemo which may be helpful: https://myneoguide.com/#/
There is also some research that shows THP has a similar effect to TCHP, but less side effects, so maybe something to query with your team?