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
How much weight did you lose during chemo? Im scared of losing weight as I am skinny.
