confused about treatment

Hi Michelle,

I have been pretty lucky and have had very few side effects from my treatment - more with chemo than just Herceptin alone.

From Chemo (Taxotere and Cycoclsphomide?? spelling) - fatigue, some nausea for the first few days after treatment (managed with maxalon), aching body, loss of taste buds, hair loss and hot flushes. I was really only unwell for the first week after treatment - then back to "sort of normal" by the following week.

As for the Herceptin and Tamoxifen, a few aching bones but nothing that impacts on my life like chemo did.

I lost a lot of weight before my diagnosis (from stress...I knew something wasn't right...just didn't know what!). I actually gained weight during chemo. I got the muncihes...probably from the steroids I took. I am now back to my normal weight...I haven't gained any extra from the Tamoxifen/Herceptin.

My philosophy when I went into this..."Keep your expectations low and you won't be disappointed". My husband went out, and based on the list of side-effects, bought everything we might need....buckets, rubber glove, soda water, THE WORKS! Didn't need to use any of it! YAY!! The only thing that I would recommend that is a must for chemo is a digital thermometer (monitor your temp for infection) and gargle your mouth with warm salt water after each meal to help with mouth ulcers etc.

I hope this helps and best of luck for your next appointment.

Simone

Well I am older and not triple positive I was hormone receptiove and HER2 negative with clear margins and no node activity all YAY, and then whamy my KI67 index showed my cancer was extremely aggressive and my tumour was against the chest wall with a possability of migration that way so chemo was recommended.

I was so scared of the chemo and had myself all worked up over it, anticipation is so much worse than participation though. Believe me it was crap and I had every side effect thrown at me and had 2 bad weeks and 1 good one, but today I had my 2nd session and I was not scared this time, that made things easier. This round I am all set-up with all the things I need, a suggestion find out if you have a 24 hour pharmacy if not have a look at the side effects and the meds needed and stock up prior so that your not caught out after hours.

Take care and good luck with your visit to the oncologist.

Donna

Yep all the same as you - triple +, lumpectomy, clear nodes.

My onc gave me 6 cycles of chemo with Herceptin continuing for 12 months, radiation 30 sessions and Arimidex for 5 years. It is my understanding that Herceptin is onloy effective if taken with adjuvant chemo but yours may know something different. I had Carboplatin and Taxotere. It was manageable - some bad days but in the long run if it means I don't get it back it was worth it.

All the best, let us know how you go.

magicmum

Congratulations on your 5 years , you must feel so relieved . I will cross my fingers , legs and toes this is all behind you with no reacurrance at all in the future . I wish this for everyone who has been diagnosed with Breast cancer.

I live in central QLD and will be travelling to Brisbane next week to see the oncologist . He travels to my town every 3 weeks for  his paitents , but i dont want to wait another 3 week to see him as I,am impatient and want to get this chemo started .

Thankyou I have read about the travel subsidy and will get a claim form . Every little bit helps ...

Its lovely to be able to share our experiences with others like us and to get some great advise and support .

Thankyou xo

 

 

 

Hi Louie 

I would never have imagined at 40 i would be Diagnosed with BC, as i'm sure you didnt.

 Its sad reading other peoples journeys , but it is so inspiring. 

After being told i was PR , ER and Her2 positive and that it will require longer treatment I was upset and angry.Its hard to except thet you have been diagnosed with breast  cancer , but to then be told treatment is so long .  You are right, they hit us spring chickens with Her2  positive hard . The only great thing about breast cancer at this age is hearing how young we are .

Thankyou for you and Simones advise about the port , i will suggest it to my oncologist when i see him next week .Not sure of what chemo I'am having until i see him . I'm sure i will have more questions then.

I want to wish you luck for your upcoming surgery , and for a speedy recovery with not to much pain .  

 

Take care 

Michelle

 

Thank you Simone for your post 

Its amazing how many younger women have been affected by BC . Its inspiring to read other peoples stories and to know we are not alone.

Did you have any side affects from the Herceptin or gain weight through your treatment  ? 

Regards  Michelle

Bugger you have to travel for treatment, it really does add more stress and pressure but you will soldier through it all and come out the other side. I was 5 years out in December and finish my 5 year hormone treatment next month who hoo!!! I had my ovaries out on Tuesday just to complete the last of my treatment plan, so fingers crossed it is all behind me. Are you in QLD? The govt has just doubled the travel subsidy, so make sure you get the ongoing treatment form and claim back some $$$$$, not sure bout the other states but someone else might be able to post. Anyway there are lots of women starting their journey like you and lots that have it behind them and can share their experiences. Talk soon. Xx

Congratulations on your 20 yrs....sorry you're here though! I'm similar to you also, 41 ER and PR and Her2 positive. 2 x grade 2 multi focal. I finished chemo 5 weeks ago, herceptin till November, tamoxifen will start about May. I had 2 surgeries with clear nodes but no clear margins. That turned out good in the end because a further MRI revealed extensive DCIS. So now chemo is finished ill be having a double mastectomy and reconstruction in a few weeks. No radiation. Are you having AC then Taxol? They really hit us early 40's with her2 disease pretty hard according to my onc. Chemo was hard but doable. I've just returned to work, but still don't feel great, I'm trying to get back into exercise and fitness before the surgery. Little by little we mend I guess. Ladies like us have a long road to travel with treatment for so long. I hope you have good support around you, and keep in touch here. I completely agree with Simone about the port, you get used to it and it is easier for the nursing staff too. When will your chemo start? This is a great place to gather information to be really prepared. Top right is a search function. I'm happy to share whatever you might want to know... Take care Louie

Hi Tanya 

Thankyou for your reply . As you had to travel for treatment i will have to do the same . I have now got full pathology back Grade 3 IDC and Her2 positive . My treatment will be chemo , radiation ( 6 weeks in brisbane ) ,12 mths of Herceptin  and 5 years hormone therapy . Its hard to take in but needs to be done . I'm trying to stay positive , some days are good and others not so good . Reading your story, you had a very stressful time getting diagnosis and being away from your husband and family .Yes, you are right waiting is the pits. Once again thankyou for the contact . I will keep you posted xo