treatment options

Hi Raye,

after the shock of finding out you have cancer all the treatment options sound so overwhelming and confusing, just too much to take in all at once. The thing is you don't have to take it all in right now. All you need to do just now is build your strength, both physical and emotional, so that you are prepared for surgery.  One step at a time Raye.

my diagnosis was June, surgery 2 weeks later then chemo started 6 weeks post-op. The surgeon gave his recommendations then I made the decision on how far I was prepared to go. The same happened with the Oncologist. They printed out pages with several recommended chemo treatments. The info included stats on survival rates with only radiation but no chemo, then 10yr survival rates with both possible treatments. They also gave me stats on chances of cancer recurring. It seemed like a burden at the time to have to chose your own "poison", but knowledge is power and the Docs fully respected whatever decision I made was the right choice for me. Talk with your team, especially the Cancer Clinical Nurse, they're on your side and really want to help you through this difficult time. 

Remember you are not alone, you will make it through this, and every day there is always something to be thankful for.

wishing you all the best Raye, let us know how you go, xxX ??

Hi Raye, I have been diagnosed initially with aggressive, HER2 positive (grade 3 I think) but clear of lymph nodes.  Oncologist told me 6 chemo treatments over 18 weeks - 3 x FEC and 3 x Docetaxel & Herceptin and followed up with 3 weekly Herceptin injections for the next 10 years.  Also radiation but I am not going to see that Dr until next month to find out what the schedule is and if the Herceptin starts after it is finished.  On my second visit to oncologist he added the drug Perjeta that works in with Herceptin and has only just been approved on the PBS - maybe you should find out about that one,

Unfortunately I also got results to indicate small spot in one of my vertebrae but I don't think that has anything to do with adding in the Perjeta.

I have my 2nd treatment on Monday and so far so good.  All the best.

Kari

Thanks Leanne,

I think I have misunderstoond my surgeon. I now think she means 1 year of Hercepton and than 10 years of the Tamoxifen. I haven't had my surgery yet so the facts are not all known. I'm concerned about all the chemical being pumped into my body. I would like to hear about other options and the consequences of not having treatment.

Raye

As the girls have said every case is different. Hugs to you. 

Paula xxxx

Hi rae, I have a invasive ducal carcinoma Her2+ grade3. My surgeon doesn't grade them, so I am a bit confused about the grading. He told me that mine was a small but aggressive tumor. I started 12 weeks of taxol chemo today once weekly. I also started herceptin once every 3 weeks for 12 months. After 12 weeks chemo I start radiation, not sure of length but was told 5-6 weeks. I would be interested as to why you are having herceptin for 10 years. I have come through my first treatment really good only a bit of indigestion. Good luck with your journey. Remember everyone and every diagnose is individual. Sending you cyber hugs Leanne B 

Hi there I've got a different picture to you (breast infilit grade 2, 20mm, .8 lymph node micromet, hormone recept, er pos, pr pos her2 neg--lumpectomy, radiation, tamoxafin) and I really like my surgeon but didn't find it useful that her colleagues had recommendations : the best thing she did was refer me to an oncologist who really looked at my full picture and made recommendations based on that.  I didn't feel he was going on 'automatic' . My surgeon is great : and her skill impresses : at my last mammagram they found it hard to find the scar..so I geuss breast surgeons know a lot about breast cancer but maybe check in these concerns with oncologist? 

Best wishes

Dear Raye

It's all a lot to take in. But as has been suggested just check - Tamoxifen, Femara or any of the aromatase inhibitors are being increasingly recommended for 10 years but 10 years of Herceptin sounds odd. It's very expensive (hooray for the BCNA for lobbying to get it available at earlier stages) and my oncologist told me 12 months, to the day was the allotted amount.

Good luck with your treatment. 

Thanks Paula,

i'll be meeting with my surgeon next week to find out more information. She did say for 10 years, though.

Hi Raye, I am triple negative so can't have any targeted therapy once my treatment finished. However I do know of one lady who was actually part of the original herceptin trial around 10 years ago. She sadly already had bone mets at diagnosis. That said 10 years on and she is still here and living with cancer very well. She has a monthly infusion and I have a feeling it is herceptin. She is doing incredibly, working full time and living a great life. I hope this helps. Did your Dr say you would need infusions every month. Just checking it isn't tamoxifen that you need for 10 years which is quite common. Most people have herceptin for 12 months. I hope your chemo goes well. Stay in touch. 

Paula xxxx