Her2 positive.
Hello! I was diagnosed 5 months ago now with Her2 positive in 15 lymph nodes (22 removed). Although no lump showed up in my breast I had a right mastectomy and the axillary node clearance. Tomorrow I am due to have my 6th and final EC dose (3 weekly intervals) before starting on Taxol weekly with Herceptin being added on the second dose. Have handled the treatment quite well for my age (67) which is why my Oncologist recommended 6 treatments instead of 4. Apart from the week of what I call my 'battery gone flat' all has been ok as long as I prepare around this week and rest when I have to. Has anyone out there had similar to me and would love to hear how it all went. My treatment will be ongoing for some time with radiation then Herceptin as the final treatment. Many thanks.
Newly Diagnosed
Hi My name is Victoria, I'm 42 years old and I have been newly (well, 5.5 weeks ago) diagnosed with breast cancer. It is is located underneath the nipple on my left breast and it is invasive ductal carcinoma, ER+, PR- HER2-, Stage Two. (Sorry if I don't have all the details but that is what I have interpreted it as). The tumor is 2.5 cm. I have seen my surgeon twice and I will be having a single mastectomy next week some time followed by 6 months of chemotherapy. We had discussed a lumpectomy so he could try and save the nipple but I opted for the mastectomy, just for a clean break. I'm dealing with it okay- I'm a bit concerned I haven't cried yet- and everyone else around me is very supportive and very shocked. I just wanted to introduce myself and hopefully be able to contribute something to these groups. Thank you Victoria
Early HER2+
I understand what Early is and I am grateful that I found something at the same time as my breastscreen mammogram and it is not in lymph glands, PET was also clear but they need a new name for Early. My treatment is starting 9/10 and will be Chemo (abraxane) & hercepton then surgery and radiation. I thought I had choice after doing a lot of research on trusted websites, listening to great podcasts and asking questions of my MDT but although they say I do they highly recommend the above plan. I am resolved to losing my hair and looking forward to the freedom no hair should bring me, I am self employed so can regulate my hours, I am active and look forward to keeping that going, as I know how good it makes me feel and again research shows, it helps us through chemo and everything else. What I struggle with is seeing others reactions to the news and seeing my husband frustrated by the time it takes to have tests and get things started. I would delay treatment even longer if I could but know that is not a good decision as the HER2+ is a grade 3. With a name like Early people seem to think 🤔 I will have an easy run, and I certainly hope I do but have read enough to know that I may not. People also say oh that’s good it’s not urgent then and not that bad. For someone who limits toxins as much as one can this is testing my self control to the limits and then having people say and think 🤔 it is going to be an easy road does not sit well with me. I am babbling and that is certainly something that has happened since diagnosis. I spent 24 hours in denial and 24 hours in why and have decided to tell only positive supportive people going forward and focus on things I can control and leave the rest to my team. thankyou for letting me rant and thankyou for all your encouraging posts and links which I have loved. Let’s kick this tumours out of here x
Triple Positive HER2+
Hi everyone BCNA Online Network established a Group with Triple Positive breast cancer which is useful also for people who might be HER2+ but not positive for oestrogen or progesterone. This post is also to alert previously accepted Triple Positive Group members: you might not have been automatically transferred across to the Triple Positive Group with the recent upgrade to the new BCNA Network site. Please do request to rejoin the Group (I did)! Ned01CheriSukiCheriAnna15FeRnurserachMareealsoTriplebreast240Number2CaitySXC1947Herceptin treatment post-chemo
Hi there! I finished chemo for her2+ breast cancer 3 weeks ago and have just had a double mastectomy. I’m supposed to continue with herceptin every three weeks for a year. I’ve heard differing reports about whether this is an infusion or an injection. Does anyone have any experience of how this is given in Australia? Also, who can give this treatment? Is it only given at hospitals, or if it’s an injection can it be given by a GP or oncologist? My treatment up until now has been in France and I’m considering moving back to Australia during this year, but with doses every three weeks it’s a short turnaround for getting into the Australian medical system, so just trying to understand more about how this stage of treatment works. Thanks!
I think I am reading too much :(
Morning everyone. I am reasonably new to this cancer world and still in the overwhelmed stage. I had a right breast mastectomy on NYE and the pathology report showed nothing in lymph nodes, but small invasive cancer in breast tissue. I am oestrogen and HER2 positive. I had first of 12 weekly paclitaxel chemo treatments on Wednesday. I started Herceptin last week (every 3 weds for 12 months) and will start goserelin (zoladex) next week (every 4 weeks for 5 years). I have been reading so much from this site and others and have delved into various posts on this forum and what I'm reading is making me feel quite low. The side effects that you are all experiencing on the hormone suppressant drugs read like a horror movie. It makes me wonder if it is worth it before I've even begun. I am 46 and until BC hit I was playing competitive sport 3 times a week, walking 5km a day and teaching full time. With all my reading I now fear that in a few months I'll have the body and mind of an 80 yr old and I'm not coping with that. I know it is different for everyone, but I've not heard anyone say that that the side effects aren't bad or that they have been able to continue their lives as before. I'm already grieving for the life I used to have and I'm struggling. I am usually so positive. I'm definitely not doom and gloom, but today is not a good one for me. Not sure what I am expecting people to say, I just needed to get it out. Thanks for listening x
35 y/o and diagnosed with HER2 positive breast Cancer
Hello, I am new on this online discussion thread but I find it very encouraging. Here it goes.. Is anyone out there who is HER2 positive who is the same age range like me? I just got got diagnosed on the 25th of Nov and I just cried my hearts out because I cant believe that its me. But of course cancer doesnt choose right it just does what it does. The thing is I am a nurse by profession and to read my pathology report I cant believe that what I am reading is my own result not someone else which I am used to doing. Then I started blaming myself because I was not proactive on my health management when I went to GP. She told me its nothing and did not even perform a biopsy which I should have insisted. Backtracking I felt the lump 10weeks ago before I was officially diagnosed and everything was pretty full on after that in terms of the treatment. Right now, I am crying again because I am scared. You see I have two kids a 3y/o and a 1y/o. I cry for the future. I really wanted to beat this cancer. I want to build more memories with the bubs because you know they are still to young to remember me if God decided to take me...DIEP reconstruction or going flat
Good morning, I'm new to this site and I'm so glad I was referred to it. I've been diagnosed with HER2 positive last week and need to have a complete mastectomy on my left breast. Everything is moving quickly with my various appointments which I'm really thankful with. I'm now faced with the decision whether to have a DIEP reconstruction or going 'flat'. I realise this is a personal choice and everyone is different but I'm keen to hear how you made the decision to go flat and if you have any regrets as I'm leaning towards this option. I'm fairly active with swimming at the beach in Summer, weekly aqua aerobics, gym, walking. Thanking you for your support 🙏
Chemo almost done...next is surgery. Hair growth questions.
Hi all, it's been a little while, hope you all doing well and this year brings you all good health and happiness. I am almost done with my chemo (AC and 12 weeks paclitaxel, 4 perjeta and another one (not sure of name), 2 more infusions of paclitaxel. Did anyone find bits of fluffy hair starting to grow already? I don't want to get too excited but am starting to notice some growth. Anxious and excited about my appointment tomorrow with the surgeon to discuss surgery options and how the tumors have responded to the chemo. Any advice would be appreciated. Still awaiting genetic testing results. Now the fun part. We have a family wedding in October this year and some other events and I am very excited for my hair to start growing. Any tips or advice. Scalp treatment or oils etc vitamins. Should I have a shave after chemo so the hair grows evenly and also what kind of length can I expect in 6 months or so. How did you hair grow? Lastly. If anyone is based in Sydney and would want to meet for a chat, support, pray , let me know. Would love to meet some ladies, we can encourage each other. Can direct message me if you like. Thanks and look forward to hearing your progress xxx
