Going flat with pride
When diagnosed with early HER2+ DCIS in August (right breast), my decision was immediate. Bilateral mastectomy for me. No reconstruction. Why? I'm 61 years old, have been married twice and have had another 15 year relationship. I'm not looking for a man and furthermore, I don't care whether a man would find my flat chest attractive or not! :) Another factor was the many stories I've read here and elsewhere regarding multiple surgeries and failed reconstructions. Not for me. I also didn't want to throw radiation into the mix of treatments. On the 18th August I underwent the surgery, with no problems. Testing of the removed breasts found another tumour in the left breast, which made my bilateral decision a good one. Four weeks later I began chemotherapy through a port in the chest (Taxol, Herceptin) and finished the Taxol yesterday (YAY for me!). :) I've stuck to my exercise regime throughout and have been able to keep working. To date I have only missed two days of work (touch-wood) which were post surgery, but only because I could do so from home. Brain fog has been probably the biggest issue, due to the level of concentration needed for work. Modafinil has helped with that. I purchased the Medicare-funded prosthesis, but haven't worn them so far. My go-to breasts for everyday are seamless, padded crop tops that you can get in any department store for around $15.00. They are light and comfortable, but I wish they came in natural fibres. In the future I will need to navigate the whole anti-estrogen hormone thing. Hmm. I have a long red scar across my chest, but I don't feel like it's unsightly. I'm bald, but that's temporary. I feel like I'm in a good place. :)
Long term Herceptin
Hi was just wondering how long people have been on Herceptin and how they are doing? I have celebrated 14 years this January and will have my 238th infusion next week. I have had a mastectomy and am waiting to have the other one removed as I hate the lopsided feel and having all my clothes moving to the left very annoying would much rather be flat. So far everything is stable and the Herceptin is what they call maintenance dose to keep me stable. hope everyone is coping as well as they can ❤️❤️
long term herceptin for bc mets....
Found an old discussion from Kari_2015. Just wanted to let ladies know that I have been on Herceptin for 13yrs. Managing to keep lesions only in bone so pretty happy with that... Only know one other lady that is on herceptin still...been 11-12yrs for her too. My understanding is that if you are going to have problems cardiac wise it is more likely to happen in the early stages. I have reg echo's done. Get pissed off with having treatment at times but very thankful for this drug... would love to hear from others that are on herceptin long term.. cheers :)
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
Herceptin and Aches
For those who were or are on Herceptin, do you get body aches? I have been having achy knees and groin since chemo cycle 3 with taxotere and Cyclophosphamide and Herceptin. I am done with chemo now and this is the fourth week after it. But my knee and groin aches still hang around. So I am not sure if it's still the chemo side effect or it's Herceptin. I still have 13 rounds of Herceptin to go lol. The aches are not debilitating but I do want to over them. They are most felt when I do stretches or when I am sleeping in bed and stretch my legs out. Thanks lovelies. xxxHerceptin 11 years on
hi everyone long time since I have been on here as things were going as well as can be expected but now I have this cough which I have now had for approx 10 months that just won't go. My GP says my lungs (which is where my mets are) sound fine but the cough is heavy and loud with a high pitch - it even scares my dog lol. It is so tiring to cough like this it sounds like its loose but its not. I already have fatigue problems and this makes it worse. I am coming up to infusion number 200 so wondering if it the cough is due to being on Herceptin for so long. Has anyone else had any issues like this? I hope everyone has survived covid-19 lockdown and is doing well SueNEW Private Group - Triple Positive Breast Cancer (TPBC)
Hello members, If you have been diagnosed with 'Triple Positive Breast Cancer' (TPBC) or supporting someone with this breast cancer type, you may have asked whether we have a private group available for people. Currently we do not have a dedicated group, however there are several members who would like to see a specific group and we want to create the conversation: What is TPBC? TPBC is breast cancer that has higher-than-typical levels of estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and HER2 protein (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2). Hormone receptor and HER2 status are determined during breast cancer diagnosis. You can read more about the role of hormones and HER2 via our website Hormone receptor-positive early breast cancer Please provide feedback as to whether you feel you or someone diagnosed with TPBC would benefit from having access to an Online Network private group (Please leave your comment in this discussion thread)
