Herceptin 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!
Learnt some new. Re HPV
I have been informed that my cervical cancer removed by cone biopsy 37 years ago has come back to life but not in the cervix of all places I never imagined appeared as pre cancerous changes to part of my anus. Through research since finding out is that being immune compromised can trigger the dormant virus to get moving. Didn't even know it could. I suppose if chicken pox can come back as shingles not so surprising. Just not talked about Seeing as my neutrophils rarely go above 1.3 not surprising I suppose. Here I was thinking it was a haemorrhoid. Probable minor surgery in February. Of course the specialist surgeon has to talk to oncologist glad they know each other well.
Already have implants
Just wondering if anybody is in the same boat as me? I already have breast implants and I am going to have a bilateral mastectomy. I will have these implants removed and still making a decision about what to do next. The only immediate thing I can have with my mastectomy is more implants, which would be done by the breast surgeon. I’m not sure that’s what I want long-term but it’s the only option if I want something straight away. Anybody in any similar situation? Just finding it stressful making decisions at this time.
Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Hi all — I’ve been reading a recent research- esp. from the US, including the book Estrogen Matters, which questions the idea that women with breast cancer should automatically avoid Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), and how it can help with longevity etc. I’m planning to speak with my doctor about it, but I’m curious — has anyone here looked into this or discussed HRT after breast cancer with their team? Would love to hear your experiences or any studies/resources you found helpful.
Oncotype DX and Ribociclib
The Oncotype DX test is highly effective at identifying the 70% of patients who can safely avoid chemotherapy and the 30% for whom chemotherapy is optimal. A sample of a tumour is sent to the US where the testing is done and I was told I needed to pay approx $5000. I have recently been told by my oncologist that I need to pay approx $75000 for my medication called Ribociclib. Some Australian women will be able to access this medication through the PBS however due to not having metastatic breast cancer etc I am not eligible. I can pay the $75000 in installments of $2100 per month via a financial agreement with the pharmaceutical company. How are women affording these treatments?. It doesn't make sense that these treatments are not funded for everyone. The financial pressure this puts my young family through is very difficult. Has anyone found a way around these costs? * please note: the percentages and costs listed above were advised by an oncologist and are approximates.
Too Fat for flap breast reconstruction
Hi all just wanted to make people aware that after having a double mastectomy I was told I am To Fat/ overweight to have flap reconstruction despite having gastric sleeve, optifast mounjaro their expectation was to be ideally 80-85kg which I have never been even when playing sports. I just wanted to make people aware that if you have had a double mastectomy and may need a flap reconstruction and are on the heavier side please be aware of weight expectations. I don't think my body agrees with silicone implants.
Radiation Therapy Omission
Hello, I have been informed by a radiation oncologist that I am at a increased risk of developing radiation-induced fibrosis (RIF) from radiation therapy (RT) due to my having a connective tissue disorder. Following research around this I am currently weighing-up the risks and examining my options. I find the decision-making around this challenging and would like to invite members to share their experiences with: Decision-making around RT omission Experiences with RT omission Experiences with RIF e.g. immediate and late-onset effects Please include as much detail as possible. All comments are appreciated. Thank you, 🌷KlioReduction of non affected breast, mastectomy on left breast
Hi, I had a consult with a plastic surgeon yesterday to discuss options post mastectomy on my left breast for ILC, two tumours so unable to preserve the breast. I’m not interested in a reconstruction ( at this stage). He suggested I could have a breast reduction on the right side as I’m an E cup so would make it less lopsided ( bring it down to a C cup) Interested to know if many of you have opted for this? It certainly appeals to me as a ( hopefully) solution. I’m an active 70 year so just want to get on with it! I have to make a decision asap ( no pressure!) as my surgery is on October 3rd. thanks in anticipation. LizBurnt out DCIS
Hello! I was diagnosed with high grade DCIS in my left breast in 2024 and opted for a mastectomy on that side. Pathology later showed it had started to become invasive (just barely, but still). My sister passed away from metastatic breast cancer in 2022, and my dad from bowel cancer in 2004, and both had roller-coaster journeys with treatment, so I wanted it out, with what to me felt like the least amount of fuss. I recently had my 1 year check up and they have found 'burnt out' DCIS in my remaining breast. The little information I have found on this says that it is DCIS that has regressed or resolved itself. In my initial chat with the Dr we discussed that given my history, having another mastectomy was the way to go - that we could do further investigation but that there was a high chance it would come back and lumpectomys would kind of be chipping away at one breast - whereas a mastectomy would eliminate risk altogether (I know this isn't 100% but you know what I mean). I've just had a phone call from my surgeon, while we try and find a date for the surgery, who reiterated that we haven't definitely found cancer in the right breast - there are calcifications that weren't there 12 months ago and this 'burnt out' patch, and he wanted to check I was OK with this decision still. I reiterated that I was but now that I'm off the phone am starting to second guess my decision! My gut still says mastectomy - both my dad and my sister died from aggressive cancers in their 40s - and my priority is not giving it a chance to take root in my body. But now I have the niggling feeling that maybe I should watch and wait for a while and see what changes. DCIS obviously isnt guaranteed to progress further, but I can't find enough information about what 'burnt out' actually means longer term. Has anyone had experience with 'burnt out' DCIS and can tell me more about it? Or have any other advice about making a decision?