Her2 positive

Hello 

I have a similar diagnosis to yourself. My lump is Her2+ but also hormone +. I had my first chemo last Monday. My treatment is once every three weeks x 6. I'm having chemo before surgery too. Feel free to read my profile about my story so far. 

It's a horrible time waiting for everything to happen and I found this a hard time. Once I had my plan I felt much better and was quite eager to get started to get the little bugger zapped and away. When I first received my diagnosis my head was in a spin imagining all sorts. I have since learned that they have so many drugs they can throw at these things that there is hope. 

There are many different types of BC and the ladies on here are happy to share and support so if you have any questions no matter how big or small ask. I have found this forum a tremendous help leading up to treatment and still bob on everyday to see how everyone is doing. 

Do you know when your treatment will start yet? 

Hi Elsie77 does that mean its going to take 18 weeks at once every three weeks x 6 ?

For me yes. Everyone has their own treatment plan tailored to their specific diagnosis so yours may be different. 

Hi 

I'm two weeks on from right side mastectomy . My story on my profile .

Two days ago got review/result lymphnode clear and cancer gone with boob . Then told HER2 - Positive so now waiting for oncologist appointment.

My Treatment to be chemo then herceptin on three week cycle for year .stress this is my treatment plan everybody different .

Still trying to get head around it all . Felt like good news bad news .

This forum has helped so much in just able to read other people's stories or getting answers . Or to rant,cry ,laugh whatever helps the support is here keep visiting .

In the space of 9 days ive gone from marble size lumpectomy to reducing my bust from g cup to c cup i may now be facing masectomy. Plus now hair loss as a hairdresser this is my worst nightmare not great for business. But have to be thankful ill still be here fingers crossed.  Im sorry to hear your news. The waiting time is pure torture. The help i get from talking and responses has given my hope and strength. Thanks

Elsie77 have they suggested a masectomy or reduction or rebuild?

Hi Northerner,

 the good news bad news comment really struck a cord with me.  At my post surgery appointment I was told my tumour had been removed with clear margins and lymph node was clear.  Planned follow-up had been radiotherapy and endocrine treatment but they had rechecked the tumor and it was triple negative so 'the oncologist might want to discuss chemotherapy'. My son and I came out almost dancing but were confronted by an oncologist 2 weeks later telling us I needed 18 weeks chemo followed by radiotherapy to improve my 65% 10 survival rate up to 72%.  I was so shocked that no-one had bothered even giving me a clue as to all this that I initially refused treatment, but luckily got second opinion who answered all my questions so I am giving it a go,  Had first session just two days ago and not feeling too bad just really tired and no appetite.  For me the best way forward was not to rely solely on the hospital for information but to look on places like MacMillan and Cancer research - and I read a useful book but that might not be everyone's cup of tea.  Depends on your personality whether you want to know as much as possible, which can be scarey, or as little.  For me the oncology department has a lot of trust building to do and sadly they don't really have the time,

I'm glad you find being on here helpful and supportive and I whole+heartedly agree.  Keep that chin up we are all behind you!

 they said they would like to shrink my lump, currently at just over 21mm, then hopefully a lumpectomy. I haven't really thought that far ahead yet as taking this one step at a time.

Will also have herceptin for a year and tamoxifen for 5-10 years as mine is hormone fed too. 

Hiya

I'm also Her2 positive  and ER and PR negative but I didn't find this out until after surgery, lymph nodes were clear too.  I started 6 cycles of chemo on 2nd July (every 3 weeks so with no hiccups finish mid Oct) then a year of 3 weekly cycles of Herceptin.

I was offered either a lumpectomy or mastectomy with or without reconstruction and opted for mastectomy just to get the job done as quickly as possible with the quickest recovery time but as others have said, everyone is different and every plan is different. I'm 57 in 2 days time so felt that for me reconstruction wasn't important but I stress the words 'for me' as this is a very personal choice.

Got my proper silicone falsy a week ago and that has made a world of difference, having a similar weight to my real one has straightened me up as the softie I got after surgery had a habit of riding upwards and making me look weird.  The only thing I miss is my cleavage but at my age that is probably not a bad thing and I'm having fun finding ways of disguising this with vests and lacy tops etc

I'm off this morning for my blood tests and assessment prior to my next chemo on Monday, so far so good, my 1st cycle has been ok, had a few days of feeling odd but by day 5 was feeling fairly normal with just a couple of mild symptoms such as tiredness or funny tummy. Hanging onto my hair at the moment but know I'm on borrowed time with it as I can feel it's different. My mum's hairdresser went through breast cancer a few years ago and has been a wealth of information with regards to tips on hair and make up. I'd change to her except that I already have my own lovely hairdresser who already knows my hair well. Try turning your experience into a positive and think how much more you may be able to offer other people going through the same.

Sending you virtual hugs, take your time and be kind to yourself, and massive well done on your weight loss.  I'm sorry you've joined this particular rollercoaster, it's not fun and when you are just starting out it is very scary but you will get through it and beat this.  Everyone here is so supportive so don't be afraid to ask any questions.

XOXO

Thanks Mad Dog Lady 

thankfully have spoken to several ladies who have this oncologist and she is known for giving you a full and easily understood plan .Everything has happened so fast from being reassured in breast assessment clinic that calcification is usually no problem

Now had masectomy which all things considered was the right choice and I am happy with result . To now needing chemo then herceptin 

I do like to have a lot of knowledge about what I'm dealing with ..that is how I cope ..I need to control this bloody awful disease to the best of my ability . The question list is already growing long .

Ive left my mobile no. With oncology secretary And retired to our caravan in Cumbria to get my head sorted . Chin already on way back up  

Thanks for support