Yes I was diagnosed with HER2+ last October. I'm 44 with 3 kids aged 16,13,11. I had 2cm tumour and 9/14 nodes affected. I went for a mx (think that I could have had a lumpectomy but decided that I didn't want to muck around especially as it was grade 3 tumour).
Initially had a temporary implant but unfortunately suffered from a seroma and the wound burst which eventually led me to lose the implant on 21st Dec. Started Chemo on 17th Jan which was a long wait but my eldest had her AS exams starting on 10th Jan and I don't want to be ill at the start of her exams. This ended up being a good decision as I went back in for the night on 17th due to sickness. Had some more IV anti sickness and have been fine since. In actual fact I been amazed how well have been so hoping that it continues in this way.
I'm on FEC100 -T regime which is 6 sessions of FEC then 5 sessions of Taxatare. A year of herceptin starting in may after the FEC has finished. Chemo will finish on 14th August if I have no delays.
Radiotherapy to follow then at some point (not sure when) reconstruction. Long journey still to go but I'm very positive. The chest MRI showed nothing in the chest and my hearts fine (FEC and Herceptin can cause heart damage!).
I'm also the 4th female in my family (mum died from BC 10 years ago, aunt had it 9 years ago and my sister had pagers disease last year- she's the reason I went for an early scan - thankfully - so will be getting results of genetic testing in two weeks.
Lie has carried on but I've given up all the voluntary work with the primary schools and church fortunately work for my husband from home so have continued with 90% of that and I just pop in the office every now and again.
I was diagnosed with Er/Her2 positive breast cancer in July 2009. I had mastectomy followed by Chemo, Rads and one year of Herceptin injections. Now on Tamoxifen for next 5 years. The Herceptin injections are nothing like the Chemo. I had mine every three weeks. I was still able to have a life with the treatment. Yes it takes over an hour for the Saline infusions but I was able to nudge some of the appointments by a few days to go away on holiday. The only side effects I experienced was thining of my hair which lasted for a month in the middle of treament and my nails became very soft. Hair is back to normal but the nails are still a problem. I use Sally Hansen Miracle nail thickner and keep them very short. It seems to be doing the trick. You will have to have your heart checked before and during treament. the Herceptin can effect the muscle of the heart. your Oncologist will send you for a Heart Scan - Gated. This consists of two injections 30 mins apart and then pictures are taken of your heart as it pumps away for twenty minutes.You just have to lie still and listen to nice music. the whole thing takes just over an hour. Your Herceptin will only stop if your results are low. Mine actually improved as time went on.
If there is anything you would like to know in particular just drop me a line. I finished my Herceptin in March of last year so I should be able to remember most things.
Hi I am starting Fec-t today, I can see your chemo was delayed, was you or you consultant worried about this. I am just over 10 weeks after surgery. Best wishes xxx
