HER2+

Hi lovely, yes i had 12 weeks Paclitaxel and Herceptin every 3 weeks up to one year. I believe im already half way , all this is very doable. If i did and you will do also ,life its beautiful every day xx

Hi your messaged are so reassuring  thank you xx

 I know a few people who had chemo first to shrink the tumour before the lumpectomy. They said they could feel the tumour shrinking which was amazing and so found chemo really reassuring. I had my tumour out first and did feel  relief it was gone. So whichever way you do it hopefully once it all starts you will feel some relief. We didn’t have to make the choice though as our treatment plan was made for us so I completely understand  the way you are feeling about making the decision. keep speaking to your bCN they helped reassure me about my worries of it spreading while waiting for treatment to start. 

Herceptin has been fine I’ve not had any side effects or heard anyone who has. I have it as injection  in my leg and honestly, so far, apart from having the injections and then heart echos every 3 months you wouldn’t know I’m having it.                    
I stArt on tamoxifen for hormones after the radio so hopefully that will be ok. I will be on them for 10 years they have said so far. 
I did speak to a nutritionist and I have cut out dairy (well reduced it really) and eating a lot less processed food and eating lots of broccoli and greens. I also had supplements to take. Tbh though I did eat lots of veg etc before but I’m now more aware  of what I eat and cook more from scratch. Speaking to nutritionist has helped me feel like I’ve taken a little bit of control back.  However through chemo oncologist just told me to eat whatever I liked and that’s true to certain degree as you just have  to go with what you fancy on the days your tired etc as taste can also change a little for some people but then returns to normal. 
hope that helps. Plus you will have to eat all the lovely goodies everyone will bring you! Xx

thestarbook.

IDC means

Invasive ductal carcinoma.

It has moved out of the ducts

{DCIS....is when c is within the ducts) precancer? I was told.

Good luck.

Katrina

It is what it is

Hi, I am so grateful for your input. I don't ever think to bother the BCN..but I do think I need the assurances.

Like you I probably will need to have the herceptin jabs and also hormone pills for 10 yrs.

I think during chemo, it makes sense to try to get something in the tummy as I can imagine it's going to be tiring and maybe don't have energy to cook.

How is radiotherapy? My worry is post op I will feel shy from my partner, that makes me really sad.

C x

I’ll let you know how radio goes - it all starts Thursday. I Have a very fetching tunic they have given me to wear and have my 3 tattoos ready  - They are very tiny like freckles but I’ll still say I was brave having 3 tattoos in one go  . 

I know what you mean about worrying of being self conscious after but I think you will be amazed at how good the breast surgeons are. They should talk you all through the procedure as well so hopefully put your mind at ease. Can you take your partner with you. My consultant let mine come in when they discussed the plan which was really helpful but I know some consultants still don’t like it with COVID . Xxx

Hi so pleased your treatment is moving forward and going well for you. Sounds like your bc was found early stage like mine. Did your oncologist say anything how the treatment works and to be positive about the treatment.  I have heard such good things about herceptin. I am waiting to see my oncologist. Best wishes xxx

Aah good luck with it all - yes mine was caught early through routine mammogram.
Yes the oncologist will talk it all through with you and don’t be frightened to ask any questions I always have a list to ask each time the Herceptin so far hasn’t caused me any issues and it sounds like it can be used for many different cancers now as well. Have you heard of the predict app? If not ask the oncologist to go through it with you. My oncologist showed it to me and it tells you what  % the Herceptin and each treatment will give you to reduce risk of reoccurrence. It has been helpful for me at trying to stay positive on the days I worry more. xx

Thanks good shout about the Predict app! So need the motivation really!!

How was it for you with RT?

C x

I had 5 days of radio coming up to about 5 weeks ago now.  I found it ok- I must admit I didn’t like lying still in the room on my own and I had a few tears. I think all the enormity of all  just hit me while I was lying there which I didn’t expect . However it doesn’t hurt just a lot of beeping noises and machines moving around you.  It doesn’t take long either. I’ve had a little bit of pain after - just tenderness really which I’ve been told is normal and doesn’t stop me doing anything. Lots of moisturising helps. I did feel tired having to go each day but I think I was still getting over the chemo and as chemo wiped me out, the radio tiredness didn’t feel that bad for me.   I got to ring the bell after as well which was emotional. So all in all I had quite a few emotional tears but the treatment itself was ok xx