New diagnosis

Good morning

The waiting is the worst part, I was diagnosed in March with HER2+.  Once you have your results you will feel better once you know what is happening, when and when you get your treatment plan.

Your brain is your own worst enemy and there is nothing to stop you going to some dark and scary places, but honestly it does get easier.

Hi NYC08 

With HER2+ breast cancer you are likely to be treated with chemo and targeted drugs first, I don’t think anyone would say they enjoy their period on chemo, but it’s doable for most people. You are unlikely to suffer all the side effects listed, nor will you feel poorly all the time. Where drugs are given on a 3-weekly cycle, the latter half is usually fairly normal. Drugs given weekly feel a bit more relentless but possibly don’t have the same lower point. My advice would be to stay hydrated and try to get some fresh air and exercise each day. Keeping a symptom diary can help in planning what you might be able to do at any point.

The following link gives some information on the targeted drugs used for HER2.

https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/treatments-and-drugs/targeted-therapies-for-breast-cancer

and this one on chemotherapy. https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/treatments-and-drugs/chemotherapy-for-breast-cancer