HER2 positive breast cancer

Hi DLW I know you'd rather not be here but welcome ..it really is the best place to come when you find yourself on this rollercoaster.

If you click on my name you can read my story on profile . When you get time fill your story in it helps when people are replying .

You will read that I had masectomy 8 days after diagnosis after being told non aggressive then op biopsies showed Her2+ grade 3 

This was June 2019 I have now completed chemo dec2020 , Herceptin x18  finished last month started Jan 2020 , now on Bisphosonate infusions every 6 month til 2022 . 

So yes there others on here ,quite a few , with same diagnosis . It is a long haul when you first hear treatment plan but it is doable and more importantly it is treatable . 

Have a read of my profile also have a look around site you'll find lots of info .

your welcome to come back with any questions you may have either to me or others who will come on to offer support I'm sure 

Hi DLW

Another warm welcome to the community from me. As Northerner has said, there are quite a few people on here with a Her2+ diagnosis.

It can be such a shock when your treatment plan changes and I'm sure it will take a little while to sink in, facing more chemo must be daunting but you'll get through this. We are all here for you for whatever you need - you can rant, rave, let off steam, just have a chat and even a laugh if that's what you need.

Hopefully some others will be along soon

Sending virtual hugs

R

hi everyone - first post on here. I was diagnosed with HER+ in October 2020 with an aggressive grade 3 but was put straight into surgery. I had a therapeutic mammoplasty with Sentinel node biopsy plus they took a chunk from my other boob too for a biopsy. They got the main tumour but found DCIS in the margins so will now have a mastectomy after the chemo. Recovery from the mammoplasty was good and surgeon did an amazing job with the reconstruction, just sad its all gone to waste now. I'm starting chemo on 26/1 TC on a 3 week cycle plus herceptin weekly. At least I'm getting out more than my friends with all these hospital appointments! I feel lucky in a way .... I lost my sister to BC in 2016 and now we have the wonder drug Herceptin which has changed treatment so much! Big hugs to everyone xx

I was told my cancer was probably hormone sensitive but at end November biopsy result finally came back showing HER2 +.  I started chemo on 31 December - Trastuzumab on a 3 weekly cycle until the end of this year and Paclitaxel weekly for 12 weeks.  I am using the cold cap and so far (4 cycles in) no hair loss and side effects under control.   

Hi and welcome  sorry to hear you need another op my story is on profile click on my name to read if you wish . I went into surgery 8 days after diagnosis of Dc and Dcis calcification .  Told non aggressive and slight possibility of further treatment but was told of what might occur .

I made decision of masectomy ( age etc helped that decision) also lumpectomy would have taken a large chunk of breast .

The op biopsy showed Her2+  So glad that you are reacting positively to your diagnosis as yes there are lots of success stories with herceptin I've just finished 18 x 3 weekly . 

Best of luck with your treatment plan 

Thanks Northerner - trying to be positive but yes, there are days when I'm in floods of tears. But think that's to be expected! I've read your story - similar journey to me. I asked for mastectomy but surgeon suggested not as I am large breasted and said I would really struggle. So when I have the mastectomy later this year I will have a reconstruction with back muscle. Such a steep learning curve isn't it? The Breast Cancer Now forums are good to dip into too. Just finishing some antibiotics for a water infection (taste of things to come?) so hoping bloods tomorrow show that I'm ok to start on Tuesday.

Hi  I'm also large cup size which when under discussion with surgeon he was saying despite size of lumpectomy he would be able to do it because of breast size . He was worried about balance  he meant cosmetically but did laugh when I responded with Will I fall over or walk in circle . At my age I just felt for me it was better to get rid . He did suggest a reconstruction at later date but I did say I just didn't want further surgery . I'm happy with a prosthesis 

re water infections just remember to keep hydrated ....chemo very dehydrating 

As treatment is a long haul I'm still with oncologist so haven't seen surgeon since results day . Six monthly   Bisphosonate infusions x3 then should be signed off onco 

Thank you all for your comments. It is good to hear some positive success stories. I start my treatment on Wednesday. Just want to get on with it now!