Hi, this is my first post after being diagnosed with tubular breast cancer, grade 1, ER 8, PR8 and HER2 positive. The consultant who diagnosed me (i went private for this part) said I would need a lumpectomy and 5 sessions of radiotherapy. She didn't mention the HER2 positive at all, but the referral letter back to the NHS said it wouldn't change the treatment plan anyway so I didn't worry. However, at my surgeons appointment today, she said its likely I will need chemo too and this has really freaked me out. I had come to terms with surgery and radiotherapy but the thought of losing my hair (i know its ridiculous), has sent me over the edge. She said not to worry too much, it will depend on the results from surgery but I am worried! Anyone experienced the same?
Hi Chezlovelly
I am sorry you are getting conflicting messages about chemotherapy. I have a different type of breast cancer (tnbc) but was also told chemo would depend on the results from surgery. In practice I went back for my surgery results and from there was referred to an oncology consultant to discuss the benefits and risks of chemo. The oncologists are the experts in this and the surgeons will leave them to make the decision.
Targeted treatment is often offered for HER2 positive cancer. This Macmillan link details the drugs involved and states they may be given alongside chemo. That has been the experience of people I know with HER positive cancer who have had neo-adjuvant treatment (ie before surgery) but I don’t know anyone with your cancer who had surgery first. It’s likely you will also be offered hormone blocking drugs.
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
I am a Macmillan volunteer.
I have metastatic Triple Negative Breast Cancer, in remission
It’s always best not to get ahead of yourself. Even if you do have chemo it’s quite doable for most people. I have had chemo twice, lost my hair twice, no one would know now.
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
I am a Macmillan volunteer.
I have metastatic Triple Negative Breast Cancer, in remission
