Hi everybody… I’m asking if anyone has had what I’ve had which is… Bilateral breast cancer… I’ve had a successful removal, there were no lymph node involvement either side. My rt breast had a 14mm milk duct cancer but my lt breast had 16mm HER+ cancer. I’m about to meet an Oncologist for the next part of this nightmare but I have been primed by the surgeon that I might be offered chemo, then radiotherapy and tablets… My wounds are healing well two weeks post op now. Herceptin was mentioned to me when I saw the surgeon. So, what did I do… Googled it… Bloody hell it’s frightening… Is everybody offered Herceptin that is Her +? I feel upset, worried and very vulnerable. I nievly thought that this treatment would be radiotherapy for three weeks only, with 5 yrs tablets, at least that was what was said pre operatively… Now its different., How long does chemo go on for? And is there anybody on here with my problem please? Sorry for the ramble but I just wish this would go away…
Hi Ali,
Sorry to hear how you’re feeling at the mo. It’s probably best to leave google alone for now, as it certainly can wake that anxiety monster. Your team will give you all the info you need & do give the helpline here a ring if you need to talk things through.
I didn’t need herceptin, but many here have had it. I believe that it is protocol that chemo is given with herceptin. Honestly, it is very effective for Her+ bc as it is a targetted treatment that deals with it directly & it has significantly improved outcomes for this type of bc.
It might be an idea to also post in the ‘going through chemo’ &/or 'targetted therapies" sections. One of the community champions Blueash has posted a lot about this & here’s the link here to her posts HERE. Hopefully, she or one of the others will be along shortly.
You’re certainly not alone with this & you will get the treatment needed for you.
ann x
Hi Ali
I’m not in quite the same situation, but wanted to reply as I do have bilateral breast cancer, it seems pretty unusual judging by this forum? I had one tumour picked up on routine mammogram, another one on the follow up ultrasound, then another one (DCIS) in the other breast picked up on MRI. I had bilateral mastectomy four weeks ago and waiting for results of Oncotype Dx test now to decide whether I need chemo. Started Letrozole before surgery.
wish you all the best
Hello AliJ,
Yes, I wish it would all go away too - even after treatment!! Just try and take things one stage at a time.
I was HER + and ER +. I had no lymph node involvement. I did not have bilateral breast cancer.
I had chemo before surgery. My chemo treatment was 6 in total, one every 3 weeks so 15 weeks IF things go to plan. However not all chemo regimes are the same and sometimes not everything goes to plan.
I then had the full current course of 18 Herceptin injections every 3 weeks alongwith any other treatments that could be thrown at it. Herceptin is usually concurrent with the last two chemos but it also can be started on its own after chemo. Herceptin has it’s side effects but is generally well tolerated.
They regularly monitor heart function during treatment as one of the more serious side effects can be to heart function. However, permanent heart damage is rare.
Although this rare side effect was a concern, at no time did I consider refusing Herceptin treatment. My heart function did reduce but not down to a level below normal.
All the best to you ? X
Hi AliJ
Just wanted to say hello as I also have bilateral breast cancer. It really is so very tough when given such a diagnosis. I got my Confirmed diagnosis in April and had Breast preserving surgery and re-excision in May - pathology 5.2cm IDC right Breast and 2cm IDC and 0.5 DCIS left Breast. Unfortunately further cancer cells were found so I will need a mastectomy. I’m ER8 so will have hormone therapy (been told for 10 years) but not HER+ so will not be having Herceptin. I tried everything to try and get out of chemo. Even said I’d pay for a private Oncotype test. I have micromets in one lymph node so not eligible on the NHS. However, I was strongly advised to have chemo as even if The test had come back in the ‘grey area’’ when the benefit is not clear, my MDT (Multi Disciplima y Team) would want me to have it. I started chemo in June and will finish in November. I am now mid way through having finished 4 x AC and due to start 4 x T in September (chemo given every 3 weeks). The hardest thing I have found with having bilateral BC is that most predictive tests for recurrence and likely benefit fro, chemo etc… are done on computer programs that only allow you to put in the data for one tumour. I think my team are being extra cautious with me because of the bilateral diagnosis. I would just like to say that yes chemo is tough but I would rather be fighting this with everything I can. It’s hugely daunting and the only way I’ve found to deal with it is to take one day at a time. I do remind myself that even on my chemo regime I have at least a week and a half where I feel ‘normal’ and having BC takes a back seat. It’s great to have that breather. I am thankful that I have good news stories amongst my family and friends who have had BC. All are doing well now including my Mum who has had BC twice. I am currently wearing the head scarves given to me by my dear friend who had very aggressive BC and went through chemo 8 years ago. She is fine now! Googling can be very worrying. I did exactly the same at the start. I have found the Someone Loke Me service offered by BreatCancerCare extremely helpful as I get to talk with someone who has been through a similar experience on a regular basis and she helps me put things into perspective and allays my fears. Might be worth a try. I also see a psychotherapist which has helped me enormously. It’s so important to address the mental health aspect rather than just the physical side of things for me, I have gradually opened up about my feelings and realised it’s good to cry and ‘let it all out’ sometimes.
i would like to send you my very best wishes at this very difficult time, if you want to ask any questions please don’t hesitate to Private Message me. I’m also om the May Surgery 2018 and June Chemo Starters 2018 threads and get a lot of support from the lovely ladies I’ve met on the forums.
Take Care Ali. Hope you’re meeting with the oncologist gives you a clearer picture of your treatment plan and you can move forward.
Clare xx
Hi everyone , had a left totatl maestectomy , can ir come to terms wirh the difference, my problem do I go ahead with right side or make do with an implant help please4
No help