Hello, just introducing myself properly

[bellbert]

Hello, as usual I am doing things around the wrong way I have replied to a couple of recent posts, but I hadn’t officially said ‘Hello’ to everyone on this forum. I have found the strength to carry on as normally as possible, since my diagnosis, due to reading all the wonderful, positive posts on here. I love how everyone supports each other and tries to help with any questions, however small and insignificant ( but huge and important to the person asking the question). So I am 60 ( February), I had a recall from a routine mammogram in April. After biopsies etc, it was found that I had high grade DCIS. I had surgery on 1st May ( WLE) or lumpectomy. I was told I would likely have 5 days of radiation therapy, but had to wait for pathology results. Pathology results showed a 3.5mm ( which I was later told, was actually 5mm ??) IDC ‘hiding’ in amongst the DCIS. I was told that a SLNB was standard, cautionary procedure, but unlikely to show up anything. Again, wrong. I had 2 lymph nodes removed and one had a 2.5mm cancer, just tipping me into macro territory. I was then told 2 weeks later, that I was HER2+ . I was told that they would not now get an Oncotype score done. Five weeks later, I saw on my NHS app, that the Oncotype score ( ? so it had been requested after all ), was high and therefore I was being reffered to Oncology. So I saw the Oncologist last week, he suggested a CT scan, as only 2 nodes had been removed, but that I would start Chemo therapy on 1st September ( EC x 3 cycles, Paclitaxel x 12 weekly sessions, together with Phesgo injections, every 3 weeks for one year). I have now had the heart echo scan, all good. I am awaiting the results of the CT scan, done on Thursday and I have been told the results will be back before 1st September. I have requested a Picc line and I am awaiting an appointment, but it will probably now be after the first EC round. So that’s me. A September chemotherapy starter and HER2+. I already appreciate all the posts that everyone has contributed and I feel so much happier going through this journey, with your combined knowledge and I may well have to call upon you all at some point, with questions etc, so I thank you all in advance

[mrsjelly]

Hi @bellbert

I’ve just read your post. Like you, I read the threads on the forums whilst I was waiting for results and a plan

I found the ‘HER-2, need some buddies’ thread incredibly helpful and supportive. I lurked for a few weeks and read it from the start before I posted. Ours is a longer journey because of the duration of the targeted therapies. Usually 18 cycles. I followed the stories of women like us who were going through or had completed their chemo, targeted therapy and surgery. It instilled in me hope and positivity during a challenging time. People have had bumpy rides, me included there is lots of humour and sage advice to get us through.

Here’s the link:-

HER2+ and need some buddies

Good afternoon all, I have spent the last few week in the early hours of each morning trapped in a rabbit hole wearing concrete boots. It was a lonely and dark place. Then I found this thread. It has been like reading a story and as it has unfolded there have been new characters who have taken me across the country. I’ve had glimpses into lives when the new characters introduced themselves, their families, work and their BC experience. As fast as I have read it there were more posts. I finall…

Kind regards x

[bellbert]

Thank you very much for your reply, I couldn’t work out how to post a new thread there, so I shall copy and paste Yes, I think we are so lucky to have found this forum, the stories of challenges but then (mostly) great news, really make a difference, especially when it is so new and overwhelming at the start. So wishing you all the luck in the world - I am certain, with all the new treatment available, that we will be sharing our positive journeys and helping others too.