Hello everyone! I’m from Oregon USA and I’ve just been diagnosed with HER 2 positive breast cancer. I’ve been told it’s an aggressive form that tends to come back more often than people who do not have this type. I’m pretty devastated by this news, but I’m told there are some new meds that target this particular type of cancer so I’m hopeful. I haven’t started any treatment yet and will meet with surgeon, chemo and radiation docs tomorrow. I was just wondering if anyone else out there has been diagnosed with HER 2 positive, invasive ductal carcinoma? Do you know of any new findings for this type of cancer? I’m so glad to have found this site. Hearing your stories gives me some insight about what to expect.
Hi Cherielynn my cancer was HER2+ . I was diagnosed Feb 1st initially had lumpectomy 22nd Feb didnt get clear margins, pathology confirmed HER2+ and weakly hormone positive and 1 of the 3 lymph nodes they removed had cancer in it. I then had a skin saving mastectomy with implant reconstruction 23rd March and full node clearance. All the tissue that was removed was cancer free… Prior to my Chemo startting I had a CT scan which confirmed no spread. I have had 2 rounds of Chemo FEC with a third due next Wed then I go on a different drug for rounds 4-6 T plus i will at the point start my Herceptin for the HER2.
Herceptin is what they use to try to combat any recurrence of the HER2 cancer and it has good results.
Once Chemo complete i will have radiotherapy.
I am 45 married with 3 children 14,12 and 10 i live in the North East of England.
I was obviously devasted at my diagnosis but I have learnt to accept it and be as normal as possible. I am now cancer free thanks to the amazing NHS and the treatment i am now having is in the hope of preventing a recurrence. I have many more good days than bad but cant pretend the dark side doesnt take over at times.
You will find this forum a great sense of comfort.
Lou
Hi Cherielynn,
I too have also just been diagnosed with an HER2+ Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. I live in the Netherlands, but originally from the UK. I joined this forum because it’s easier for me to type and think in English rather than in Dutch - and goodness knows it’s going to difficult enough in the weeks ahead. My treatment plan is to start with chemo, hopefully that will shrink the tumour enough so that they can do breast saving surgery. Then radiation and Hercaptin for 6 months. Had MRI yesterday, marker was put in today and sentinal lymph node removal scheduled for next Tuesday - it’s a worrying time, but I’m sure we’ll be able to help each other through it.
Hi
I have been diagnosed with HER2 postive and ER positive, with an 80% chance of reoccurring with no treatment. I am starting chemo next Tuesday 6 rounds on round 2 I will start with herceptin for 1 year, that treats the HER2 by blocking the receptors or something… completely devastated, and scared beyond words x
Roadrunner I’d echo the thanks for your positive story. m waiting to hear about Herceptin (was supposed to be today but results not back yet)
Cherielynn,
I am also from Oregon USA!
I am her2 + Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. I did not see this coming and totally understand how you must be feeling. I was diagnosed May 5th and have completed 3 chemo treatments so far. I am still in shock somewhat, less so with each chemo treatment.
I am being treated with TCH-Docetaxel+Carboplatin+Trastuzumab. 6 rounds every 3 weeks.
The Trastuzunam also known as Herceptin (which is the only name i can remember!) is what is saving our lives, Developed in 2008 ( not 100% that is the correct year) it targets our specific kind of cancer ( her2) and is very specific to the her2. Her2 is a protein that attaches to cancer cells making them multiply faster. That is a very abbreviated explanation.
For myself I will be having a dbl mastectomy, even though cancer was found in only one breast, with reconstruction. I chose to do chemo first because I couldnt get the surgery scheduled for 8 weeks and I have no idea how fast this cancer grows. For me It gives me piece of mind to be doing something rather than waiting around for 8 weeks watching the cancer grow. It was difficult to make all these descisions. So many Dr. appts with so many different types of Dr.s. I hope you have found a Surgeon you love and an Oncologist as well, Where in Oregon are you?
The most important piece of advice i can give you is to let those you love know whats going on and let them help you. PLease do not do this alone. I am a single Mom of two beautiful daughters 18 and 13 and I have been blessed with the best friends ever and my Ex husband and his family are with me all the way. I could not do this alone,
I would love to be part of your support group. You can never have to many!!!
One last thing, in all the fear and unknowns and scary words (chemo) I have been blessed with a pretty positive outlook. NOt my own doing I assure you, but I had a vision of chemo early on that is carrying me through that tough process. I realized that chemo is my friend. Not only my friend, but my own personal army of super bad ass tough dudes sent in to annihilate any and all cancer they find and I am thier Queen!!! Think leather, tattoo’s, big muscles and attitue! When I go in for my invasions (infusions) I turn the boys loose and I feel better. Gives me some control ya know? You didn’t choose cancer, but you do have choices. Its going to be ok. I have several friends and family who have gone thru what we are going thru. We are so blessed to be living in the age of medical miracles that we live in.
hugs and kisses and mostly blessings!
(removed due to Ts and Cs)
ps. compuer says this is posted in decmember but the actual day is july 11 2016. obviously I am not very computer savy! Ha!!
I was diagnosed on 6/1 with DCIS with micro invasion. I’m being treated for the micro invasive part which has different characteristics then the DCIS. Micro invasion is .5mm ER/PR-, HER2+. I had a lumpectomy with sentinel node biopsy that came back clean. My Oncologist recommended radiation only. She felt the micro invasion was so small that chemo would be over kill. I’m getting a second opinion. The HER2+ concerns me. I am in the US, Maryland. There doesn’t seem to be clear guidelines for invasion less then 2mm. I wish there was a clear direction. Thanks!
Jannarhen,
I had a needle core biopsy that was inconclusive that lead to a excisional biopsy which found 3 spots of Her2 cancer 1mm, 1mm and 4mm. Not a clean margin. MRI shows roughly 33% of breast precancer. Chemo was recommended for me for 6 rounds every 3 weeks of TCH and a full year of the Herceptin every 3 weeks. My initial needle core biopsy showed no pre cancer cells, yet the MRI showed my breast at 33% pre cancer. How the needle core biopsy missed that remains a mystery but I highly recommend a second opinion. Had my primary Doctor not advocated for me when I was blissfully unaware of what was happening, my story would have been very grim. As it is, my prognosis is excellent! Pls get a second opinion. All it will waist is your time and money, or it could be life saving. Let us know how it goes.
~Blessings