HER2 reassurance?

I’ve just found out I have this cancer which has been diagnosed from a mammogram and described as ‘early’. Grade 3. 35 mm with calcifications. I will start the chemo and targeted therapy soon. Are there any good positive accounts out there to keep me going? I feel trepidation and uncertainty. I’ve had cancer before, (bowel), and had chemo, but this was when I was younger. I’m 65 now . I hope someone can give me something positive to hold on to. I have seen the HER2 positive thread, but as I’m new to the forum can’t work out to read the newest posts first. The older ones come up first on my thread. Thank you so much in advance. Looking for hope!xx

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Hi @angepange1 sorry you find yourself here but it’s a warm welcoming safe space where someone will always reach out with advice. I was diagnosed aged 64 with HER2+ BC last February on routine mammogram. Grade II no nodal involvement but some uncertainty on size ranging from 15mm to 20mm. After MRI it was agreed it was nearer 15mm and at mammoplasty was actually 12mm. The treatment plan for tumours over 2cm is usually different in that chemo is neoadjuvant (before surgery). I had my surgery first followed by 6 rounds of chemo (docetaxel and carboplatin) alongside 18 cycles of herceptin still ongoing and 5 radiotherapy sessions. It sounds a lot when you’re starting out but very doable and once you get going you’ll take it in your stride. You’re bound to be apprehensive but the thought is scarier than the deed. I think the way to view the most recent posts is to click on unread or newest topics but no doubt someone who is tech savvy will advise. Good luck with your treatment :shamrock:

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Angepange, take heart. I was five years older than you when I got the same diagnosis except my Stage 3 was already spreading its hideous tendrils. Four years on, post surgery, chemo and radiotherapy, I am cancer free and leading a very active life. As you already know, it’s a tough journey but I can assure you it is VERY doable and the most likely outcome is a positive one. For sure I tire more easily than I used to but all my scans are clear. I have a healthy head of hair and apart from having a lop-sided chest, life is good. As I always say, it is just a case of one foot in front of the other and before you know it your cancer journey will be over. Be kind to yourself, don’t be afraid to admit to feeling rubbish but otherwise try to live life normally and don’t let cancer define you. It’s basically about a year out of your life before you see those sunny uplands again. You can do it

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Thank you so much for your lovely messages . It gives me power and hope.xx

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Hey @angepange1

Regarding being able to read the newer posts first. If you look to the right of the screen, you should see a pink vertical line. This is basically a timeline. Click the bottom of the pink line and you should jump to the most recent post, then you can scroll up back through them in reverse date order.

Hope this helps! x

Hi @angepange1

Sorry you find yourself in this situation. I had a her+ 2.5cm tumour when I was 67. I started chemo and targeted therapy before surgery. After my 3rd of 6 rounds of treatment I fainted one night and fractured my humerus. Because of the fracture they couldn’t do any more chemo and I went straight for a mastectomy. The histology showed no residual tumour. I had a complete resolution. It is a good illustration of just how powerful the chemo / targeted therapies are. I finished a year of herceptin and 3 years of zolendronic. Acid. Now, 6 years later I feel fitter than I’ve ever been.

So I guess just grit your teeth and get through it all and trust in the process. Do look for a Moving Forward course near you when you finish treatment. Your BC nurses should be able to direct you to one. I think it really helps

All the best for a smooth path.

Sending love and hugs

Eily :heart::heart::heart:

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@Eily . Thank you so much.xx

Hi

Is this the thread you were talking about?

To read the newest posts first, use the side bar (pink) with dates on and click and hold and drag to the bottom or just click the bottom of the pink line. If you post you will be notified of any more posts. I would highly recommend a read of the thread if you can. Lots of positive stories, support, guidance and camaraderie.

I’m also HER2+, I wasn’t given my stage but I had no lymph node involvement so stage 1/2 depending on criteria.

You might find this helpful and you can always email moderator@breastcancernow.com if you have any questions

https://forum.breastcancernow.org/t/getting-started-on-our-forum/97221/2

:smiling_face_with_three_hearts:

@naughty_boob thanks. I’m in good company.xx

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You certainly are @angepange1 :smiley: Come on over!!

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