Hi All,
I turned 40 2 months ago,And have 2 Daughters(12/17).
After finding a lump mid December I was diagnosed yesterday with early stage,Grade 3 BC,ER/PR-ve,HER2+.
I am to have Chemotherapy to start with,
3 weekly cycles for 18 weeks,And then surgery following.
I have opted for the genetic testing and have an appointment for that next week.
I am waiting for my oncology appointment to come through.
It all seems very surreal at the moment,And I think it will continue to do so for a very long time!
I am generally a very positive person,And tend not to dwell on things,And I hope this mindset gets me through this whole ordeal,But I am prepared to have days when I don’t feel so positive,
A tough road ahead 
7 Likes
Welcome to the forum nobody wants to join but when you are here, you are supported. I’m so sorry to hear of your diagnosis, I was 54 when diagnosed in May 2023 I had bilateral (both naughty boobs) lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy followed by chemo of 12 weekly Paclitaxel and Herceptin and 5 days high dose radiotherapy. Now on Zoledronic acid for bones and Letrozole as a hormone suppression. I am ER+ in both boobs and HER2+ in one. I was grade 1 and grade 2 with no lymph node involvement.
I also had genetic testing due to having two cancers at the same time, they took a blood sample and a talk with a counsellor, the results were 8 months on. I was negative which was a relief having children that could be affected.
Once your treatment starts you will be on a treadmill of blood tests, treatment and clinic visits. So try to plan ahead now if you can, meal prep and freeze. You will have days when you can’t get out of bed and you will need help and support ( just being honest). From most threads I have read and my own experience is that it is best to be explicit in asking for the help you need. Too many people will say ‘ What do you want?’ ‘let me know if I can help’ and you won’t always have the energy to ask. Use ‘I need… Could I have… Can you do this…?’
Having a positive attitude can work wonders but pleased you have realised you may have days when you are not. This forum will be there for you then. Getting to know others on here is a great way to bond with people having the same thoughts and feelings as you. Many have said it’s a lifeline to be able to rant and moan and not to burden close family and friends.
Chemo is not nice but it kills the cancer cells and many have such good results that at the end of their cycles there is no trace of cancer left. For me, I had surgery first to remove the cancer then chemo to mop up with Herceptin.
As you are also HER2+ you may like to join a thread called HER2 and need some buddies, our treatment can last a long time so the ongoing support and help is fantastic.
You may also like to join the monthly chemo starters thread so you can be with and get support from others going through a similar treatment to you. This is the link for February starters.
https://forum.breastcancernow.org/t/february-2025-chemo-starters/
Let us know how you get on with oncology next weeks and get a start date.
2 Likes
Hi @rainbowbrite10, I was just about to link you to the Chemo starters but @naughty_boob beat me to it! Thank you!
1 Like
Thank You so much for sharing your story,And for the links
1 Like
Hi @rainbowbrite10 im sure, like me, you will find lots of useful info and support on here.
I’m 45, no kids, diagnosed in November DCIS plus IDC stage 3 HR pos and HER2+.
I started chemo NYE and have just had my second round (this Tuesday). I am cold capping. Will also be having phesgo (herceptin) and surgery at a later date.
I’m still waiting on some other test results, so everything is still a bit up in the air for me, but reading through all the threads on here has been helping me with that wait, and fills you with positivity .
As mentioned, make sure you join the monthly starter group - it helps being park of a group going the same at the same time as you, and the HER+ group, again a really friendly group.
Good luck on your journey and don’t be worried about asking ANY type of question!
2 Likes
You are so right about having a positive mindset, dear. I have had the same diagnosis. I was on chemo from August till December.
My lump shrunk from 13 mm to 4mm, but I had lots of side effects from chemo.
My surgery in late December was pretty radical, but beautifully done, despite scar pains afterwards.
I still face radiotherapy and Herceptin jabs and have many spells of anxiety, even though I am very positive person.
My biggest worry is about recurrence in the future,as I only partially responded to chemo. No pCR.
I was scared of losing my hair, but it didn’t matter in the end.
Do protect your hands and feet with ice packed gloves and socks during chemo to avoid peripheral Neuropathy. Sending hugs xx
3 Likes
@boz Welcome to the forum. You haven’t had it easy. Sorry to hear that. Please think about joining the HER2 buddies thread as we are a very supportive bunch. I’m on the thread and I like you worry about recurrence. We can support each other.
1 Like
Hi All,
I had my oncology appointment yesterday-
Chemotherapy starts on the 14th Feb,Pre Op-Op on the 6th.
I feel a bit anxious about starting treatment and possible side effects,But am trying to remain positive 
2 Likes
Great news you now have a plan. Most people on here feel better once the treatment starts, chemo is not easy but it’s doable. It might be worth reading some of the chemo starters thread to get an idea of what might be in store for you, remember every one is different, we all start treatment with different health conditions and age to name just a few.
As far as surgery, a good supportive bra, some buy front fastening, others buy the stretchy tshirt style ( that’s what I had although it was a bit hard getting it above me head, so managed to wiggle in with arms no higher than shoulder height). Front fastening Pyjamas and tops like shirts/cardigan/ hoodies are easy to get on and off.
2 Likes