Hi everyone, I have recently been diagnosed with Grade 2, NST, ER8, PR8, HER2 awaiting. 4cm lump which seems pretty big to me. Ultrasound did not see any cancer in my lymph nodes. I have been told I may need chemotherapy and the thought of this is unbearable, I know brave people all over face this all the time, but I have a genuine fear of being sick and it makes my temperature soar to the point I think I am going to pass out as I panic so much. I was wondering if HER2 does come back positive if a mastectomy would negate the need for chemotherapy but guessing not. Anyway trying to put this out of my mind for now. Also does anyone have any advice to keep my weight in check I am gone through menopause and it was a struggle then but since I have been on the hormone blockers my weight keeps going up, I used to be so fit and healthy runny marathons and I am finding this fight now so tough.
Hi there!
It’s really horrible waiting for results and normal to feel overwhelmed by everything. I was in your position this time last year. The majority of BCs are HER2 negative ( about 15-20% are HER2 positive). And yes, if your results come back positive, then chemotherapy prior to surgery is the recommended treatment but I believe this treatment has a very high success rate. So the facts to hang onto- the chances of being HER2 negative far outweigh the chances of being positive. If it is positive, the treatments have a good success rate.
If your results are negative, then you’ll have surgery to remove the cancer and a lymph node biopsy to check the nodes are clear. Ongoing treatment will depend on what is found at surgery. Hopefully the ultrasound is correct and the nodes are negative. Whatever the outcome, your team will be offering you the best treatment to get you better and back on with your life!
Sending hugs!
Hi @ljsdreams222. Welcome to the forum!
Sorry that you haven’t had a reply yet, it must be such a worrying time for you. You may find it helpful to talk this through with one of our specialists on the free Helpline, 0808 800 6000.
Alternatively if you have any questions you can post a question on the Ask Our Nurses area of the Forum.
Thinking of you,
Chloe
Hi @ljsdreams222 sorry you need this forum but we’re all a very friendly, supportive and helpful bunch.
I hate being sick as well but fortunately the medications they give you for that now are so good that I didn’t even feel sick once thankfully. Obviously it’s different for everyone but if the meds they give you to start don’t work for you then definitely let your team know as they have so many alternatives they can give you instead to help. They want you to be able to cope with the chemo the best you can and will do whatever they can to make that as possible as they can. I hope that helps with your fears and worries a little.
As regards the weight loss/gain I wish I knew the answer to it. I’ve been in and out of chemical menopause a few times now and on hormone blockers a couple of times as well and my weight has gone up so much, I hate it. I can’t seem to shift it either no matter what I do.
I hope your wait for answers isn’t too much longer and that you get your treatment plan soon so you know what you’re dealing with. We’re all here for you. Sending hugs 
Welcome @ljsdreams222 and sorry for the reason that you need to be here, but know you are in great company. We are great supporters of one another, so you won’t feel alone whatever the path you take.
Typically based on what I have seen so far, Neo-adjuvant chemo is the first line of treatment, then based on the results of that you would be in discussion about surgery options.
Firstly, as said already, do your best not to worry about sickness. The meds now are really good and I didn’t experience any nausea or sickness in 5 round of chemo.
Chemo is a word that sends horror through to the very bones in most people. I know it did for me. Again, it doesn’t necessarily mean you are laid up and incapacitated. Yes there will be days when you’re tired, maybe achey, a bit like ‘flu, but for many, there are far more good days than less good days. Hold on to that. It does require us to push ourselves a little, getting out in the fresh air for a short walk, or up to 30 minutes a day is recommended- or even ten minutes if that’s all you can manage. At least we are coming towards better weather and longer days for that. It DOES make a difference.
My experience and that of many others is that you will fall into a pattern. Typically the week after infusion you may feel a bit flaky, but after that you can be active. Many people do exercise or gym…there is a thread on that on here somewhere. But you will know the weeks of the cycle where you can socialise more and be more active.
Weight is seemingly an individual topic. Some lose a bit, some gain a bit. I think the chemo team like to see a regular weight held so they can ensure they get the dose right. I get it about the terror of putting on weight, but what I have read on the topic, any weight gain from chemo is probably more a sign of bloat from the drugs, and that will disappear over time once treatment stops. I’m paranoid about my weight, but have just taken the attidude of ‘fck it’ and I am eating what I like for now. That said, there are lots of chemo diet books that can help you eat healthily if you prefer.
I am developing quite the reputation for being a bit of a one for long tomes, so I will leave you in peace now, but just keep talking and asking questions. Clinically speaking, we are only the experts in our journey in conjunction with our specialists, but if nothing else, we are absolutely keyed in to the emotional ride that this is, and we’re probably all highly qualified to comment on that and help you feel that you are not alone.
You’re at the top end of the roller coaster at the moment. Over time you will find the emotional waves do level out and you will find your routine. Hang in there. xxx
Thank you so much for your reply, it really helps
Thank you so much for your reply, I really appreciate the help
Thank you for your reply, I do have am update so my HER2 came back negative so yes I am going straight to surgery which will be discussed with me on Tuesday.
Thank you for your reply, it really helps.
Hi there,
I also have a real fear of being sick. I mentioned this to the oncologist before chemo and she noted it so I got good anti sickness medication. Might be worth doing this if you do need chemo. I had chemo between March and July last year and I can honestly say I took the medication prescribed and never once felt at all sick or close to vomiting. I still have the phobia though!
I guess one step at a time and hopefully you won’t need chemo. I wish you all the best with your surgery.
Tell the chemo nurses about your fear of being sick . All the drugs are different but I personally never felt sick at all . Lots of other symptoms, and occasional head spin but but the nausea I expected ( and was concerned about too ) .
Thank you @helenback that is really helpful to know.
Thank you @treetops67 that is reassuring to know.