Her2/neu+ and ER/PR+

perdita

Greetings Ladies,

I am 40-years-old and was diagnosed with bc in December.  Needless to say, I was devastated, especially given that I have young children and have only been married five years.  I guess I'm considered triple positive, recently finished the T/C/H regimen, and will take the drug Herceptin until January.  I got the impression that being HER2neu+ is not common among African-American women.  So, I would really enjoy hearing from those who are, what chemo regimen you had, and what's going on with you now. For me, the invasive cancer is gone, but pre-cancerous cells are requiring that I get a mastectomy (after two opinions, I'm very comfortable with this) and then have radiation.  I'll consider reconstruction later after my mind and body are healed....

I have a wonderful oncology team and also consult with an awesome medical oncologist at Duke University (she specializes in Her2/neu in young women).  It has been extremely valuable to have a second opinion, which my doctor fully supports.  One thing I've definitely learned -- listen to your body and be your own best advocate!  Ask the easy questions, ask the hard questions....and then ask again while you're taking notes:)  Communication is so important!

Breast cancer has changed my life -- for the better!  Sounds crazy, I know, but I now live a new "normal."  I don't sweat the small stuff, eat even better, exercise more consistently, and enjoy my family even more.  I try and find the sexy in every moment!!

Peace and love to all of us!

nasharayne

Hi perdita,

Glad to meet a fellow north carolian.....sorry it has to be here.  I am Her2+ , I have also heard it's not as common for us to have Her 2 but, it is more common for us to be younger (I'm 32) maybe that has something to do with it.  Anyway.  I finished TCH June 30th and am now getting raditiation and will finish herceptin in March. I had a lumpectomy. Right now I'm just waiting for my hair to grow...Ugh, I think that is the worse part for me.  Good look with your surgery.

Lcharmie

Hello perdita,

I too, am sorry we had to meet this way.

When I was first diagnosed with CA at 51  years old, I was given the "standard treatment"Chemo--Adramycin and Cytoxan. The test for Her2 was not here in Kansas at that time, I was  diagnosed for Her2 when it came back the 2nd time---2002..  It has been a journey, but I am Blessed by God to still be here.  I have had to have many treatments (Chemo) along the way, but if that is what it takes to stay here, I won't complain(not too much).  As of December, I am not on any meds, I see the Dr. next week and we will discuss where I am to be. 

So  in the meantime, hang in there and post often, we are here to support, lean on, cry to, it is OK!!!

Hello  nasharyne--good luck with Rads--hope it goes easy for you.  I had issues around losing my hair and it growing back--I have a round fat head, so I could wear the close cut well, I went to the Barber and got real neat "lines and  a shape",  I got a lot of compliments.  For you too, hang in there. 

Linda C

Dolores81035

Hi Ladies,

I was dx with HER2/neu+ bc in Nov. I had Adriamycin/Cytoxan4 cycles and Herceptin/Taxol 4 cycles. Then I had an Lumpectomy with Axillary disection. Next radiation therapy in Sept and then Herceptin for 12 months. I am 52 yrs old. Four weeks after my last chemo my hair started to grow back. I live in Florida.  My husband is from NC. Good luck all

BlessedOne2

Hi Sisters,

I was dx triple positive in April 09 at 53 yrs old. I just had 2nd of 4 A/C. This will be followed by 12Taxol/Herceptin, then Herceptin and hormonal therapy.  I had lumpectomy with SNB in inner right breast.  Hair has gone but I don't miss it as much as I thought.  It is funny when I do the psychological stuff like try to keep my head from getting wet in the shower or trying to sling hair that isn't there. Oh, my med. onc did a second Her2 test to be sure the results were correct for me.   Blessings to all of you. --Wanda

Lcharmie

Hello Delores,

Welcome and thanks for sharing--I always like to hear what pople have to say "along this journey"--I am still learning and I am interested in how they give the "treatments "these days.

I am sorry we had to meet this way--but glad to hear from you.

Take care.

Linda C.

4lumps

Hi Ladies,

  I am African American and 31yrs old.  I was diagnosed 2 weeks ago w/IDC.  I had a core needle biopsy in Sept 09, a Lumpectomy on 10/16/09.  diagnosed on 10/22/09.  I had a Bilateral Sentinel Node Biopsy on 11/2/09 (they removed a total of 6 nodes--all negative) I am sheduled for a Bilateral Skin Sparing Mastectomy w/immediate reconstruction 11/10/09.  I'm also Her2 Positive.  I just wanted to give a little background on my diagnosis. 

nasharayne

Hi 4lumps,

So sorry you had to be here but, glad you shared.  I was also diagnosed at age 31.

Dolores81035

 I"m one year survivor now. I finish chemotherapy,lumpectomy,axillary dissection and radiation.

4lumps

Hi nasharayne,

   What was your treatment plan?

Lcharmie

Delores,

"CONGRATULATIONS" ON YOUR 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY!!!

Linda C.

nasharayne

4lumps - I had Carboplatin, Taxotere and Herceptin.  I'm on Herceptin until March