Need some hope...

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mommymac
mommymac Member Posts: 13
edited June 2014 in HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer

I was just dianosed last month and had bi-lateral mast two weeks ago.  Up until yesterday, I thought I was kind of cruising this process with everything I had been told so far but met with my surgeon for a follow up and found out from further path results that I'm Her2 positive.  I am so scared and so overwhelmed.  I just turned 39 and have a DH and 3 amazing kids that I can't leave alone in this world.  I hate to be a black cloud but you all seem so strong and determined and I just can't find that strength yet.  It doesn't help that I still have not seen an onc yet and don't have a plan.  Hopefully I will be hearing back soon...  I need hope.

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  • lexislove
    lexislove Member Posts: 2,645
    edited October 2009

    You have very early stage BC. You have every reason to be hopeful. I think that 5 yr survival stats for Stage 1 is around the 95% range!

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  • HappyTrisha
    HappyTrisha Member Posts: 614
    edited October 2009

    These days having the HER2 factor is actually a plus!  Herceptin is a great treatment.  I agree you have every reason to feel hopeful.

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  • septembersong
    septembersong Member Posts: 287
    edited October 2009

    I agree with the previous posters that your Her-2 status is actually good news...fact is, there is an excellent drug--your friend and mine, Herceptin--that has delivered very good results for this type of cancer.

     Also, this is very new. Of course you're feeling overwhelmed and off balance. You will find the strength to deal with treatment. I'm so glad the treatment is there for you!

    Sending every positive thought to you, your husband, and your beautiful children.

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  • mmm5
    mmm5 Member Posts: 1,470
    edited October 2009

    Hi I will chime in as well, You have a great prognosis.

    Last week had my 3 month check up and Onc stated that Her2 is not the favored prognosis with data to back it up.

    The 5 year survival with node neg is 95% and they expect that to hold up beyond as well vs. dropping every year.

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  • mommymac
    mommymac Member Posts: 13
    edited October 2009

    Thank you for all your kind, positive words.  I will take them and hold them close to my heart.

    Good news...  heard back from onc. and have an appt. 10/29.  I know things will be better when I have a plan.  Also, talked to ob/gyn and he prescribed anxiety meds to help me out till I can get a grip.   

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  • Carolina59
    Carolina59 Member Posts: 232
    edited October 2009
    I know how you feel. I was so scared right after my diagnosis. My dd was only a little over 2 yrs. old and I couldn't imagine not being in the world for her and my husband. My ob/gyn also prescribed anxiety meds to help me through. It's is now almost 2 1/2 years later, my little one is 4 1/2 and thriving. I made it through all the tx (and my hair has grown backSmile). I'm finishing up some reconstruction revisions, but basically I feel that I am done with breast cancer and moving on with life. You will get there, too. And it does feel better to have a plan, even if the plan feels daunting (chemo, Herceptin, whatever), you'll get through it. Hugs. 
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  • chainsawz
    chainsawz Member Posts: 3,473
    edited October 2009

    This is very scary stuff, but you are early stage - and being HER2 positive means you get herceptin.  You are also ER+ and that gives you even more tools in your arsenal.  As the others stated, at your stage the prognosis is really good!  Do not ever give up hope :> lisa

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  • orange1
    orange1 Member Posts: 930
    edited October 2009

    Many of us used anti-anxiety meds or sleeping pills to cope right after diagnosis.  I used only sleeping pills so I could function in the day time, but get a few hours of escape at night.  It definitely stopped the night terrors I was having.  I quit a couple weeks after I was done with chemo.

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  • Denny123
    Denny123 Member Posts: 1,886
    edited October 2009

    Mommy,

    Another Herception cheerleader here.  I am a 7-year survivor of Stage 4 BC with liver metasis.  Gemzar with Herceptin put my liver into remission and I have now been in remission for over 5 years.

    I am on Herceptin for life and it is very easy.  If Herceptin can keep a Stage 4 lady in remission, it will be very helpful for you.

    Denise

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  • lkc
    lkc Member Posts: 1,203
    edited October 2009

    I was dxed with stage IIIC , gruesome pathology May 05. I am NED and living large!

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  • Rubyluby
    Rubyluby Member Posts: 74
    edited October 2009
    Mommymac, if you look at the post below you will see I was in the identical place as you in February when I'd just found out from my post-surgery pathology report that I was HER2 positive but hadn't seen the oncologist yet! It's a horrible, limbo-ish place to be
     
     
    A cancer diagnosis is one hell of a thing, and of course you will be in shock to begin with, but it helps to keep in mind that, as invasive breast cancer goes, yours is really one of the "better" kinds to get. Not only is it stage 1, caught really early and really small, but you have two ways for them to get at it using targeted therapy (Herceptin and Tamoxifen)! LOTS of reasons to have hope...
     
    ...and once you've seen the onc (and no doubt had a play with Adjuvant online, like we all do though aren't really supposed to!) you will see that your life expectancy is really very close to what it was before you were diagnosed.
     
     Nuff said - strength and hugs to you...
     
    Lucy  
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