Stage 3 her2 positive breast cancer

wam

Hi, I am new and I just wondered if there is a place for this. I don't want to depress anyone. I have a stage 3c diagnosis. I am triple positive. The chemo didn't work. I had a double mastectomy with a 5cm tumor and seven of nine nodes involved. The surgeon said I needed a lot more treatment. I had radiation on the tumor and node area. He also radiated a node under my collar bone. Fingers crossed! I guess I want to know if there is any hope of statying a stage 3 survivor. The statistics for me seem grim. I am finishing a year of herceptin. I take letrozole. Should I ask for more treatment to stop it from spreadi

Moderators

Hi Fraidycat-

Welcome to BCO! We're glad you've joined us, and hope you find the support and encouragement you need here. We know how scary it is, and how discouraging when a treatment doesn't do what you need it to do. But our community is full of members just like yourself, who've had a door slam just to see a window open. We see you've found our Stage 3 forums, and we think you'll find lots of support and connections there, with members who know where you've been and can give you a little insight into where you're going. Please use these forums as much as you need, that's what they're here for!

The Mods

Crn

Hello Fraidycat,
I too had Stage 3 Her2 positive breast cancer. My treatment regimen sounds similar to yours. You ARE a survivor! Treatment is difficult but Herceptin has made a huge difference for us Her2 ladies. Congratulations on finishing your year of Herceptin. There are lots of long term survivors who post on these boards, take heart from their stories.
Wishing you the best,
Cindy

wam

Thank you Cindy! I have been "lurking" here for months. It is the only place to get any real information. I am going to carry on as a survivor until proven otherwise! Your words were a great help to me!

GraceB1

It's only been two years but I'm here and healthy. My MO said that anti-hormonal pills were more important than chemo for me. You're doing everything you can so far and just have to keep on living every day.

wam

I am so glad you are doing well graceB1! Your encouragement was much needed. I have been all over these boards following all your stories. Each of you have buoyed me up with your courage. I am going to follow you like a little ducky through this maze.

Denise-G

I was Stage 3a, one node away from 3c. Had a 6 cm tumor - could only take 3 months of Herceptin due to heart damage from Herceptin, also Triple Positive. I am still here and thriving and will be 5 years out in October.

Sending my best to you!

Pennyk1

I recently had to suspend my Herceptin treatment with only 3 left of 17. Has this happened to anyone and how long before or if you were able to resume? My LVEF was 48.5%

Denise-G

Pennyk1 - I had to stop Herceptin after only 4 treatments --  my EF dropped from 65 to 29 and never recovered.

I am 4 years out from chemo and Herceptin - had permanent heart damage as I wrote above.  My EF never came

back, but often it does.

Pennyk1

Sorry to hear that. I'm due for a MUGA on April 20th, and if my heart has recovered enough, Herceptin will resume on the 26th. I'm just anxious to have all active treatment done, I guess. Thanks:

wam

Penny: I have seen many women post who weren't able to complete herceptin who are doing fine. The letrozole is very important for us! Hang in there!

Denise: Thank you for your kind thoughts and support. I really enjoy your web-site. You have so much on your plate