Newly diagnosed HER2+ invasive Ductal Carcinoma HER negative.

poetslair

I found the mass December 18th following a motor vehicle accident. Immediately called my doctor to schedule mammo and ultrasound. I was out of town for the holidays but had the tests done Jan 2 and biopsy Jan 11th. January 14th I received the call from the Radiologist with the confirmation that the mass is Cancer. I called my Nurse Navigator the following day to see if the pathology had anything else. Those answers were not good news. HER2 positive.....aggressive, invasive ductal carcinoma.

Moved my appt with the surgeon a few days earlier. Tomorrow I go see the surgeon.

I have been researching like crazy. Because of the HER negative hormone therapy will not work. I did confirm that the pathology test used was the IHC3+, so YAY I can receive Herceptin treatment.

We don't know if it is Metastatic, but the mass is 2cm and came out of nowhere and is very fast growing. I don't have the physical pathology report yet, which is driving me nuts!

I am concerned she will not be able to do surgery right away so I am preparing to ask about beginning Herceptin treatment right away. I know it is going to be expensive, but we have access to funds that will make it possible.

Is anyone else going through this as well, or has? I am 53 years old. I had a Supra Cervical Hysterectomy at 43 years old, so no ovaries since then. I am in good health but take blood pressure medicine...due to being overweight.

Terrified, but I always know how to laugh and stay positive!

Kimberly

NotVeryBrave

It's a crazy ride - lots of ups and downs, lots of research, lots to learn. HER2+ is aggressive but Herceptin is a miracle drug for many. Keep in mind that, while it's all pretty scary, BC is almost never an emergency.

What doctors have you seen? My GYN sent me to a BS (breast surgeon) who then sent me to a MO (medical oncologist). I had TCHP (Taxotere, Carboplatin, Herceptin, Perjeta) as six rounds - once every three weeks - before surgery. No cancer left at surgery!

Cancer treatment can be super expensive. Do you have insurance? Many drug manufacturers have programs for both with or without insurance. Your cancer center should have a financial person or social worker that can help you with those questions, too.

Once you know the plan - joining a thread with others going through the same treatments helps. Look for "chemo starting January 2019" or the like. I hope things are settled for you soon. Take care.