Round 2 - New Primary!

etnasgrl

Just got the results of my biopsy this morning. It's IDC ER-/PR-/Her2+, which is the complete opposite of my diagnosis in the other breast, back in 2015.

I got the results this morning at 8am and by 11am, I was sitting in the surgical oncologist's office getting all my info and planning surgery. I think I am still reeling, but the shock is starting to wear off. I'm not shocked that it came back.....I always knew there was a chance.....I'm shocked that it came back as such a different beast. I am getting a lumpectomy/sentinel node biopsy on Monday, February 22. Once I heal from that, it's on to chemo and Herceptin. (Very nervous about that as I never did chemo or Herceptin the first time!) Once all of that is complete, I believe that I will move forward with a double mastectomy and reconstruction. Now that cancer has touched both breasts, I think it's time to bid them goodbye.
For those of you who did chemo and Herceptin, can you pass along some pointers? Things I should do? Things I shouldn't do? Anything to make this a little easier?

Mudstick

etnasgrl - Crap :-(

So sorry to hear about your new primary. Sounds like things are moving quickly and efficiently - be kind to yourself. I don't have any experience with Chemo/Herceptin, but hopefully someone will be by soon enough.

Moderators

Hi etnasgrl,

We're so very sorry to hear of this new diagnosis. It never gets easier to receive this news!

We can understand your fears of chemo and herceptin. However, there are many members who will weigh in with their experiences and hopefully help you feel a little better about navigating this new journey. We'd suggest introducing yourself on the Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After forum, as well as the HER2+ (Positive) forum and asking what you can expect with each of these treatments. You're sure to find great support there!

Please keep us posted as you find out more and let us know how you're doing!

--The Mods

ElaineTherese

Hi!

I'm sorry to hear about your results. Isn't your lump small? HER2+ lumps that are 1 cm or smaller can usually be treated with Taxol, the gentler cousin of Taxotere. I did 12 rounds of Taxol (+ Herceptin + Perjeta), and it was way better than my first chemo (Adriamycin + Cytoxin). It did give me diarrhea, beginning on Day 3, so I came to appreciate Imodium.

With chemo, it's important to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Also, get ready for some hair loss -- I wore a wig at work but otherwise wore little hats around the house to keep my head warm. Taxol can also cause neuropathy, so you need to be sure to tell your oncologist about that if it happens to you. Some women get such bad neuropathy that they have to stop chemo. Herceptin can have a bad impact on your heart (though it's usually temporary), so your oncologist should have your heart tested every three months or so to make sure that it's OK.

I worked through chemo, but that was me. For some breast cancer patients, chemo is a real slog. It varies by person. Feel free to join us on the Triple Positive thread even though you're hormone negative. There are lots of awesome ladies there who have made it throught the marathon that is HER2+ breast cancer.

((Hugs))