Just been diagnosed . Does this site cover the UK .

suemiagre

Scared , apprehensive terrified of the treatment I've been told I need. Chemo , herceptin followed by radiotherapy. Don't feel strong enough mentally or physically to cope. Please advice have Hers2 positive . Thank you .

ElaineTherese

Hi!

Yes, there are many members of BCO.org who are from the UK. I also was diagnosed with HER2+ breast cancer, though it was 5.5 years ago. What kind of chemo will you be getting? I, too, was not excited to get chemo, but it wasn't as bad as I expected. I think the worst thing about HER2+ breast cancer is that the treatment goes on for so long. It is definitely a marathon and not a sprint. It's important to just focus one taking it one step at a time instead of focusing on the totality of the treatment.

As far as being "strong enough," just remember that breast cancer treatment is about showing up. Showing up for chemo. Showing up for scans. Showing up for radiation sessions. Showing up for doctor appointments. And, so on. It might help if you can take someone with you to these appointments so you don't feel so alone. A girlfriend of mine came to most of my chemo sessions; I actually would look forward to them because she was so entertaining.

If you feel anxious and unable to cope, please ask your doctor for medication that helps with anxiety/depression. My doctor prescribed Ativan for me; I would just take it as necessary.

((Hugs))

moth

There are people here from all around the world! There is a special section related to HER2+ treatments here https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/80

suemiagre

Thank you so much for both your replies , I really appreciate it .

Congratulations ElaineTheres 5.5 years ago and your still here to tell the tale , has given me some encouragement.

I have many fears over the chemo, herceptin and radio . I have no idea what type of chemo until I see the Oncologist next Tuesday.

I have a difficult decision to make as I'm a full time carer for my mother who needs 24 hr care due to a massive stroke she suffered 5 yrs ago.

She's 96 yrs and happy at home , putting her into a care home is out of the question . What is my chances of just being monitored if I refuse all treatment .

I know it's a big question , can this HERS2+ restart cancer even though the surgeon removed it all . Thanks for your time and I wish you a cancer free future .

Peregrinelady

Refusing treatment for HER2+ is not a good idea. It is an aggressive type and I would think that your mother would want you to take care of yourself.

illimae

Welcome. Herceptin is pretty easy, I’ve been on it over 3 years with no side effects. You’ll find the will to push through and get it all done but the beginning is the worst. Fear will give way to getting it all done and it’ll get easier, I promise.

Anonymous

Sue - where are you in the UK? Some of the larger cities have specialised Maggies centres that offer emotional support, amongst other services like financial counselling, so they may have some advice for you regarding your situation with your mother. When you say carer, does that mean you cannot step out for a few hours at all for treatment? There is no respite care?

Do you know what size and grade of your cancer?

If you are looking for a more UK specific forum then Breast Cancer Now have an active forum with an HER2+ section. They also have a few services where you can dial a nurse if you have questions.

Valentine214

I am so sorry that you find yourself here. I was diagnosed with HER+ in September of 2017. My treatment was AC/T chemo, Herceptin and Prejeta, surgery and radiation. If you are to receive the same chemo plan as I did, I can tell you that it is not as bad as I had built it up in my head to be. I was so scared before my first treatment that I was shaking and my legs buckled walking toward the infusion suite even after taking a Xanex, but I did it because my chances of survival without it were pretty much none. If you are to be here to take care of your Mum for the long haul, I implore you to take the advice of your doctors and follow their treatment plan. It is of course totally up to you and you are the only one who can decide what is right for you personally. (No judgement here) HER2+ is a very aggressive sub-type of breast cancer but Herceptin has been a miracle drug for us. 20 years ago there was not much they could do to keep it from returning and metastasizing. Please weigh your options carefully.

If you need to, please DM me. I am willing to answer any of your questions or just provide support and encouragement.

suemiagre

Thank you Sondra for your advice , so sorry you have gone through so much .

I can' begin to imagine how you have coped with your symptoms . You must be such a brave lady , I hope with all my heart all you brave ladies on here will be totally cured.

I live in Torquay and I will definitely go onto that site you mentioned . Apparently it was a grade 2 aggressive but after the second surgery it was successfully removed with3 lymph nodes . So basically I thought that was the end of it . Seeing the Onc tomorrow so will probably understand it more .

I have good carers who are taking over mums care , I'm determined to be there for her when I feel fit enough. This site has given me so much information and encouragement .

I feel quite humble to be here , I never really knew the implications of breast cancer , never envisaged how anyone could go through so much gruelling treatment and end up positive. You are all truly amazing strong ladies xxx

suemiagre

Valentine21

Thank you so much for your advice I really appreciate your feedback .I'm seeing the oncologist tomorrow can't wait to get it out the way .

I intend to take your advice and the other brave ladies on here and go for it. I'm baffled how each and everyone of you have such a positive outlook

when you have gone through so much. Are you on the road to recovery ? Sending

big hugs your way . Will keep you posted thanks again xx

Valentine214

Suemiagre

Yes, I am almost 2 years cancer free. Thank you for asking. It was a long year of treatment with the Herceptin and Prejeta but it feels like it is so far in the rearview mirror that I can't see it anymore.

Please do keep me posted on your journey. I am in your corner rooting for you from across the pond.

suemiagre

illimae

Thank you for your advice I really appreciate it . I can't put into words how sorry I am to read , what you brave ladies have endured over the years.

I hope with all my heart each and everyone of you can be cured and have a future to look forward to . Herceptin is doable so thank you so much for telling me .

Sending

hugs your way xx

suemiagre

Valentine that's wonderful news , I'm so happy for you and sure I'll keep you posted.

Terrible long time of treatment but thank God it's paid off . I'm sure you can now breath a sigh of relief and enjoy your life .

Well Done

suemiagre

Peregrinela

Thank you for your advice , your right my mum would be horrified if I didn't go ahead with treatment , I'm trying to stay positive .

Everyone on here has been so positive about the treatment so I'm going with it

moth

suemiagre - you never know how you'll find treatment until you're doing it. The protocols now are a lot more precise, they really try to minimize the side effects and treat all the things that used to make chemo so dreaded in the tv and movie depictions. At my first infusion, in my patient pod there was a little old lady surrounded by family - she was quite elderly and I could see she was getting the same med I was hanging on her IV pole and she was smiling and chatting with her family. I thought, if she can do this, I should at least try!

Sunshine99

suemaigre, I think the hardest part for many of us was the "not knowing" what was to come. I was terrified of chemo, having heard the stories of how it was many years ago. I went to a "chemo class" offered by the place where my chemo was to take place. The kind nurse took me up to the chemo room. As I went in and looked around, I saw people sitting in recliner chairs with IVs hooked up to their arms. They were reading, sleeping, listening to music, watching TV, etc. No one was crying or moaning in discomfort. No one was throwing up. Most just looked like they were just there relaxing. That was a huge relief to me. The nurse also gave me tips for coping with some of the possible side effects. It was just what I needed.

If you have someone to go with you, at least for the first session, it might help. I had someone with me for the first session, and then my husband dropped me off for the remaining sessions and picked me up when I was finished. That worked out perfectly. I did have one friend who wanted to come to part of a chemo session with me. I think it was just for her to see that it wasn't as frightening as it used to be. I think it was comforting to her.

Wishing you a healthy future. Ask questions here. The women here have been very helpful and kind.

Anonymous

Even though you aren't Triple Negative, you may want to check out the Triple Negative in the UK thread - I think a few of those ladies are down in Devon.

Good luck, and glad to see you are going to go forward with treatment!