Just diagnosed with HER2+

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nellysca2013
nellysca2013 Member Posts: 3


Hi, l was just diagnosed with HER2+ and trying to figure out which way to go, lump or mastectomy. Anyone out there with HER2 stories or advice??

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  • sheila888
    sheila888 Member Posts: 25,634
    edited November 2013


    http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/80/topic/764183?page=467#idx_14002


    nellysca...this is the HER+ link........It's actually for Triple Positive like me


    You can get lots of info


    good Luck to my BC Sister in Long Island


    Sheila ♥


    PS; Actually I went with lumpectomy by my DR advise I was 10 months post menaposal


    If you have any questions you can PM (Private Message) me by clicking on my name and follow instructions





  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited November 2013


    Had a lumpectomy 9+ years ago. Triple positive, stage III, still NED!!!


    Also had radiation, 4 months of dose-dense chemo, one year of Herceptin, and 8+ years of Arimidex.

  • lovetodance1
    lovetodance1 Member Posts: 62
    edited November 2013


    I would do bilateral.mastectomy.Treat it hard and don't waste time. Get this stuff out of your body asap. To me, it makes no sense to keep a cancer producing gland in your body. It already betrayed you. I know it is very personal, but I would insist on getting it out now. Do herceptin as well. Cancer does not give second chances. Do it now. This is your chance to win. Good luck

  • Annie54
    Annie54 Member Posts: 247
    edited November 2013


    There are recent studies showing that patients with lumpectomies do as well as or slightly better than patients with bmx - so you could go either way - it's a personal decision. Also know that having a bmx doesn't reduce the risk of reoccurrance to 0%. You can still have another bc on your chest wall. Good luck!

  • slousha
    slousha Member Posts: 312
    edited November 2013

    Hi, Nelly,

    I've had a lumpectomy 4+ years ago with 6 cycles of Taxotere,  Radiation, one year of Herceptin, and I'm on AI's for 3 1/2  years. Doing good, no signs of recurrence.

    Best wishes!

    Usha

  • cottonwood1
    cottonwood1 Member Posts: 3
    edited November 2013


    Her2+++. 12 years out, no recurrance, no drugs.


    Bi-lat w/recon, hyst and ooph.

  • cottonwood1
    cottonwood1 Member Posts: 3
    edited November 2013


    Her2+++. 12 years out, no recurrance, no drugs.


    Bi-lat w/recon, hyst and ooph.

  • positivenegative
    positivenegative Member Posts: 106
    edited November 2013

    research research research.  the her articles on bco are helpful.   herconnection.org can be interesting.  im on herceptin and perjta ffor her2 grade 3+.  treatment is  big variable.  also i needed a path report staging and a lot of info with a team in  place.   onc  is key on team for me.  good luck on your journey.

  • LaurieMercedes22
    LaurieMercedes22 Member Posts: 1
    edited December 2013


    I was diagnosed simply breast cancer on Oct 30 th, chose mastectomy (L), pathology after surgery is Her2+

  • Phebe38
    Phebe38 Member Posts: 197
    edited December 2013


    hi I had a modified radical mastectomy with a lot.of nymph nodes taken under arm. Her2+;possible close to chest area small tumor; I will have MRI 3 or 4 weeks after sixth chemo infusion. 2nd chemo infusion was December 3rd. I hope this help

  • Jannacove
    Jannacove Member Posts: 3
    edited December 2013


    hello all-


    Just diagnosed with invasive mod differentiated ductal carcinoma with estrogen 100%, program 100% and her-2 does anyone know if that means triple positive? I also have positive nodes and my dr is concerned with my adrenal gland - anyone have similar ? 2 weeks into this still learning - going to MSK 2 weeks as local drs r given conflicting info - pet scan and more tests next week - any info appreciated -


    Thanks so much


    Julie

  • beths1
    beths1 Member Posts: 44
    edited December 2013


    Hi. So was I. 11/17/13. Are you doing chemo first?


    I am so overwhelmed right now.


    Why do some of women have surgery first?


    I was told HER2+ needs long chemo rounds first then surgery after 20 weeks. Does this sound right?

  • Jannacove
    Jannacove Member Posts: 3
    edited December 2013


    I don't have a course of treatment yet- this week I have a pet scan and a wash out cat scan whatever that is! This is to address my adrenal gland which looks troublesome-before my triple positive they were going to just do surgery and rad. I'm going to memorial sloan next mon so hopefully they will give me treatment options. Good luck to you if you start your chemo first keep me posted -


    Julie

  • beths1
    beths1 Member Posts: 44
    edited December 2013


    kayb: thanks for the positive information! Did you have mastectomy after chemo, even though cancer had been shrunk?


    Julie: my thoughts and prayers are with you. Keep faith that you are in excellent hands. Meeting with oncologist Tuesday and believe chemo will happen quickly. I will keep you posted.


    I truly appreciate the conversation. Knowing others are going through similar struggles gives me hope and faith


    Stay strong!

  • beths1
    beths1 Member Posts: 44
    edited December 2013


    how did you survive the chemo? Number of weeks and drug therapy? I've been told 20 weeks which seems so long with surgery to follow. Where you sick, able to work, hair loss, bone pain


    So many questions and fears. This is a difficult time.


    Thanks

  • Art123
    Art123 Member Posts: 115
    edited December 2013


    nelly,


    My wife was Dx in early August, she had two tumors in her left breast. This was 3 weeks before we were getting married. We went with chemo first because I don't think we could get our heads around surgery. Onc had lots of info that her2 responds pretty well to pre surgery chemo.She completed weekly taxol/herceptin did her first AC. She has 3 left. She's doing well, hasn't missed a day if work and only stopped going to the gym two weeks ago. The tumor has shrunk considerably. I wish you well, the women on these boards are awesome and have a great reso

  • beths1
    beths1 Member Posts: 44
    edited December 2013


    Thank you! Thank you! Can't tell you how much I appreciate the information. I am reading everything I can ...it's like a foreign language and I want to stay in control. I see onc. tomorrow. Your stories are inspiring and While I know everyone's journey is different, I hope mine is similar to you both.


    I feel ready.


    Will keep you posted and I know I will continue to seek your advise.


    Be well.

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