Diagnosis keeps changing

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barbi1006
barbi1006 Member Posts: 2
edited February 2015 in Just Diagnosed

I am 27 with a 16 months old, so I thought my lump was a clogged milk duct from nursing my daughter. Following exam and biopsy, I was diagnosed on Jan 9 with IDC stage 2. Following a breast MRI, it was moved to stage 3. This past week, following a PET scan, it was changed to a stage 4. There are a couple of spots on my liver. I was doing so good at being positive at first, but each doctors appointment has taken a toll on me and I am having such a hard time seeing anything other than the gloom of the situation. Any encouragement would be greatly appreciated.

Comments

  • MusicLover
    MusicLover Member Posts: 4,225
    edited February 2015

    Do you know whether your cancer is ER, PR, Her2 + or -?  That will allow more people here to help you.  Best wishes.

  • barbi1006
    barbi1006 Member Posts: 2
    edited February 2015

    ER neg, PR neg, HER2 +

  • ElaineTherese
    ElaineTherese Member Posts: 3,328
    edited February 2015

    barbi,

    I'm so sorry that you've gone through this. My diagnosis also worsened, though I only moved from Stage 2 to Stage 3. Like you, I am HER+; there are targeted therapies HER+, including Herceptin and Perjeta. I was given both prior to my lumpectomy, and they helped destroy my lump and clear my lymph node of cancer. I hope you find a treatment plan that works for you.

  • Lhuff
    Lhuff Member Posts: 5
    edited February 2015

    I just found out BC is Her2 positive. I've been reading and am confused.... Is it treatable? Is it a death sentence?

  • edwards750
    edwards750 Member Posts: 3,761
    edited February 2015

    Lhuff - it's not the death sentence but it does mean it's a more aggressive cancer that doesn't respond to hormone therapy,

  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited February 2015

    Lhuff-

    It's not a death sentence. We know how scary it is, especially in the beginning. Take some time to read through our HER2+ forums, lots of great info there, and members who you can connect with: https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/80

    The Mods

  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited February 2015

    Barbi-

    We're so sorry for what you're going through, we know it's a lot to process. You may want to take some time and read through our HER2+ positive and Stage 4 forums, lots of good information there, and plenty of members you can connect with for support and advice. HER2+: https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/80, Stage IV: https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/8.

    The Mods

  • Beachbum1023
    Beachbum1023 Member Posts: 1,417
    edited February 2015

    Good evening Barbi, Well let's take a deep breath, and relax a little. I know how scary all of this is, and confusing, and so damn unfair! But you will find an amazing amount of love, concern, and support here. There are many forums to help you understand, just ask and you will have all the info you are looking for. Everything here is real time, and true. Dr. Google has way too much bad and outdated info. It is best to stay away from that. I have been through chemo, surgery, and now rads so if I can answer any questions about that please PM and I will answer. Good Luck, one day at a time!


  • fifthyear
    fifthyear Member Posts: 225
    edited February 2015

    Barbi, I am sorry you are going through this. You may want to post on stage IV the ladies there know so much about treatments, and the support is awesome. Sending you cyber hugs.

  • Trvler
    Trvler Member Posts: 3,159
    edited February 2015

    Barbi,

    I know you must be really scared. I hope you can find some support here that helps you get though it. Hugs.

  • YoungTurkNYC
    YoungTurkNYC Member Posts: 334
    edited February 2015

    Barbi,

    Some her2+ ladies are able to stay NED (No evidence of disease) for years.  There are treatments that are extremely effective. My mom has been Stage IV for 14 years now and still stable.  There are other treatments in the pipeline.  I wish you the absolute best outcome, and I am so sorry that you were diagnosed with this disease.

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