Feel scared, and too shy, please read

Firstly, scanxiety is the worst. Fortunately for us there is now medication that is effective for her2+ cancer. Yes it is very scary knowing that we have a high risk for recurrence but we are also fortunate in knowing that beacause of this risk we will receive aggressive treatment and being young your body will be strong enough to handle it. You don't know that your cancer has spread beyond your lymph nodes yet and while it will suck if it has many people even with stage 4 go on to have successful treatment but it does mean that you will likely be having treatment for a very long time rather than a set time.

With regards to other people join your chemo month group here and call your oncologists office and ask if they can tell you about support groups and charities in your local area. Then you can go to support group meetings and get to know people over time. They will also have counsellors you can talk to.

Your wounds will heal. It is not likely you will die from this any time soon, if at all and it may be worth seeing your local doctor for anxiety medication to get you through this incredibly difficult, scary period. Yes having cancer does suck, the her 2 positive high risk of recurrence is scary, it does feel very lonely sometimes but when you get your full scan results, your treatment plan gets finalised and started you will start to feel better and might even sometimes think you can do this

Momandwife,

First, welcome to Breastcancer.org. We know it's not the place you want to be, but it is surely the best place for support, information, advice, and a place to ask questions, rant, celebrate, and find comfort. We're all here for you, as you can already see by the posts from the wonderful members above!

We know a breast cancer diagnosis and the treatment planning that goes along with it is extremely overwhelming, and it's hard to sort out your feelings and not jump to conclusions. First things first, you need to gather all of the information about your diagnosis first, before making any decisions at all. And that might even mean getting a second opinion. NO MATTER the diagnosis, you're sure to find other inspiring members here who are living a very fulfilling, worthwhile, and rewarding life after their diagnosis. There's no need to give up when you have amazing, inspirational friends here to lift you up. Again, we're all here for you. Please, if you are having thoughts of harming yourself or suicide, please seek immediate, professional assistance. You may call 911 (or, if not in the United States, the comparable emergency number in your country), visit a hospital emergency room, or call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255).

You ask about the drug that can treat HER2/neu positive disease and that is a targeted drug called Herceptin. You can read all about what HER2 status means for your diagnosis and how it's treated on the main Breastcancer.org site's page on HER2 Status. Also, there's a wonderful forum here for HER2+ (Positive) members where you can ask lots of questions and get great information.

Again, we're all here for you. Please come back often, ask lots of questions, get support and you're sure to gain strength in the knowledge you acquire.

We hope this helps. Sending big hugs,

--The Mods

Hi!

I was diagnosed with HER2+ breast cancer two years ago. Yes, it is an aggressive breast cancer, but with the development of targeted therapies like Herceptin and Perjeta, it is highly treatable, even after it has moved to the lymph nodes.

There's no way to know for sure what your CT and PET scans will show ahead of time. But, no matter what they show, they will provide you and your doctors with more information so that they can help you find the best treatment options for you. Even if you are Stage IV, your cancer will still be treatable. There are many women on this message board who have lived several years with metastatic breast cancer; Longtermsurvivor has lived for 25 years with MBC!

In the meantime, I echo what others have said here. There's no shame in asking for an anti-depressant or anti-anxiety medication after being diagnosed with breast cancer. I'm on Celexa, and have a stash of Ativan for scanxiety. (Better living through chemistry!) Please call your doctor and explain how you've been floundering. He/she could refer you to a counselor or prescribe medication, whatever you think will help you. ((Hugs)) and best wishes!

Momand wife, good to know, and glad you are seeking some help. It is there, you can and will feel better soon. My best to you always, of course! Hugs

dear mama! i hear your heart and want to reach thru this screen with a huge hug! your feelings are so normal and make so much senes, AND ... there is hope. i'd love to write more here but with just a quick moment, would love to share my experience as i've blogged thru much of my journey. www.home2learn.wordpress.com

big hugs!!

Hi,

I understand you are feeling extrememly overwhelmed. Please reach out for a support group or counselor as you go through this process. You are not alone, and there will be many there to support you. Take things day by day and wishing you strength and good medical care so you can see your children grow up! Wishing you strength and healing!