Just been diagnosed . Does this site cover the UK .

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))

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.

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.

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.