HER2+ ER+

Vala50
Vala50 Member Posts: 4
edited June 2021 in HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer

Hello All!

I was diagnosed with HER2+ ER+ end of March. My Dr. currently says it’s Stage 1a, and would know more when the Sentinel Node is removed. It’s about 1.6cm and is behind my areola, close to the skin (i can feel it) So I will be getting a lumpectomy first and then they will decide after my course of treatment. Dr said that if Sentinel node is not affected then I would get the shorter course of Chemo/ Herceptin (TH). I’m so scared that when I get surgery next Thursday, that my breast or nipple/areola area will look different, worst case senario... they will be gone. I’m terrified and still in shock, just need a place to express and see who else is going thru a similar situation or has the same kind of diagnosis. Hope all is well with you all! Thx for any help, encouragement or replies! ✌🏽

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  • YesIamaDragon
    YesIamaDragon Member Posts: 363
    edited May 2021

    Please talk with someone in your surgeon's office! They cannot do any surgery you did not agree to prior to anesthesia, so you will not wake up without your breasts or nipple unless you previously agreed to that.

    Right now you are overwhelmed right after diagnosis. EVERYONE here has been in that space, so we understand! Write things down, and if possible take someone with you to appointments to take the notes. Hang in there!

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  • illimae
    illimae Member Posts: 5,710
    edited May 2021

    Have a clear conversation with the surgeon about expectations before the surgery to minimize regret or other issues. I had a lumpectomy by the breast surgeon oncologist and a reduction and lift (so both breasts matched) by the plastic surgeon. I was pleased to have it all done in back to back procedures in the same OR. The lumpectomy was nipple sparing, so everything looks and functions normally, which is important both mentally and physically. Perhaps you could write or message your questions, so you and your doctor don’t miss anything as the conversation navigates.

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  • Vala50
    Vala50 Member Posts: 4
    edited May 2021

    Thanks illimea! I will talk to the surgeon again! Hope all is well

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  • Vala50
    Vala50 Member Posts: 4
    edited May 2021

    Thanks Yeslama! I shall talk to Dr again about my concerns! Hope all is well

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  • Gretchenbuddy
    Gretchenbuddy Member Posts: 13
    edited June 2021

    Hi Vela50, how did your surgery and sentinel node testing go?

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  • Vala50
    Vala50 Member Posts: 4
    edited June 2021

    Hello! GretchenBuddy!

    Thanks for asking! There were no surprises. Dr did what she had said she was going to do. it was taken out, clean margins and neg. node, good recovery w/ minimal pain!

    Now going thru Chemo and that's a beast!!! but reading lots of studies and dr’s advice, that’s the best treatment for HER2+

    Hope all is well with you and your decisions! best of luck

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