HER2 + ER+ PR- stage2 ductal invasive

I've just received the news that I'm not only ER+ (oestrogen) but am now HER2+. I understand it's more aggressive than just ER. I'm 54. Was due my second mammogram screening last year but due to delays over coronavirus I've still not been called. In April I found a lump felt about 2cm. GP said smooth and most cancers are rough to the touch. How wrong were they?

in Wales they can't do the triple assessment within two weeks so they call for mammogram, which gives them time to assess it before your triple assessment. Waited 4 1/2 weeks for clinic appointment and had biopsy. Results for Oestrogen was 10 days but took 3 weeks for the HER2.

Mammogram said 2.4cm but ultrasound said 0.9cm, they struggled to see it and biopsy was hard, 3 samples taken, tumour was tough.

so now it'll be a MRI to confirm the size if above 2cm it's chemotherapy and herceptin. I'm scared about chemotherapy.

Borrowed a book written by Professor Trisha Greenhalgh (GP/academic) and Dr Liz O'Riorden (breast surgeon) both had breast cancer. The complete guide to Breast Cancer. how to feel empowered and take control. Really helpful, easy to read. 

Any advice about my journey ahead would be welcome.

Parents
  • Hi

    i am in exactly same boat as you! I'm 44 and both HER + 

     

    I start chemo next Friday.....it's so daunting?! I'm having 8 sessions of chemo, surgery and then radiotherapy! I too have bought the book for reading whilst going through all this? I'm struggling tiday with my anxiety, racing thoughts and especially the thought of losing my hair!!! We have got this though! It's just such a ln emotional rollercoaster!!!! Xx

  • It's been a emotional today meeting my grown up kids to find they are struggling with my diagnosis and how it's affects their work. Some people have been kind and understanding of what they are dealing with others not so. It's hard that I'm the one normally helping them. I was apologising for being ill, even though it's not my fault.

     

    I've been debating getting my hair cut into a pixie cut in advance of losing my hair. Not even sur Eid they have cold caps to help. Will you be able to use a cold cap?

     

    Thanks for replying. Good luck on Friday. I hope I can get my MRI soon so I can start this rollercoaster.

  • Hi there 

    I'm using the cold cap! Well I hope to be able to persevere with it? The emotional rollercoaster is unreal isn't it??? 

    my hair is bobbed at the moment and the thought of this potentially being my last weekend with hair is upsetting! I've cried all day?! But I'm trying my hardest ti stay positive!! My son is 19 and I don't like showing him I'm upset but today he did! 
    I apologised to my cousin today for being upset and me feeling like

    il depressing ti be around but she told me to stop!! anyway we are on a journey, a *** one at that but will make us stronger people!!

    I have pre assessment Wednesday so I'll know more then!! Hope ur ok xx

Reply
  • Hi there 

    I'm using the cold cap! Well I hope to be able to persevere with it? The emotional rollercoaster is unreal isn't it??? 

    my hair is bobbed at the moment and the thought of this potentially being my last weekend with hair is upsetting! I've cried all day?! But I'm trying my hardest ti stay positive!! My son is 19 and I don't like showing him I'm upset but today he did! 
    I apologised to my cousin today for being upset and me feeling like

    il depressing ti be around but she told me to stop!! anyway we are on a journey, a *** one at that but will make us stronger people!!

    I have pre assessment Wednesday so I'll know more then!! Hope ur ok xx

Children
  • Hi Sorry it’s been so long since I posted. 

    It’s been a roller coaster of a few weeks. MRI found something in left boob as well, needed biopsy, wait for results. It’s another tumour. As I was HER+ they had considered combination chemotherapy and Herceptin/Perjeta in July before surgery, then oncologist found out full family history of heart issues (Herceptin/Perjeta can cause heart problems) and the MDT team changed their mind. Surgery first then single chemotherapy and Herceptin only to try to prevent issues with heart. 

    I’m now 11 days post surgery, bilateral wide local excision with bilateral sentinel node biopsies. Im black and blue with every shade in between. I was really sick after the surgery and went home at 8pm.Took codeine for two days which caused terrible constipation even with lactulose! Started feeling really nauseous day two after surgery, spoke to BC nurse and she thinks I’ve still got anaesthetic, morphine and codeine still in my system and I don’t react well to it. Surgeon on the day had thought that maybe the sickness was due to morphine rather than anaesthetic, some people get the worse effects not the good ones. Later in week spoke to GP who prescribed anti sickness tablets, which have helped a lot, I can eat a bit more now. As it was bilateral there is a lot I can’t do as both sides are affected. They don’t really say much about recovery apart from keep wounds covered and dry for 2 weeks when they can be removed and don’t lift anything heavy for 4 weeks. I struggled to close the front door and open a heavy car door as I dont have a good side. 

    @Leanne1202 How is your treatment going?, How was the cold cap? Like you I had a bob which I had cut short a couple of weeks ago for chemotherapy even though it is delayed til mid August I decided to go ahead. It was ok, I felt it was more my choice, not fully obviously. I’m getting used to it, the best thing is ruffle with my fingers and it’s done, no brushes or styling needed. Read a few threads saying cold caps don’t fit too well and shorter hair is easier than longer and my was also quite thick.