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Diagnosed yesterday with Breast Cancer HER2+

Ang-oak
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Just diagnosed with HER2+ in left breast and a lymph node so frightened also have a PET coming up on weds so worried it’s spread. Saw oncologist yesterday told need 4 cycles of chemo than 3 more of EC, mastectomy, radiotherapy.  Treatment probably starts this Friday depending if they can organise a heart Echo beforehand. It’s all such a whirlwind I can’t sleep. World been turned upside down. 

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    Hello Ang-oak,

    A very warm welcome to the forum.

    I am so sorry to hear about your diagnosis and know how difficult it can be to come to terms with everything that is happening, when you're in the centre of this whirlwind. You will begin to settle down and feel a little better about your situation once treatment starts. I hope that you can manage to fit an ECG in before Friday and can then start your chemo. Are you going to have reconstruction with your mastectomy? I had a double mastectomy 16 years ago and found that easier to cope with than the lumpectomy that I'd had the year before.

    Thinking of you and we are always here for you. Please keep in touch.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

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    • Hi i i have HER2 positive +++breast cancer and have jjust completed 4 cycles of the targeted drug Phesgo , given as a slow injection in the leg , followed by an iinfusion of Docetaxel - chemo drug . Then 4 cycles of EC Epirubicin and Cyclophospamide. I had an echocardiogram and  a 24 hour ECG. Normally a picc - line is fitted to make it easier for the chemo drugs to be administered. This is flushed and re dressed every week . with the Docetaxel steroids were given to me to take the day before , the day of the chemo and the day after to prevent an allergic reaction . I was also given an anti sickness tablet before the infusion started . I was given anti sickness tablets to take home and take iif required . I found i didnt need to take many. Will you be given  the Filgrastim injections to give yourself for 5 days starting 2 days after? Is so, dont worry they are quite easy to administer! They are essential to make the bone marrow produce Neutrophils white blood cells . 
      this regime gave various  side effects , but all were managable . If you feel rubbish do nothing just rest - binge some good stuff on TV ! The first week is the worse improving  gradually over week 2 and week 3 is thr better one .   If you lose your appetite on week one , eat soft high protein high fat foods , also soups , high fat yoghurts smoothies . 
      ill be honest the EC part was a far harsher regime , with a lot of fatigue and other *** side effects. 
      i had very strong  anti  sickness tablet to take in the morning , IV anti sickness and IV steroids. These really help . Epirubicine was slowly  injected into my line - its red in colour . Then the cyclophosphamide goes in as IV . I had another anti sickness to take  12 hours after . Then 2 of the strong ones for next 2 days and a different one to take as and when needed  there after.  Also 3 days of steroids. There is always a triage line you can  call if you feel unwell or want advice . It’s going to be hard  theres no denying it . Listen to your body. Dont push yourself innthe first 2 weeks . You should feel  better in week 3 to go out. Your white blood cells which fight infection are at their lowest days 7-14 so take care not to be around anyone who is ill. Fatigue is common to both regimes. Dont feel guilty about resting , sleeping your body needs it. I am 3 weeks past my 8 th and last cycle and now have lumpectomy surgery on 13 May  followed by radiotherapy. I don’t know obviously if your drugs to help will be the same - I’ve just tried to say what happened with me . Try not to overthink it if possible- it is tough but do- able ! 
      I wish you all the best . Be brave be strong xx

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