Hi

I had the same diagnosis that you have. HER2+ ER+. I had a biopsy taken of a tumour that was 36mm - then I had CT, MRI scans which found a second tumour (16mm) and an area of DCIS (11mm) so overall area to treat was 63mm. I had surgery to remove 4 lymph nodes which were clear thankfully and then FEC chemo - two cycles in I had a scan and they weren’t happy as although the smaller tumour had shrunk the first larger tumour hadn’t shrunk at all - they decided not to continue with FEC and moved me onto Docetaxal, Herceptin and Pertuzamab for four cycles. That was successful and after a few weeks I then had surgery - a double mastectomy with immediate implant reconstruction. That was 8 weeks ago. Your tumour was 1.8mm? It may be that that is why they haven’t taken lymph nodes from you yet - my mother also had breast cancer and her tumour was much smaller than mine - she did not have chemo but had surgery - one mastectomy and a lumpectomy on the other side - and they took lymph nodes then at the same time. Maybe they will take your lymph nodes out when they do whichever surgery you have after your treatment. 

Wishing you the very best xx

Hi TG79, 

I have just got my pathology result yesterday after mastectomy due to high grade dcis, and they found micro invasive cancer which was tested for Her2 and came back positive.

So I am also er+ and her2+, but I am having my chemo after surgery unlike you that had yours before, but would love to hear your experience with your chemo treatment and how you managed it all, also what is the next course of action they have planned for you now that you have finished chemo. 

Telling me I will be needing chemo came a bit of a shock to me so am really very overwhelmed right now. 

Looking forward to reading from you. 

Cheers. 

Hi Chicken81, 

How are you getting on, your diagnosis is similar to mine so I have sent you a friend request if you don't mind, so we could support each other through out this process. 

Cheers. 

Hi

To be honest I was heartbroken when I was told I needed chemo. I had to give up working effective immediately- I’m self employed as a childminder and it just was not feasible to juggle appointments and the side effects and suppressed immune system with looking after small children every day. 

And if I’m honest the actual chemotherapy wasn’t as bad as I had thought it would be... the sickness only lasted a day or so each time - the anti-sickness meds were fabulous. I did suffer with some dizziness and mouth ulcers which made eating unpleasant. The worst part of chemotherapy was losing all my hair - I really really struggled with that and the tiredness which I’m still feeling now - five months after chemo finished. In between cycles I was able to be out and about almost like ‘normal’ other than being shattered. I did end up having a Picc line fitted because my veins are pretty crap at the best of times - but again once it was done it was much easier. I’m still taking blood thinners and having Herceptin every three weeks and I’m also now having two types of hormone therapy - I’m unable to have Tamoxifen due to having a blood clot caused by the Picc line - and I’m also pre-menopause (I’ve just turned 40) so I’m now having an implant injected into my stomach every 28 days to suppress my ovaries as well as a tablet which is usually given to post-menopausal women. The hot flushes are a *** but I’m managing - my GP has helped with those. I’ll need ongoing scans on my heart and bones to check they’re ok  and I’m taking calcium supplements to help that too. My hair is growing back quite quickly now too so that makes me feel a bit better! 

And this week I went back to work full-time! My little ones have all come back to me - we’ve had several chats about what has happened to me and I’ve encouraged them and my own children to ask me anything at all - I think it helps for them to understand- it’s hard for kids to understand medicine making you ill! 

Just try to make sure that if and when you don’t feel up to it to rest and say no to things. And accept help when it is offered! I struggled with that too because I hate to be dependent on others - but one of my friends pointed out that if our situations were reversed I’d be helping her without question. 

Wishing you the very best of luck lovely ️ 

Tina x 

Thank you so for you detailed response, it people like you that make it easier for people like me. 

Why re the scans for heart and bones necessary? Is it because of the HEr2+? , how long would the monitoring be for?

I am glad you are post chemo and doing pretty OK considering everything. 

Your job is such a rewarding job am glad you have gone back full-time, children help keeps the spirit alive. 

I have sent you a friend request, I hope you will accept so that I can chat with you whenever  I am feeling emotional and overwhelmed.

Looking to read from you soon. Thanks 

Heart scans are because Herceptin can cause some damage to your heart - so far mine is looking good! They do them every 4 months or so - just until the Herceptin is finished - which is after 12 months. 

The bone scans are because some chemo drugs cause thinning of bone density- and because the hormones I’m taking cause it too - plus I’m going through the menopause 10/15 years too early - I’ve had one scan so far which has shown some loss of density- hence the calcium supplements - but not all drugs and hormones cause it so you may not have any of that at all! The bones only change very slowly though apparently so it’ll be a couple of years til the next scan - just to check how it is going. 

And of course I’ll accept - as soon as I figure out how! any time you want to chat xx

Oh you are so kind, thanks for explaining all these, it has eased my anxiety, you don't understand what your expectations have just done for me, if you were with me right now I would have hugged you so tight.

I sent you a message earlier asking same questions not knowing you have answered on here :) so ignore the questions please. 

Thanks once again, will be private messaging you. 

Cheers xxx