Hi all,

Last week I was diagnosed with grade 3, breast cancer - Her2 positive.  Overall, everyone that I have spoken to has been positive about how small the cancer is so we’re very hopeful for a great outcome.

Having met with the oncologist today, I just have a few things that I would like some advice on as although we asked as many questions as we could, I had an appointment to get a small metal clip put on the cancer soon after (and as my appointment was 3 hours late, we didn’t have much time inbetween) so we were a bit pressed for time.

Being Her2 positive, from what I understand I need to have the Herceptin injection which is fine but as explained, being Her2 positive means the cancer is aggressive and they have suggested starting this after chemo but my concern is, if it is aggressive, why do we not start as soon as possible?

Does anyone have any advice regarding a lumpectomy or a mastectomy? I was initially going to go for a lumpectomy as the oncologist said they are both going to be effective, there isn’t much difference in terms of that but the only difference would be I would have to have radiotherapy if I opted for a lumpectomy. I have implants currently so radiotherapy may affect these so would prefer to avoid it to be honest.

If I opt for a mastectomy, I have been told that I can have it before or after chemo but the reconstruction would have to be after chemo. Is there a reason why I couldn’t have my mastectomy and reconstruction before chemo?

Sorry for all the questions! Just trying to get my head around everything… It is a minefield! 

Thanks in advance!