Hi Katie

my name is Cathy I was diagnosed with exactly the same 2 months ago and was advised the same after results came in they advised grade 2 and luckily biopsy results confirmed not in the lymph nodes. I have just been through first chemotherapy please don't worry they are experts at what they do and if advised you it's small and treatable then it will be. I had to wait for HER results before they gave me all the information which I got a week later.  They would not tell you treatable and small if not the case please keep positive and list any questions ready for when you go back for results.

thinking of you 

Cathy xx

Hi Cathy,

Thank you so much for your positive reply!

Have you had surgery before your chemo? I will get my HER results next week over the phone due to covid. My surgery is going to be a lumpectomy wide local exsicion and node biopsy although they have already checked the suspect node and it was clear. I am guessing they just need a deeper look this is all dependent on my HER results of course. 

How long do you have to have chemo for? I hope it is has not been too bad for you.

Sorry for all the questions. 

Katie xx

Hi Katie

Thats absolutely fine I don't mind answering.

No surgery yet they plan to do lumpectomy, chemotherapy first to shrink and stop spreading 6 cycles in total every 3 weeks but I think they are planning on surgery just before my 5th cycle and then depending on surgery results radiotherapy or chemotherapy.

They like to do lymph node biopsy it's to make sure there are no small cancer cells not visable on scan.

I waited a week for my HER results this then determines which drugs they can use to treat your cancer.

Have you been given an appointment to get your results?

Hope this helps

Cathy

Hi Cathy,

No they just said they will call me early next week with the results as soon as they are in. I got the biopsy results (confirmation of cancer) today but HER were not back. What were your HER results if you don't mind me asking? Is there a better HER result if you know what i mean? I have tried to look this up but ive still no idea what to hope for.

Thanks for talking to me. I really appreciate it.

Katie xxx

Hi Katie

My HER results were HER2 positive apparently these are the receptors and the results determine on type of treatment hormonal or not mine is non hormonal.

I know 2 of mine were negative and the last one positive some people have triple negative. 
I would just take one day at a time I know at first it all seems so surreal and everything goes over your head.

Always happy to answer any questions.

Cathy xx
 

Hi Cathy,

Thank you. My mind is running wild at the minute. I keep heaving (not actually being sick) and randomly crying. I have a weekend of things planned with my little boy and back to work Monday until I hear any different from my consultant/breast nurse. I just need to keep busy. I cant sit here thinking about the worst case scenario all the time. 

Katie xxx

Hi Katie

Absolutely I kept working as keeps your mind focused and I am still working I think it helps.

Hope you have a lovely weekend with your Son and time passes quickly for results.

Always here if you need to chat.

Cathy xx

Thanks Cathy. You are soo lovely xx

Hi Katie,

I am so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. This always comes as a terrible shock, o matter how well prepared we think we are for a positive diagnosis. The way you are feeling is pefectly normal. TRy not to worry about the tears or the 'heaving'. These should settle down once you know what treatment you are likely to have and you start down that path.

The best result that you can get with your HER 2 test is HER2-, as this means that you will respond to hormone therapies, such as Tamoxifen or Aromotase inhibitors, like Letrozole. These help to reduce the amount of oestrogen in your body. This is important, as cancer feeds on oestrogen.

Do please let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Jolamine,

Thanks for your reply. Fingers crossed for that result. 

I have just slept from 10pm to 6am for the 1st time since going to the breast clinic which I am over the moon about!

I just want things to hurry up now and get started. I am terrified they are going to say triple negative which is really bad isnt it?

Thanks for chatting.

Katie xxx