Hi Katyffith, 

Reading your story is like reading my own, although it looks like I'm a few weeks ahead of you. I'm 30, and have been diagnosed with the exact same type of breast cancer (invasive ductal, grade 3, HER2 positive) about 3 weeks ago. And my world has been upside down since. But in a way it is really nice to hear someone is in the same position as I am!

I've had all my scans now and I know how scary it is waiting for the results. The only advice I can give you is to not overthink things until you have all the answers (although I know how easy this is to say and how damn hard it is while you're waiting). And your reaction on wanting to keep life as normal as possible, I have exactly the same!! But I think I've got to try, and then adapt if I need to take a step back.. 

I'm currently going through fertility treatment, have you already started yours? Do you know when you'll have your CT, MRI scans?

I hope all your scans come back clear, we can and will beat this!! Xxx

Hey, 

Oh I'm so sorry to hear you're going through the same, such a whirlwind of emotions, amazing you've had your CT scans, I pray your results come back clear, when do you get your results?. I have my scan tomorrow and follow up appointment next Thursday, I can't wait to get more answers and hopefully some reassurance.

whatever it is we will get through this!! Feel free to message me any time if you want to speak to someone going through it.  I've ordered some receipe books online I want to eat as healthy as possible I've been looking at alkaline diets, lots of fruit and veg 

xx

Thanks for your kind message! 

I received my CT scan, MRI and bonescan results, which all came back clear. I've never been happier, since 3 lymph nodes have also been affected I was super nervous for spread.

They did find another mini tumor (3mm) behind the bigger 3cm one on the MRI, which I think comes from the fact that I have a lot of DCIS in my breast around the actual cancer. But since I'm looking at chemo followed by a full mastectomy, it apparently didnt impact the treatment plan. 

Currently just going through the fertility treatment, so hopefully I can start chemo soon (never in my life did I ever think I would say those words). Have you already started yours?

I hope your scan went ok!! I have all my fingers and toes crossed you get the results and answers you want asap. Apparently our type of cancer reacts really well to chemo and the herceptin, so we will beat this!

Please keep us updated, and if you ever need to vent, yell or talk nonsense, you know where to find me. 

xxx

Hi both,I just wanted too say Hello, I'm 38 and have two young sons, it makes me feel less Scared reading you are also young, 

, I am constantly googling to find some hope I  and read your stories,I am Stage1a invasive Ductal 
 

I am sorry that you are also going through this so young, I have had my Lumpectomy and it's been re graded too a Grade 3 it was a 2, the Grade really scares me and I am stuggling to process it all. I am going to ring my Cancer Nurse later too ask about the Grade as in the meeting it was a bit rushed. 

They have sent the T too America to see what treatment I will have. Trying too stay positive but I don't think anyone really understands.

I hope all your Scans are clear and your Surgery goes well. 

love Sarah 

Hey Sarah,

hope you're doing ok!  So sorry to hear you're going through the same thing - I wouldn't worry about the grade, I'm also grade 3 it just means it's fast growing and aggressive, these words sound scary but in fact it doesn't really make a difference, you've caught it at stage one so it doesn't matter, you will just get urgent treatment to kill it! I was scared mine had spread because it's grade 3 but mine hasn't spread anywhere nor even the lymph nodes and the tumours pretty big. So try not to panic at that.

It's a lot to take on and so overwhelming but take things one day at a time, tackle what's in front of you and don't waste time worrying on things out of your control (easier said then done I know haha)!

I'm doing the small things I can to make me feel better - I've cut all red meat, dairy and sugar from my diet and I've also seen a homeopathic dr who's recommend I take CBD oil and turkey tail mushrooms (powder or tablet form) throughout treatment as these are completely natural and have lots of cancer fighting benefits, I start treatment in the next 2 weeks so will let you know how I get on.

We'll beat this!! Stage one is such a great prognosis we're very lucky and amazing you found it! You'll get through this, always here if u need someone

Katie

x

Hey!

I hope you're doing well, 

I had my scan results last week and also amazing news no spread!!! Never been so happy and grateful! I'm feeling very positive and lucky.

how was your fertility treatment? I've just finished mine, had my eggs collected yesterday I had 13 but only 6 were mature enough to be frozen which was very disappointing but god willing I will never need to use these.  I've also requested zoladex which puts your ovaries to sleep through treatment and can help save them.

ive just received my chemo plan and start in 7 working days, have you started yours? I'm having 6 cycles (3 of EC and 3 of doxecetal alongside the herceptin) 

ive also been seeing a homeopathic dr who's recommended I take turkey tail medicinal mushrooms and CBD oil through treatment all natural, as this helps fight the cancer and side effects, will let you know how I go and if it makes a difference.

ive been offered a lumpectomy or mastectomy currently which has been a lot to think about but I'm waiting for my gene test results before I make any decisions.

hope you're doing well!! Sending lots of love, health and mental strength! We got this!

same here if you ever need a rant haha

katie

Xx

Hello Katyffith,

When it comes to alternatives therapies, like medicinal mushrooms, there is little evidence that they help. It's also important to speak to your medical team beforehand, as they will be the best to advise you. There is also more infomation on coping with side effects of chemotherapy here, which I hope might be useful. If you'd like to speak to one of our cancer nurses, they're available on the freephone 0808 800 4040. Lines are open Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.

Best wishes to you,

Moderator Anastasia

Hello Katyffith,

When it comes to alternatives therapies, like medicinal mushrooms, there is little evidence that they help. It's also important to speak to your medical team beforehand, as they will be the best to advise you. There is also more infomation on coping with side effects of chemotherapy here, which I hope might be useful. If you'd like to speak to one of our cancer nurses, they're available on the freephone 0808 800 4040. Lines are open Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.

Best wishes to you,

Moderator Anastasia