1. < Breast Cancer

Who else is HER2 positive?

Posted by zeerj @zeerj, Oct 9, 2022

Anyone here with her2 positive diagnosis? I was diagnosed with stage 2 back in April, did 6 chemo, bilateral mastectomy and will be doing radiation. Will start TDM1 treatment for 14 cycles. I am looking for success stories with people in similar situation.

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regina59 | @regina59 | Oct 13, 2022
In reply to @regina59 "It was in the middle of chemo of all those as well as chemo treatment for..." + (show)
@regina59

It was in the middle of chemo of all those as well as chemo treatment for the hormone positive cancer in the left breast. I began chemo in July 2015, had bi-lateral breast surgery in December 2015 and finished with the chemo in August 2016. To repeat, I have had no recurrence of the HER2. However, the chemo never completely cleared away the cancer in the left breast which metastasized to the liver. The lesions have been removed by microwave ablation and I am in a really good place.

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P.S. I am eighty-five and thriving

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2 replies
zeerj | @zeerj | Oct 13, 2022
In reply to @maggieb892 "I was diagnosed with HER 2 in June of 2021, stage 2. I was treated with..." + (show)
@maggieb892

I was diagnosed with HER 2 in June of 2021, stage 2. I was treated with Pacitaxol and Herceptin and Perjeta for 12 weeks followed by a mastectomy and 19 radiation sessions. Because there was a small amount of cancer left in the removed breast tissue, I had 14 infusions of Kadcyla (every 3 weeks). I'm finished with treatment, my port is out and C T scan showed no cancer present. I know that my positive attitude and support from friends and family got me through the dark times. I tried to laugh every day even through the treatments. I was able to continue eating well (extra protein) and walk. Walking was my mental therapy. I have met many wonderful strong women in my support group. We can do this!

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Would you mind sharing whether you had reconstructive surgery and if so, the type? Due to radiation, I had to do delayed reconstructive. I opted to have expanders in to be able to have nipple sparring mastectomy. I’m starting now to regret my decision as I’m scared if there was any breast tissues left due to the skin and nipple sparring.

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2 replies
regina59 | @regina59 | Oct 13, 2022
In reply to @zeerj "Would you mind sharing whether you had reconstructive surgery and if so, the type? Due to..." + (show)
@zeerj

Would you mind sharing whether you had reconstructive surgery and if so, the type? Due to radiation, I had to do delayed reconstructive. I opted to have expanders in to be able to have nipple sparring mastectomy. I’m starting now to regret my decision as I’m scared if there was any breast tissues left due to the skin and nipple sparring.

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No, I did not have reconstructive surgery. I had what is noted in some reports as partial mastectomies and in other places, lumpectomies, in December 2015. In July 2018, I had a cryogenic ablation to my left breast. This was less visually successful as the lumpectomies. I had ample breasts.

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maggieb892 | @maggieb892 | Oct 13, 2022

I am waiting for reconstruction. I’m75 and was married when I made my decision. I don’t regret the decision but annoyed at the wait. It’s much longer than anticipated.

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zoeym93 | @zoeym93 | Oct 14, 2022

Why did you have to get radiation after surgery?

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pbnew | @pbnew | Oct 14, 2022
In reply to @regina59 "P.S. I am eighty-five and thriving" + (show)
@regina59

P.S. I am eighty-five and thriving

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That’s wonderful!

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regina59 | @regina59 | Oct 14, 2022
In reply to @zoeym93 "Why did you have to get radiation after surgery?" + (show)
@zoeym93

Why did you have to get radiation after surgery?

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If you are asking me, I refused radiation therapy.

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robinhyman | @robinhyman | Oct 14, 2022
In reply to @pbnew "For the Her2 positive breast did you have taxol, Herceptin and perjeta followed by a lumpectomy..." + (show)
@pbnew

For the Her2 positive breast did you have taxol, Herceptin and perjeta followed by a lumpectomy but no radiation or Herceptin after surgery?

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No. My mass at biopsy was 7mm. By the time I had surgery it was 1.5 cm. I had 12 weeks of Taxol and Herceptin post op. (Lumpectomy) soon to begin radiation plus Herceptin every 3 weeks.

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maggieb892 | @maggieb892 | Oct 15, 2022
In reply to @zoeym93 "Why did you have to get radiation after surgery?" + (show)
@zoeym93

Why did you have to get radiation after surgery?

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My margins were very small and a risk that the cancer wasn't all gone. I had small dosages of radiation daily, and was able to maintain my skin integrity. I had few side effects, at the time. There is a risk of thyroid issues later, but I thought it was worth it.

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maggieb892 | @maggieb892 | Oct 15, 2022
In reply to @zeerj "Would you mind sharing whether you had reconstructive surgery and if so, the type? Due to..." + (show)
@zeerj

Would you mind sharing whether you had reconstructive surgery and if so, the type? Due to radiation, I had to do delayed reconstructive. I opted to have expanders in to be able to have nipple sparring mastectomy. I’m starting now to regret my decision as I’m scared if there was any breast tissues left due to the skin and nipple sparring.

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It's sad to realize that many of us, including me are fearful of the future. I try to live in the moment and my decisions thus far.
The wait to have reconstruction is very difficult and annoying. I'm in the same position. I found a physical therapist that is helping me with range of motion and strengthening my chest muscles to ready me for the next step. I want to live my best life and fear only takes that away from me. I wish you well in the decisions you make

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