recent recurrence

[julie a]

Diagnosed June 2004, 3 cm high grade, poorly diff, er-, HER2 +++. lymph nodes clear.
Treated with lumpectomy,chemo, radio and chemo...

Well when I first found a lump I went straight to the doctors the following Monday morning and by Thursday had the operation.

I went thru all the treatment pretty well and thought all was good however I noticed the same breast had swollen. I thought this was because I was laying bricks (making a garage with my husband) and thought my lymph nodes may have been affected by over work and hot weather. Anyway I trotted off to the doctors again the next morning and he thought the same thing and gave me some anti inflam. tablets. He also sent me off for further testing and had another needle aspiration and yes again came back malignant. I just could not believe it as I had only been cleared of all tests including a mammo in Dec (only a month previously)!
This mass that I nor the doctor could not feel was 2 cm and in the same area as before and the same area that had the double dose of radio too!
I have really lost all belief in tests as it seems to be up to me to know what is going on.
Great news - the main newspaper in Melbourne Victoria Australia had a huge write up about HERCEPTIN and how a poor woman had to sell her home to finance. It looks like the Federal Govt of Australia are looking at this drug to be obtained free of charge poss next month for HER2 sufferers that have no mets. How long have people survived this really worries me!

[Unregistered]

Julie,

I am hearing that Aust Gov may not approve Herceprin on the PBS for early breast cancer until July and I am worried sick on financing starting use ASAP - after my Radio Therepy? Any updates

Jacqui

[julie a]

Hi

We can only hope that the govt is going to push this thru asap as it is certainly a worry for many families financially.

It is unfortunately out of our hands but I really do think we should be encouraged to think that it will be sooner rather than later

regards and keep your chin up

Julie

[Unregistered]

Thanks Julie fingers crossed on the Australian gov TGA decision.
Any tips on how to reduce side effects of radio therapy??
I would like to try to return to work after radio therepy treatment in case I will have to pay for Herceptin and am feeling quite fatigued after just a few weeks of treatment?
Jacqui

[julie a]

Hi Jacqui


Crazy isnt it how tiring it can be for about 10 min each day! I found the only thing I could do was go to bed very early without feeling guilty! I am currently working from home full time at the moment but I dont know how long I will keep it up. Keep on focusing on the end dates of treatment and then you will take approx 3-6 months to feel like your old self again!

Try not to push yourself - what do you do for a living?

I am with a telecommunications company