New - IBC and HER2 positive

[gumoore]

Hi everyone,

I am new to this site; found as I searched for answers regarding the latest development in my cancer.

I was dx with IBC 9 Aug 2006 - what a shock and yet I knew something was very wrong. So far no mets but today received news I'm HER2 positive. I felt like I had my feet knocked out from under me.

I'm Canadian, living in Victoria, British Columbia and am 40 years old, married with no kids.

Some days I feel like I'm in a dream world, believing everything is going to be just fine and then I read or hear a story, or even receive news, that brings reality crashing down: I'm in the fight of my life.

I remain hopeful, hard to say with today's news, but I can beat it.

I look forward to sharing with all of you and getting support.

Talk to you soon.

[Vanessa]

Hi Gayle,I am her2+ also. I am like you that some days I feel optimistic, like I am going to beat this disease and other days I get the wind knocked out of my sails. I try really hard to stay positive, but it is hard.

I did have mets to the liver, but thanks to chemo and herceptin, my last 2 petscans were clear. My tumour markers went from 274 to 17 then to 1.5. I get to stop chemo, but will continue with herceptin. Are you receiving any treatment. I am really glad that you don't have any mets. Best wishes to you.

[Lolly]

Hi Gayle; welcome to the site!
Do you have Inflammatory BC or Invasive BC? We also have board for Inflammatory BC, if you haven't found it already. Several of the ladies here are long time survivors of Inflammatory, so much hope is there. Just try to go one day at a time right now. Easier said than done, I know, but you can do this.

<3 Lolly

[gumoore]

Definitely inflammatory breast cancer. Yes, thank you, have found the other board, just haven't posted there yet.

[sherri]

Hi Gayle,

In December 2004, just before xmas I was dx with IBC, HER2, node positive, grade 3 and all the bad ones you can think of. The radiologist who looked at my ultasound, almost told me enjoy the last few months of your life. Here I am, 2 year later, healthy, and next month I'll go for breast reconstruction DIEP. I live in Vancouver, pm me if you have any question and I'm more than happy to help you. IBC and HER2 maybe were death sentence 10 years ago, now with all these new drugs are highly curable! Just make sure you get good Doctors and oncologists.
Big hug,

[Linda_M]

Hi Gayle,

I too am new to this site. I was dx (hope that means diagnosed) back in 2000 and I'm still going strong!
I had 2 DSIS and 1 invasive breast tumour that was HER2/neu positive. Thank goodness nodes were clean.
My point is that I know (remember) how terrifying BC is but we're all here to say it can be beaten!!!

((((((hugs to you)))))))))

[ElaineM]

Are you both Her 2 positive and have inflamatory breast cancer?
If so, hang in there. Keep positive. Do all you can to take care of yourself 24/7.
Ask questions. Get copies of all your tests. Read about all the recommended treatments and medicines before you take them. Look up things you don't understand. Ask more questions. Be a health care consumer. Learn all you cab about the product you are interested in-- ---------health care, your health and your well being. Take all actions you think are neccessary to maintain your health. It is the most important asset you have.
How do I know all this? I am an 8 year survivor of Her 2 positive inflamatory breast cancer.
Good health to you in 2007 and beyond.
Elaine M

[Linda_M]

Thanks Elain
I don't have IBC but am Her2/neu positive. I'm coming up to my 6th year as a survivor but I have other health problems that I'm trying to deal with.
You sound like a very strong women. I used to be but I'm starting to run out of steam. I'm seeking help to get back on tract.

Take care and thanks for sharing & caring