[Jean]

When I was first dx. my dr. pointed that I caught my breast cancer early
and did not even elaborate on the Her2+++ portion. He told me I would have an AI and of course radiation. I had discovered Her2 information just
prior to my dx. because there was a major TV news the month before on hercetpin and the great results that advanced bc patients were having.
I can remember clearly as I was waiting for my pathology reports that I said to myself, well I better watch for that. Sure enough the Her2 was present. When the surgeon was finished speaking I asked him well what about the Her2+++, he told me due to the size and node neg. not to worry. Hmmmmm, I don't think so. I was extremely worried since Her2+++ is such a bad boy. Once I started treatment I felt much better
knowing I was doing all that I could. For me the dx was not as hard on me as trying to get the correct treatment. I struggled for months and months...Thank God for Christine who encouraged me that I was not
crazy (as one of the onc suggested to my husband that I was not accepting my dx. and should seek counceling.) In finding the Her2 site
I have saved my life as far as I am concerned. Becky was my first contact sister (Love you Becky) who reached out to me. I gained incrediable information which propelled me forward. So to answer your question - in the beginning of dx. I thought INSTANT DOOM was around the corner. After understanding Herceptin and the results it offered to advanced bc - I was totally stymied as to why early stagers were
not given treatment. Then I learned that some early stagers were getting it off label (not through any of my NY dr.'s but from this site. After I was on Herceptin 8 months it was approved for early stagers. How do I feel now...I thank God for herceptin and I understand that this disease it not instant doom...we have come a long way in a short time - we still have a longer way to go. I live and enjoy each day!

Hugs,
Jean