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Old 06-29-2013, 01:58 PM   #3
Becky
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Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Stockton, NJ
Posts: 4,179
Re: My Wife Rachel Was Just Diagnosed With HER-2+ Breast Cancer (Please Help ...)

TCH is now the standard of care for Her2+ patients. It is the right thing to do for any Her2+ person (my opinion) as Her2 is aggressive and sneaky AND your wife is young and has a full life ahead of her.

I didn't have a port but I really wish I did so I cannot comment on that but someone here will.

As for surgery, I think you should try to get out all the cancer. Before chemo is done, I think you should consult with a radiation oncologist and see what their opinion is of chest wall radiation. I would get two opinions. Do this before chemo is over because radiation (if deemed necessary) starts 3-4 weeks after chemo is over. AND if deemed necessary, you have to be mapped out so they know where to radiate.

As far as removing the nipple on the other side, I am just not sure how to answer that question as it is a personal decision.

We are here for you for your wife's and your journey. As you can see from my signature, I am almost 9 years out and did not have the better standard of care that you are being offered (and I am still here). The beginning is a whirlwind of mind blowing information on a disease the two of you never thought you would need to know about. Ask alot of questions to your medical team and us. If you are not sure about something, ask or get a second opinion for peace of mind.
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Kind regards

Becky

Found lump via BSE
Diagnosed 8/04 at age 45
1.9cm tumor, ER+PR-, Her2 3+(rt side)
2 micromets to sentinel node
Stage 2A
left 3mm DCIS - low grade ER+PR+Her2 neg
lumpectomies 9/7/04
4DD AC followed by 4 DD taxol
Used Leukine instead of Neulasta
35 rads on right side only
4/05 started Tamoxifen
Started Herceptin 4 months after last Taxol due to
trial results and 2005 ASCO meeting & recommendations
Oophorectomy 8/05
Started Arimidex 9/05
Finished Herceptin (16 months) 9/06
Arimidex Only
Prolia every 6 months for osteopenia

NED 18 years!

Said Christopher Robin to Pooh: "You must remember this: You're braver than you believe and stronger than you seem and smarter than you think"
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