Diagnosed this month

[Raz]

So glad I found this forum. I have great support at home but searching for outside support from other diagnosed with bc. I am the healthiest I have ever been. i workout, eat right, and get yearly mammos. This really sucks!

First I was really sad and now I am really mad..
I am 48 and I was diagnosed with stage 1 HER 2 positive over expressed with invasive and in situ grade 3. Not sure how to explain the diagnosis.
I have a lumpectomy scheduled for 10/3/12. Chemo starts 1month for 6 months. Then radiation one month after chemo.
This is so much to wrap my head around so fast considering I feel so healthy.
Any suggestions out there?

[Paty]

Dear Raz,

Welcome to the board! This is a very special site where you will find support, knowledge and many 'sisters' that will help you through your path on bc. All of us here have lived that journey. Please feel free to ask any questions should you have any doubts. Now that you are going to start with chemos, try to drink many fruit and vegetable juices. Please let us know ow you are feeling and how things develop. Welcome again.

Paty

['lizbeth]

Welcome Raz,

So glad you found it early at stage 1. You did everything you could to stay healthy. If you had not - the diagnosis could have been much more advanced.

Have you considered a clinical trial for treatment?

http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?term=early+breast+cancer+her+2&Search=Search

Have you considered a second opinion? I would expect the recommendation would be similar for lumpectomy and radiation. But 6 months of chemo for stage I seems aggressive.

[Raz]

Thanks for quick responses. It feels good when people respond.
I did get a second opinion and it was the same. The tumor is aggressive.
Grade 3 and 7 on Nottingham scale. Staining is strong. Not sure what staining is?

I am starting to drink more veggie and fruit juicing type diet in preparation for chemo.
I'm starting to get a little freaked out about the lumpectomy. I have never been under general. Kind of scary. Hot flashes aren't helping.
Crazy stuff.

[BonnieR]

It is "crazy stuff", all of it! Good to be mad, gets one motivated and in fighting mode!
You have caught things in the early stage, got a second opinion and seem to have your ducks in a row. I recall my surgeon telling me "it might be small, but it is aggressive"
you are entitled to be scared . Does you treatment facility offer groups or a therapist you can see? Ask for a mild tranquilizer if you want. I found Ativan helped me get through scary times
Take advantage of any programs that are available to you. And speak up. You are your own best advocate.
We are here for you
Keep the faith.

[Zingy]

Hi Raz,

It's a shame to be saying "hi" here but here we all are and although I'm new too there's a lot of information and support available. I was diagnosed in June this year aged 42, recently had my 43rd birthday. You're right, the diagnosis sucks and it can be scary. I've had R mastectomy and just done my first chemo (FEC) last week. I was fit, healthy and full of energy before this and it has made me feel like a different person sometimes. All I can offer is that the science behind our treatment is getting better all the time, catching this early and taking hard, positive action makes a difference and it's ok to be however you need to be about it - angry, sad, determined - we're all different and we all find our way through by trial and error. One thing I would say is try not to dwell on statistics, they can paint a picture that's hard to swallow when you're first facing this and we're people, not numbers.
You're in my thoughts.

[carlatte7]

Welcome- there is so much support for you here, and answers to questions big and small. HER2 is a scary beast- i was healthy and a careful checker, yet my lump was almost 3 cm before i felt it, and i had a+ node. You will have good days and bad days, but I'll bet it won't be as bad as you are imagining. You will find strength you did not know you had, and will soon be looking back at all of this. Best of luck to you.

[snolan]

Welcome to the club. I too was Stage 1 and B mastectomy w chemo and radiation. My advice is just take each proceedure one at a time. It is a long journey and gets to over whelming if you worry about the whole thing. breaking it down into each proceedure will allow you to stay focused and strong and it feels great to check off each one as you finish. Good luck!
Suzanne

[suzan w]

Hi Raz! This is a great support network! I have been relying on the friends here for 7 years now and there is nothing I would not put out there as a question or concern!!! Most of the questions that you have, I can assure you, we have all had at one time or another, so ask away!!! The first months are the scariest as it is all new. With time it becomes your "new" you!!! New and improved because you are continuing to take good care of yourself by reaching out and learning as much as you can about this dreadful dis-ease. Knowledge is power!!! Welcome!!

[Joanne S]

Hello Raz, I am sorry to say Welcome, but welcome. Receiving a cancer diagnosis is one of the worse things that ever happened to me. It wasn't the cancer, it was the emotional shock. I think the traumatic impact it has on our emotions is the worse part. And it usually occupies our mind constantly at first. You are in a great place here. We're all different but share a close bond with each other and continue to support each other from time of diagnosis and every step of the way---through each treatment, diagnositic procedure, side effects, coping, sharing and living. It's best to educate yourself as much as you can so you understand what's going on and all your available options. I found this following video easy to understand, and helpful in my initial stages of diagnosis.
National Breast Cancer Foundation, BEYOND THE SHOCK http://beyondtheshock.com/?gclid=CLOy-uLu4LICFYQ7Mgod1igAyA
Although this is an long video, it is divided into separate chapters so that you don't have to watch it all at one time. Don't hesitate to ask questions. Welcome!
hugs,
Joanne

[Mary Jo]

Hello Raz,

First let me say that I am sorry your journey has breast cancer as part of what you will go through. Scared is normal and mad is too. You've done all you could, but sadly, some things are out of our control.

You've come to a great place. Her2support is full of wonderful, caring, knowledgeable and loving people. You will be prayed for, supported by getting your questions, hugged and loved on. Everyone here gets it because we've all been where you are.

Now on a positive note. I was diagnosed at age 45 with stage 2B, her2 positive breast cancer. (See my signature below). I am now a 7 year NED (no evidence of disease) survivor.

We're here for you. Praying Gods peace surround you.

Mary Jo

['lizbeth]

Hey Raz,

So happy that you got a second opinion.

I drove my doctors crazy trying to get out of chemo - I was diagnosed at age 44, Stage 2b, 3 positive nodes, Her2+++, ER-, PR- with Paget's of the nipple and IDC.

I'd forgotten about that scale - I was a 9 of 9.

Still I the standard of care: 6 treatments of Taxotere which they administer every 3 weeks, so that's 4 1/2 months - and I was more advanced.

So perhaps I should have asked what chemo you are doing - as I'd be curious what the current recommendation is for early breast cancer.

I would have loved to be in your shoes and had the chance to enroll in a clinical trial with only targeted therapies and no taxanes, platinum salts or adriamycin.

Well I'm sure any little cancer cells are going to get knocked out fast and hard. And will not want to come back for sure!

[Pray]

Raz and Zingy, Welcome, I hope you both feel comfortable coming here and sharing often. Please know that you are both in my prayers. Gods blessings to you and your families.

Peace my friends,

Nancy

[Raz]

Wow!
It felt so good to log on and to read all the support.
So tomorrow I get the dye injected and Wednesday is my lumpectomy.
I will take all your support with me.
I am with kaiser not a clinical trial. They have been great.
The chemo is a combo called TCH with hercepten hormone to follow.
I guess I am off the margarita cocktails and on the chemo cocktail this coming November. Thanks again ladies. I will sleep better tonight.
Raz

Thanks.

[Zingy]

Thank you kind, wonderful folks for your support. I'm in the UK and we don't have a forum like this. I'm so glad I found you all.

[mschwab]

Hi Raz,

I am so sorry that you had to join this club of brave and wonderful women, but you"ll be glad that you found your way to this site. There is so much love and support here, and a community of peers that can understand what you're going through like no one else can. I too received my care at Kaiser, and I cannot say enough wonderful things about my experience. The coordination of care was unbelievable and made the whole treatment experience so much easier to get through. You are in a wonderful place, and you will be well cared for.

Maryann

[Raz]

I made it through the lumpectomy. I am on Norco now. This was my first surgery so I was not so good coming off the morphine. Good nurses at kaiser.
My home team is awesome making sure I take my pills.
Now just waiting for lymph node biopsy.
Another waiting game.

[pwiswell]

Raz and Ziggy- you are both in my prayers. I too am new to this forum, but not new to the cancer scene. I'm sure you will both do well with the current treatment options. Herceptin has proven to be beneficial. It kept my mets at bay for three years before it stopped working. I am now on another drug that is keeping it under control. You will both be fine and you are in the right place for support. I have only been around here for a few weeks and I have already learned so much. Keep the faith. I recently had the opportunity to listen to an inspirational speech by a couple of ladies who run the "Trust Your Journey" site. I have a T-shirt of theirs that says "If you can change for thoughts, you can change your world." Stay positive and treat every day like a new beginning.

[Raz]

Got my results. No cancer in my lymph nodes. Woo hoo!

However my treatment changed from chemo and radiation to just radiation

Seems odd.
Did anyone's treatment plan change post lumectomy?

['lizbeth]

Raz,

I checked the NCCN guidelines for breast cancer. Since you are lucky to have discovered Stage I cancer before it spread to the nodes the standard of care is radiation only, unless you fall into a high genetic/familial risk.

Have you done the genetic testing for BRCA 1, BRCA2 or BART?

Early stage - I would expect some studies or current clinical trials on Herceptin. You might want to explore more information on that.

[Raz]

Thank you for your response.
I take the Brca test on Monday.
I think this will help with my decisions.

Learning to live in the moment. Perhaps this is my lesson.

['lizbeth]

Raz,

It sounds like you are making good decisions based on exploring all the information you can find about your cancer.

Good luck with the BRCA test - hoping it comes back negative!

I'm not a big fan of chemotherapy, but I am of targeted therapies such as Herceptin, Tykerb, etc.

There was a study or two about 9 weeks of Herceptin instead of an entire year. I would consider using Herceptin or a cancer vaccine in a clinical trial - if you can.

[Raz]

My treatment will include chem and herceptin I chose the chemo because I do not feel there is much difference between .4 and.5 cm. I'm gonna kill this $)&@/?! Cancer.
Radiation and hormones gives me an 88 % chance of no recurrence. However the her2neu may still be in the bloodstream. It came from somewhere and since I don't know where I am going to attack it with chemo and herceptin. This give me a 94% chance of it not returning to my body. I wasn't always an A student but it is time to get better grades.

Also when I asked the oncologist to put her sister in my place she said she would recommend chemo.
Thanks for listening and reading.

[laureen]

You can do this Raz. You are not alone. One thing to try to remember to allow yourself to feel. Feel any emotion that comes along, and know that they are all normal. Keep your chin up.

[Raz]

Hello,
Thanks Laureen. This forum is so helpful. Puts me at ease so i can get my head and emotions under control..

Curious about my lumpectomy. Why is the incision feeling so hard?
Did anyone else have this feeling?

[Jean]

Hi Raz,
More than likely that is scare tissue and healing forming form the lumpectomy....time in healing but have your dr. check the area to be sure.

Best wishes with your treatment...you were wise to check and move forward.

Kind Regards,
Jean

[lasarles]

Hello Raz, I was dx 3/20/12 age 44. Stage 1, Grade 3, 1 cm, node neg, er+ 90%, pr+ 90% her2+. I was first told radiation only then got results for her2+ which bought me 4 rnds TCH. I have finished Chemo, 30 rads, herceptin every 3 weeks, started tamoxifen 9/24 and feeling great. It all sucks but it's the hand I was dealt and I'm going to play it to win. My advice to you is do what they tell you to do from exercising your arm to using the creams and oils during and after radiation. Hang in there we're all in this together. It's the sisterhood none of us wanted to be a member of. Did you have a port put in?

[Raz]

Thanks everyone. I start chemo in a few weeks - 8 rounds.
My BRCA came back negative. That was a relief.

I'm worried about my heart and weight gain. So I am working out in preparation of chemo

[Pray]

Hang in there Raz, your doing great! Not everyone gains weight. I didn't gain any weight through out treatment or while on AIs. Take care and Gods blessings to you. Please know that you are in my prayers. Peace my friend. Nancy

[hestko76]

Hi Raz,
Your diagnosis is soooooo similar to mine. I had an 7 mm tumor, Stage 1, and no positive lymph nodes. I had a lumpectomy in November of 2011. My scar and area 1 inch around it is still hard. I've been told that is normal. I had 6 rounds of TCH, and 15 rounds of herceptin, so far. I get my last herceptin treatment on December 10.
You'll do fine...

[Raz]

Hello everyone,
I am starting to get really scared and nervous and wondering about my chemo decision. My chemo stars on 11/29. I will have 6 rounds every 21 days and the Herceptin to follow. My MUga test is next week along with my port insertion. This all seems so unreal.
Poisoning myself to heal myself all for a .4 cm invasive her2neu+++ tumor.
.4 cm is so f$&@ing small. Just needed to vent. Thanks for being here.

[NanaJoni]

Venting is good for you and this is the perfect place to do it. I think the waiting to start chemo is the worst time - it's fear of the unknown but once it gets going you'll feel more like the fighter you are. And remember, cancer grows if it's left alone so that tiny tumor would eventually be the beast that could do you great harm. Best to kick it's tiny little ass now. Ports are wonderful and only a little nuisance. Keep coming back and venting whenever you feel like it. And keep letting us know how you are doing.

[hestko76]

Hi Raz,
My lumpectomy scar is still very hard, and I had my surgery on 11-18-11. I go back to the breast surgeon on Monday. I plan to ask if that is normal. If I find out any earth-shattering news, I'll share it with you. Don't stress too much about the TCH. It will be ok..... just take a deep breath!

[Raz]

Well I had my first chemo today. I am recovering at home and seem to be fine aside from some heartburn. I am so happy that I took all of this advice from this forum with me. It was extremely helpful. I know it may get worse but I'm trying to live each day at a time. Thank you ladies.

[lasarles]

So glad to hear it Raz...now we begin the countdown. Tell your Dr about the heartburn...I went for quite sometime before saying anything and what a relief when I started taking something. Hang in there. 1 down girlfriend...Woohoo!!

[lasarles]

Hey Raz...just checking on you. Let me know how you're doing when you feel up to it.

[Raz]

Ladies,

This is rough. I am on day 5 post chemo round 1 and still feel really weak.
I was hoping to get back to work but I can't seem to pull it together.
Luckily i can work from home. Yikes. This is so hard.
For someone who rarely gets sick this is quite the challenge.

[NanaJoni]

Raz - chemo is rough and it's not surprising that you still feel weak. For me it usually took at least a week after a treatment to start feeling very gradually better each day until I felt almost good again-just in time for the next treatment. You will discover that your body is in charge now and you'll be pretty limited in energy for the time you are doing chemo. I felt better if I did just the mildest form of physical activity - walking around the house 3 or 4 times, sometimes 5 minutes on the recumbent bike but sometimes I couldn't even manage that. Just don't overdo because your reserves are just not going to be the same as before you started chemo. And let the people around you do as much as possible so you can save your energy for things you want to do. Working from home is such a great option and will help you both physically and mentally. The one thing cancer and chemo taught me is patience (which I had little of before). I would have preferred to learn it another way but, hey, my husband says it's a real improvement so I guess that's a good thing. Hope each day will be better.

[twosenuf99]

Welcome Raz and Zingy. The ladies here make the breast cancer journey less stressful. You are both in my prayers.

[BonnieR]

Joni pretty much said it all. Chemo can be rough but keep your eye on the prize! I remember days I could barely walk the dog to the corner and back. But we got through it and so will you. Keep the faith

[Lien]

Hi Raz,

I had a similar diagnosis almost 9 years ago now. I only did rads, followed by hormonal therapy at my own request. My children were 3, 7, 11 and 15 at the time and I just wanted to make as sure as humanly possible to do everything I could to be there while they were growing up. I never did herceptin. I did ask my doc about it, and he said the side effects were not worth the risk reduction in my case. At the time Herceptin was not commonly used in the Netherlands, where I live, so I trusted my doc and my still being here proves that at least some of us can do without it.

There has been some research on Herceptin for very early stage Her2 positive disease and it seems to improve one's chances. So that might be something to discuss with your medical team.

I was very concerned about the lumpectomy too, as it would be my first surgery. I recoverd quickly and barely needed the painkillers I was offered. I did develop and abcess at the lymph node resection scar a few weeks after surgery, but that's probably due to the fact that I have lots of allergies. I think my body reacted to the stitches. Actually, the abcess was much more painfull than the surgery.

You have an excellent prognosis and it sounds as if you are doing everything right. You got a second opinion, you follow medical advice, you eat well. Now if you make sure you get enough sleep and exercise regularly you will most likely be fine.

Jacqueline

[lasarles]

Hi Raz, I completely sympathize and understand how you are feeling...was there not too long ago. I was so weak that I could barely get up to go to the bathroom, let alone anything else. I cried and told my husband that I didnt think I could do this. I remembered my oncologist guaranteeing me that I would go through it with little difficulty, but to allow him 1 treatment so he would know how to adjust the dosages. He made some changes to 2nd treatment and it made a huge difference. I was still weak (it was still chemo) but much more tolerable. I personally think he hit me hard the first round to see if I could take it. The saying is "they try to kill you before making you better". Luckily I only had 4 treatments, I see you are having 6...not sure why as my tumor was a little bigger. I am now on Herceptin alone and have hardly no side effects. It will get better and I am here to help you through it however I can. Stay in touch.

[jaykay]

Hey Raz,

I also started chemo on 11/29, same protocol as you (TCHx6, H for 1 year every 3 weeks).

This is my 2nd time with the beast but first with chemo. I hate to complain since there are others who are far worse off then me - but I didn't think I wouldn't feel like myself this soon.

I'm also lucky enough to work at home and am also experiencing the "weak" feeling. But someone's got to walk the dog!.

Hang in there, we'll both make it. 1 down, 5 to go

Janis

[Cathya]

Raz;

I also had a lumpectomy and my tumor was 3 cm with negative node involvement. On my first visit to my oncologist he pulled out a printed sheet that seemed to prove that radiation alone was sufficient treatment for my situation. Having a microbiology degree (very old but still....) I was not comfortable with this but before I could state my case he found on physical exam a tumor in my supraclavicular node. Everything changed and I then received chemo, radiation...and this was before I was tested for her2. My point is that I believe everyone who is her2+ should have chemo as this type of cancer is sneaky, aggressive and likes to travel. I would get a second opinion or insist on chemo. It's not that bad really and I think it's better to give it all in the first go around. My very best to you.

Cathy

[Raz]

Hi ladies. How are ou all doing?
I just had chemo 5 and it is rough. Only one more to go.

However # 5 is a ough one for some reason.
Any advice?

[jaykay]

I just finished chemo 5 this past Thursday (2/21). 3rd was the worst for me, 4th & 5th dosage reduced due to very nasty side effects.

But every round brings something new, doesn't it? The gift that keeps on giving.

I'd call you doctor or nurse if it is really rough for you this time.

Sorry I can't offer any advice, just one more to go.

Janis

[BonnieR]

Raz, one reason it's rough is because it is cumulative. At least for me, each time was worse than the prior one. But you are doing it!! One more to go. What an accomplishment! And do report side effects because adjustments can be made and treatment offered. But most important, your are coming out on the other side! Keep the faith

[Jackie07]

Raz,

Try walking 30 minutes a day. It does wonders.

I know... It seems impossible when you are already feeling weak. But exercise not only strenthens our muscles, build up our bones, it also help release endorphin from our brain.

Sending you good vibes. Hang in there. You are almost there!

[greenacres]

It looks as thought my diagnosis back in December 2009 is/was exactly as yours and I had chemo, radiation, lumpectomy, Herception, the whole ball of wax and I was also Grade 3 and also had some "DCIS" in there as well and no spread to my lymph nodes. By now you've already begun treatment and I hope you are doing well! Sorry to hear of your diagnosis. Be strong, you can get through this, I did! :) My checkup is tomorrow with bilateral MRI of the breasts and then thur checkup with bloodwork and results of MRI with oncologist. GOOD LUCK!

[Raz]

Ladies,
Thank you for reading and writing. I finished my last chemo with your help and support.
Now I have radiation for a month and Herceptin until the end of the year.

I feel more like a chemo survivor than a cancer survivor.
All down hill from here. I hope.
Robyn

['lizbeth]

Robyn,

Exactly the cure is worse than the cancer, eh?

So glad you finished with chemo. Radiation might be a bit of a challenge, but Herceptin is usually not bad at all.

Doing good, smooth sailing for you!

[jaykay]

Hi Robyn,

I think we're on the same schedule. I finished my last chemo on March 14th and start radiation on April 8th for 28x.

I feel exactly the same as you - survived the chemo. Wish the side effects would disappear, too. In time...

Best

Janis

[Raz]

Hello Ladies,
Just checking in. How is everyone doing?

I'm on day 14 of 20 of my rads. Starting to get some redness and itchy but it is bearable.
The only issue I'm having is joint pain in hands feet and hips.
I think it is from herceptin. I still get that every three weeks.

Hope everyone is doing well
RAZ

[Pray]

Glad to hear your rolling along. welcome back. Your doing great. Gods blessings to you, keep up the good fight.

[jaykay]

Hi Robyn,

Glad to hear you are doing well. I just finished #27 out of 28 rads but I think my ro is going to have me do 2 more (just for the hell of it!) to bring me to 30. That is assuming my skin doesn't get any worse over the weekend. What's 2 more days in the grand scheme of things?

My really important question is: Where are my eyebrows? ;-) I didn't lose brows and lashes during chemo but they did thin. They have gotten thinner since completing chemo over the past 2 months. I'm really no good with a pencil. Hate to complain over a minor thing like that, but...

Other than that, hair is growing (never fast enough), stamina is back and I do feel like me before chemo. A little neuropathy in my fingers but Vit B6 has been helping. Have had my herceptin infusions and don't seem to be having any ill effects (probably just jinxed myself)

Glad you are doing well and have a great weekend

Best

Janis

[SusanN]

Hi Raz!

Yes, when I learned of my diagnosis, I was beyond overwhelmed as you are!! However, I was so very fortunate to have found this group of inspirational, positive, knowledgeable, group of women who are here to support and encourage me!!! You have found that, too!!

Keep your chin up with a positive attitude!! I'm doing this, so I know you can!! I've just begun my journey...it is my hope that one day this will be my "Test"imony!! Sending prayers your way!!

[SusanN]

Janis...I haven't lost my eyebrows or lashes yet...going on my 3rd treatment tomorrow...wondering if I'll keep them...???

Hope all of you beautiful gals are well...my son is graduating next Sat...BEEN CRAZY BUSY!!!!

[Pray]

I say run with every piece of good news. You and zyingy are doing great gods blessing to you both!