[Mtngrl]

Dear Grammy,

Welcome to the club no one wants to join. If you have to go through this, it's best not to do it alone. This group is extremely knowledgeable and supportive.

Most people do just fine on Herceptin. They hardly even notice it. It's not chemo, it's a "monoclonal antibody." HER-2 positive cancers make too many of a particular kind of protein. Herceptin goes right to those cells and helps your body's immune system eliminate them.

I always tell people what a friend told me when I was diagnosed, "Don't worry about anything until you have to." Worry doesn't actually do any good, so it's better to focus on what you can do and what you can control. Eat well. Take walks and enjoy the outdoors. Watch funny movies. Meditate. Pray, if you're a praying person.

Another friend recommended guided imagery. I got some for relaxation and wellness, chemotherapy, and "cancer," and found it very helpful. They were actually all pretty similar, so if I had it to do over I'd just get one.

All the best,
Amy