It's official

her2 newBEE · 12-31-2011, 04:24 PM

Really sorry to hear about your situation, but as others have mentioned there are so many good treatment options for HER2+ breast cancer. And, while technically stage 4 is incurable, there is more advancement in HER2+ bc than any other population, increasingly HER2+ is moving into the realm of a chronic disease rather than a death sentence. Herceptin has really changed the prognosis of this disease.

One thing you might want to question your onc on is the addition of Carboplatin to the regimen. My wife was diagnosed Stage 4 about a year ago, and we had several oncologist suggest the "gain to pain" ratio is not all that favorable with the addition of Carboplatin. Plus, at Stage 4 this is marathon as opposed to a sprint, so considering the toxicity of each line of treatment is in order. Carboplatin at 1st line is probably debatable, but worthy of a discussion.

KsGal · 01-01-2012, 04:17 AM

I wasn't aware of the issue with the carboplatin, so I will ask him about it next time I see him. Thank you for that information.
Even though it is the first day of the new year, I am apparently in the middle of throwing my very own pity party. I have just been off all day. I start my treatment this upcoming week, and the thought just keeps going through my head that this might be the last few days I feel "normal" ever. EVER. And my negative throughts are just ruining everything. When midnight came and everyone celebrated, I was sitting thinking..I wonder if this is the last year I will see. I hate to even post this, as so many of you have fought so hard, and I just sound weak, but Im being honest. I had a really down day, apparently. Lots of hugs to everyone, and thank you for answering my questions.

michka · 01-01-2012, 05:10 AM

I just read your post and I want you to know I understand how you feel. But there are many many options for you and good stories. Try to only focus on those. I turned stage 4 last December and thought I would never have a normal Christmas or New Year anymore. I had a wonderful Christmas with my family and a nice New Year with some friends. I was really able to enjoy them although I know all this is fragile. So stay strong. One step at a time. If you don't feel well in your body or in your head come back to the forum. I hope the first treatments will go smooth for you. Give us news. Hugs, hugs, hugs. Michka