just starting

Hello anyone out there...
Im one of the newbies that has HER2+3 recurrance, but
not distant organ mets.....so here we go tomorrow..
not sure what to expect, so let me know how you all fared..
did you get that flu like syndrome??
Thanks, Nancy Love

[StephN]

Hi Nancy -
You will be glad you found this site.
What is happening? A local recurrence?
Are you having surgery, chemo or what?
Flu-like symptoms can come from a range of reasons, even just the dread of going through the whole routine all over again!
Here's hoping all goes very well for you.

HI Steph,
Im trying to figure out this site, it is very differnet. Thanks for writing,
only you did out of 131 people looking at it!
hmmmmmmmmm??
Anyways, thanks so much. Very kind of YOU!
I am fighting now cancer #2. Original Dx was Dec 2003 when
I was also Her2+ but Herceptin wasnt approved becuz i was in
early stages. infiltrative intraductal ca with 3 lymph involved. Had
a mascectomy and then chemo for 6 months. I also had reconstruction
which was finished last Dec 2004. Then this April I found a lump on
the margin on my reconstruction which was again the BEAST....so
here we go again. I just had a lumpectomy and will begin radiation
and Herceptin and then chemo. Had a port installed ...they were going
to start today but decided port needed more healing time.
Im 46, and married only one year to the best guy in the world.

Nancy
I also had a recurrence after reconstruction...well actually in the middle of it...I was then placed on Herceptin...like you I did not qualify for it on original diagnosis which for me was 2/2002. My recurrence was 9/2003. I have been on Herceptin ever since, and the only time i had flu like symptoms, (fever and aches) was the first time when I got the loading dose. Nothing ever since. My recurrence was to the nodes in the neck.
Welcome to this site....there is a world of wisdom here and many supportive shoulders to lean on...we are all fighting this together, and with each others help we can beat it! Feel free to ask anyone anything here...it truly is a sisterhood.
Hugs
Sheila

Nancy
By the way, great photo...it helps to put a face with a name...by the way, I am 53, was 50 when diagnosed..
Sheila

Hi Nancy!
Welcome to our site; you will be glad you found it! I too had flu like symptoms...mostly achy joints and a cough...low grade fever like; I like to think it is the herceptin hard at work...your picture is wonderful; I love to attach a name to a face and you and your husband both look like you are filled with gladness in spite of your trouble.
Love Kim from CT

[StephN]

It probably is a wise decision to let the port aea heal some, as you do not need any infections at this point.
You can get Herceptin in a vein in your arm, so this could begin any time.
What chemo will you be getting?

I have been on Herceptin (3-week dose) alone for three years now since beating my liver mets. I should correct that to say that I also get Zometa every 6 weeks. These drugs are keeping me disease free and so you see that many of us here have successfully fought off distant mets and are doing well maintained on Herceptin.

The only sign I notice that I have had Herceptin is that night I feel a little tired and may go to bed a little earlier. Otherwise no other side effects.

You will do well, I am sure. Keep asking any question that crosses your mind. Knowledge is Power!