| My story is probably not unlike many others. I was 43 years old when I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. I found a lump in my right breast - it seemed that all of a sudden it was just there. I couldn't understand how I had never felt it before. Had never had a mammogram as there is no history of BC in my family. My doctor sent me for a mammogram, ultrasound and needle biopsy. Biopsy actually came back negative, however when my doctor saw my mammogram, he knew it was definitely NOT normal. From there, I went to a surgeon who decided I should have a lumpectomy, then the mass would be sent off for biopsy. Result of biopsy was breast cancer - what a shock - I thought I was too young to have breast cancer, plus I don't smoke, and I am a pretty healthy person otherwise. My surgeon gave me no choice other than to have a mastectomy of the right breast. He knew that I had an aggressive form of cancer and he felt it may have even already spread beyond the breast. I had the mastectomy, and 12 lymph nodes removed. Results were 4 of the 12 nodes were positive for cancer and I also found out I was HER 2 positive. Did 6 rounds of chemo - 3 of FEC and 3 of Taxotere (taxotere was brutal - major muscle and bone pain), then after that, 5 weeks of radiation - I just finished radiation 2 days before Christmas. I also started HERCEPTIN along with my last 2 doses of chemo. I have had 5 Herceptin treatments so far, but had to go off for a bit as it was affecting my heart function. My last MUGA scan showed a decrease from 59% to 49%. I go for another MUGA next week, and am hoping my percentage goes back up, then I can go back on Herceptin. I am feeling quite good despite everything that I've gone through - and I'm hoping to be going back to work in the next couple of weeks. I've tried to stay positive throughout this experience - some days I can do it - but I've also had some pretty dark days. My husband has been so supportive, especially when I was having one of those bad days. I also have 3 children, aged 21, 18 and 14. I was happy to find this support site for HER 2 positive women. |