http://cancerconnection.ca/groups/breast_cancer_survivors/discussion/2012/01/13/wanting-to-her-from-women-who-are-her2-positive en-us Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:27:26 GMT http://cancerconnection.ca/groups/breast_cancer_survivors/discussion/2012/01/13/wanting-to-her-from-women-who-are-her2-positive?tr=175188#tr__175188 http://cancerconnection.ca/groups/breast_cancer_survivors/discussion/2012/01/13/wanting-to-her-from-women-who-are-her2-positive?tr=175188#tr__175188 I hear the fatigue is overwhelming. not looking for to that. ]]> Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:27:26 GMT chris42 http://cancerconnection.ca/groups/breast_cancer_survivors/discussion/2012/01/13/wanting-to-her-from-women-who-are-her2-positive?tr=175180#tr__175180 http://cancerconnection.ca/groups/breast_cancer_survivors/discussion/2012/01/13/wanting-to-her-from-women-who-are-her2-positive?tr=175180#tr__175180 I have had 6 cycles of chemo; then after a 6 week period to let me system recover a bit from the chemo, I started Herceptin. I have now had 3 threatments of that; those treatments will continue for one year, after which I'll be on Tamoxifen for 5 years.
 The chemo was hard, though I had little nausea. The biggest problem was guarding my immune system - for the 5th and 6th cycles of chemo, I had to self-inject Neupogen, as my white blood count was very low.  I also avoided crowded places, wore a mask when out, insisted that anyone with illness of any kind stay away from me.
The second issue during chemo was fatigue, which became progressively worse. The third was staying motivated to eat properly and to exercise.
For Herceptin, so far the only 'side effect' is frequent achy bones - The doctor told me to take tylenol for that, and that works.  As well, I have my heart output measured every 9 weeks.   So far so good.  I am gradually, slowly recovering my strength and beginning more serious exercise programs..
I hope your sister's journey with cancer will go well - One day at a time, and First Things First, it can be managed.

]]> Wed, 18 Jan 2012 14:32:08 GMT Flyingfree http://cancerconnection.ca/groups/breast_cancer_survivors/discussion/2012/01/13/wanting-to-her-from-women-who-are-her2-positive?tr=175051#tr__175051 http://cancerconnection.ca/groups/breast_cancer_survivors/discussion/2012/01/13/wanting-to-her-from-women-who-are-her2-positive?tr=175051#tr__175051
About the energy level and weight gain, it depends of the treatment you will get, (other than Herceptin) and remember that we all react differently.  Sides effects are often cummulative so there is usually more fatigue toward the end of treatments.

Your immune system will go down with the treatment, I suggest if you can take a leave from your work to do so - it would also you to keep your energy level for you and your family.  If you prefer to work, the day your blood count will be down you'll have to highly protect yourself with mask and gloves.

You'll have to be carefull at home tooh, CCS has good pamphlet with the care you have to do at home (washing fruits, door knot, etc).  You can find them here on their website.

About your hair, I suggest you to see for the LGFB workshop, they are pretty good.

Hope this help.
Suzanne]]> Tue, 17 Jan 2012 13:59:45 GMT SueCis http://cancerconnection.ca/groups/breast_cancer_survivors/discussion/2012/01/13/wanting-to-her-from-women-who-are-her2-positive?tr=175044#tr__175044 http://cancerconnection.ca/groups/breast_cancer_survivors/discussion/2012/01/13/wanting-to-her-from-women-who-are-her2-positive?tr=175044#tr__175044 Tue, 17 Jan 2012 13:26:13 GMT chris42 http://cancerconnection.ca/groups/breast_cancer_survivors/discussion/2012/01/13/wanting-to-her-from-women-who-are-her2-positive?tr=175042#tr__175042 http://cancerconnection.ca/groups/breast_cancer_survivors/discussion/2012/01/13/wanting-to-her-from-women-who-are-her2-positive?tr=175042#tr__175042
Herceptin is easily manage, and I heard Denosunab is a good trial to be on.  Being on a trial is already a good thing, they follow you pretty close.

What does the pathology report says after your mastectomies?  Did they took out nodes? 

Hope everything will go well next Thursday.  Bring water and light snack, a book, music, sudoku or cross words, even your laptop if you have one, to watch a movie.  Time will go faster :)

Suzanne]]> Tue, 17 Jan 2012 12:49:14 GMT SueCis http://cancerconnection.ca/groups/breast_cancer_survivors/discussion/2012/01/13/wanting-to-her-from-women-who-are-her2-positive?tr=174923#tr__174923 http://cancerconnection.ca/groups/breast_cancer_survivors/discussion/2012/01/13/wanting-to-her-from-women-who-are-her2-positive?tr=174923#tr__174923 Mon, 16 Jan 2012 13:59:51 GMT chris42 http://cancerconnection.ca/groups/breast_cancer_survivors/discussion/2012/01/13/wanting-to-her-from-women-who-are-her2-positive?tr=174922#tr__174922 http://cancerconnection.ca/groups/breast_cancer_survivors/discussion/2012/01/13/wanting-to-her-from-women-who-are-her2-positive?tr=174922#tr__174922 Suzanne]]> Mon, 16 Jan 2012 13:22:53 GMT SueCis