Sharing my Her2+ Breast Cancer Diagnosis Story at 35 years old

This March I found out that I have Breast Cancer, and today I go for my first round of chemo. In this video I discuss how we found out, some of the testing and appointments along the way to a treatment plan.

If you are looking for places to give in a meaningful way:

This website lists charitable organizations within Canada

and this link here brings your to charitable organizations in the US, to aid with the financial burden of facing breast cancer

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[josephinesealey]

Keep a positive attitude . I’m 72. I had the same type of cancer. I was misdiagnosed and I called the cancer center here in Florida. In 6 weeks it went from 0 to stage 3. I started my chemo in February I had my surgery in July 26. I am having radiation and targeted chemo now but I AM CANCER FREE based on the pathology results. You can conquer this. Keep your faith, keep exercising, reach out to all your friends for prayers and positive thoughts. Your family will be your pillar, hold on to God, he will send you all the angels you need as doctors, nurses and friends. You will look beautiful with no hair. Stay busy, listen to audiobooks and beautiful music and exercise when you can…. God bless you and lots of luck. ❤

[amaliefedor]

I was 32 when I was diagnosed with stage 3a breast cancer. Fortunately I had access to excellent care at Washington University at bjc in st louis. Mine was HER positive and I was one of the first recipients of herceptin. Cancer free at age 66. This will get better, trust your doctors!

[catkotaka]

In May I will be 13 years NED from Her 2+ breast cancer. No risk factors when I was diagnosed at age 39. I’ve had full genetic screening and no markers. Stay positive and keep fighting. We can and do survive this!

[debbieking]

Praying this will give some one here strength and hope. I too 16 years survivor Her2 positive. ❤❤❤❤

[janicenice]

Hi Sarah, firstly I’m sorry to hear of your diagnosis. I am a Triple Positive (ER/PR+ & HER2+) breast cancer survivor from 2016. I was 41 when I was diagnosed and your story sounded so much like mine. I too always had ‘fibrous’ breasts and they would often feel lumpy each month during my cycle. Any time I found something concerning, I’d get it checked out with my GP. I too live in Canada..BC to be exact. Each time I’d have my physical or if I was concerned about a lump, my GP would say it was nothing and it was normal fibrous tissue. Fast toward to Dec 2015 and it was a week before Christmas. I had found a harder pea sized lump in my left breast about a week prior and decided to get it checked. My GP was on a medical leave at the time so I saw a locum who was filling in for him. She did a full breast exam and had felt the lump that I found. She said she wasn’t concerned and that it felt like normal fibrous tissue. But to be thorough and to give me peace of mind, she said she would order an ultrasound. Because it was so close to Christmas, she thought it wouldn’t happen until January.. she told me not to worry, enjoy Christmas with my family and wait for the hospital to call. Fast forward to January 2016.. got a call for my ultrasound and went in to the hospital to have it done. During that appointment, the tech could palpate the lump but wasn’t able to pick it up on the ultrasound. So the radiologist indicated to her that a mammogram and biopsy would need to be done as a lump could be felt. I figured I’d have to schedule that appointment and it could be a bit of a wait as mammograms are booked a year in advance so wasn’t sure how long I’d wait. I knew it wouldn’t be a year, but thought it could be a few months wait. The ultrasound tech had me wait a few minutes while she checked on appointments. She came back a few minutes later and said someone didn’t show up for their mammogram and the radiologist said I could have it done right away and he would also do the biopsy right afterwards. That was unexpected but I was determined to stay and get it done. I was so nervous as I was alone, both my kids were at school and I was needing to arrange for someone else to pick them up. I had the mammogram done and like you, I was younger to get one done. Here in BC at the time it was age 50 to have a mammogram.. so I wouldn’t have normally had one done. So they did a lot of views on my left breast and then I waited a bit for the biopsy. Had the biopsy done and like you, it wasn’t fun. The radiologist took about 5 pieces using the ultrasound guided core needle- ouch! But he said he did get enough to send away. About a week later I found out it was definitely breast cancer- the tumour was mixed.. partly a mucinous tumour (which is less aggressive) and partly invasive ductal carcinoma. I was sent to a surgeon and a lumpectomy with a sentinel node dissection was scheduled. On Feb 16/2016 I had the lumpectomy and sentinel node dissection. The Dr thought that it would be quite easy- lump was only 4mmx5mm (about the size of the little nub that sticks up from a AA battery). They would remove the lump and maybe I’d need radiation at most. Well, that didn’t happen. He did the surgery and took 3cm of tissue (lump plus surrounding area) and then 3 lymph nodes from underneath my armpit. Pathology revealed he didn’t get clear margins, and all 3 nodes had cancer in them. It was revealed that it was both hormone receptor positive and HER2+ which made it more aggressive. The grade of the tumour was a 2/3 (scale is 1-3.. 1 being least aggressive, 3 being most aggressive). The brakes were slammed on and the surgeon immediately sent me for a CT & bone scan to check for metastasis. Thankfully, all came back clear except they noted a lesion on my liver they hadn’t seen before in past CT’s for unrelated issues. So I then had to go for a liver MRI to rule out metastatic disease. Thankfully that MRI came back indicating the lesion was benign and not breast cancer related. I was then sent to the BC Cancer agency in my city and was able to see my medical oncologist in March 2016. Because I was +++, and cancer was in my nodes, it was definitely chemo. I had a breast MRI done to see exactly what we were dealing with. I started chemo in March 2016- 6 rounds, 21 days apart. I was on a regimen of FEC for the first 3 rounds (Fluoricicil, Epirubicin & Cyclophosphamide). Then they stopped those drugs and I had Docetaxel and Herceptin (for HER2+) for rounds 4-6. I continued to have Herceptin for a year after my 6th round as I had to have 17 rounds in total. During rounds 4-6 I had to have a series of 3 injections each chemo round of a drug called Nupigen. This helped increase my neutrophils during those rounds. It caused awful bone pain but I was able to get narcotic pain relief for the few days each round that I needed it for. After chemo was complete, another breast MRI was done to check for response. Thankfully I had a great response but still had to have more surgery. The oncologist wanted to take the left breast only, but I opted to take both breasts as I didn’t want to run the risk of a new cancer coming on the right side. I’m a worrier and knew I’d worry all the time about cancer. If I could lessen the chance of recurrence or new cancer coming, I was going to do whatever I could. My girls at the time were 5 & 9 and I was 41. I was scared out of my mind but just kept putting one foot in front of the other. I finished chemo at the end of June 2016 and on July 27/2016 I had a bilateral mastectomy done. I needed to do radiation after that so couldn’t do reconstruction until waiting a year after radiation was completed. I healed from surgery for 6 weeks and then started radiation in September 2016. I went through 28 rounds of radiation. My radiation oncologist said he could do 16 full spectrum rounds of radiation or spread it out to save my skin- doing 28 less intense rounds which would equal 16 full rounds. This would help my skin if I chose down the road to do reconstruction. After radiation was complete, I had still been doing Herceptin every 21 days. I didn’t complete that targeted treatment until end of April 2017. In May 2017, I had my chest port removed (forgot to mention I had one placed after my first 2 rounds of chemotherapy- ask for one! It truly saved my veins! ) In November 2016, I started Tamoxifen which is a pill used to help prevent recurrence in ER/PR + breast cancers.. in pre-menopausal women. I have to be on it for 10 yrs based off of me being young at diagnosis.. and that it was aggressive. Next month in November it will mark 7 years taking the drug so only 3 more to go. 👍🏻 In January 2024, it will be 8 years since being diagnosed and I’m well. I opted not to do reconstructive surgery and stayed flat. After my bilateral mastectomy, I had about 65 staples across my chest. I had home care nurses come to change my dressings and monitor my 4 drains I had in. It was during that time I had discussions about reconstruction with them and asked what/if they dealt with ladies who had them. They said more women had complications than not.. a lot of complications! It also is never a ‘one and done’ surgery.. it’s a ‘many and maybe you’ll be done’ . I was so tired of being poked & prodded, just wanted to get back to living. It’s definitely a personal choice and there are pros/cons to choosing it. God is great and I’m thankful to be here today seeing my girls grow up. My oldest is 17 and graduating high school in June.. my youngest is 13 and she is in grade 8. The entire breast cancer journey was difficult to say the least, but taking things one day, even one moment at a time is key. Try not to look too far ahead as it can be very overwhelming. In no time, this all will be in your rear view mirror. ❤

[dianeb]

Hi Sara, I’m glad to have come upon your video! I had the same cancer but in my left breast, diagnosed March 2017 at age 55. The best advice a now cancer free friend said is, do what they tell you and, like climbing a mountain, don’t look at the top; only one step at a time, with your head up 😊 of course. Being a devout Catholic, I went to the foot of the cross. If Jesus can die on a cross, I can do this (but I did get very helpful sleep and anxiety meds). 😊 If you can, live each moment, live ‘in’ the moment, like the treasures they are. Love Diane

[Bizeknitting]

I’m so sorry you have to go through this, especially at a young age. I was so happy to see you saw what a gift Her2+ is because of the targeted treatment. I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Her2+ a year ago so Herceptin for life. I’m cancer free a year later and doing great! No evidence of cancer. A video like yours would have been so helpful to me a year ago. I will keep you in my thoughts. You are strong and you will come out stronger.

[jubygurl]

I am about 1 month out from a her2 + diagnosis ( March 18th). I just finished my 1st infusion and so far so good. I too find comfort in watching these types of videos. It makes me feel that I'm not alone. I hope you continue updating on your progress and success! I will feel like I have a friend on this journey with me.

[kathleenducharme]

This video provides a wonderful service to women. Your explanations were clear and educational! I am sure many women will be helped by your efforts of filming this. But, oh! My heart aches for you. I am sorry you have to go through this. Know prayers are being said for you and positives thoughts are going out into the universe. I had a similar diagnostic experience last year. You are so right about it being an incredibly lonely and scary time. Fortunately, I did not have a cancer diagnosis but had the exact feeling you did about having my breasts removed. Wishing you an uneventful, uncomplicated chemo course, an easy surgical experience and perfect health once you are past this health crisis. ❤

[kenna]

My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer 3 yrs ago, had surgery and radiation and has 2 more yrs of hormone therapy. The Cross Cancer Institute (Edmonton) was/is fantastic! Extremely supportive and did everything to make it at least a bit less lonely and isolating. At her first radiation treatment I was surprised to see a volunteer come by with a ‘fibre cart’ - literally a big cart filled with yarn, fibres and assorted knitting needles, crochet, tatting etc. I started a crochet blanket for her at her first appointment and was done by her last one. It will forever be her ‘breast cancer blanket’ and something we have both cried into and laughed over. I’ve been with her through all of it, every appointment and biopsy, and yes, those days in between do just seem to crawl in a weird time warp. I’m 42 now and just had an ‘abnormal’ mammogram and am being sent for further screening given the family history. Sharing your story is extremely valuable and your explanations exceptionally clear. Thank you!! ❤

[nathaliemessier]

Im a breast cancer survivor. I’m 57 years old and I had ER+ PR - HER2 positive cancer in 2021. I had both DCIS and invasive carcinoma from micro calcifications that showed up in my mammograms. No history of breast cancer in my family. The cancer was in my left breast and this all happened during Covid. I had a partial mastectomy in my left breast followed by chemotherapy about 4 months later. I’m on Anastrozole since the spring of 2022; still have another 3 years to go. I already was in menopause because of a total hysterectomy back in 2018 I had stage 0 ovarian cancer. So I’ve been cancer free for 2 years and being monitored regularly every 6 months. I’m in Quebec in Montreal so I totally understand what you’re going through with our medical system.
I’ll be following your videos to see how you’re feeling. One day at a time… take care of yourself ❤😊

[lillianbarker]

My experience was a lot like yours. People complain about the US system but I have good insurance and I had great care. They did their best to expedite the process. Everyone treated me with great care. My oncologist said that my chemotherapy would probably not cause hair loss but it did. Keep an adventurous attitude and keep knitting. I slept through my chemo summer as you may. We are so lucky! I’m grateful too. Her 2 treatment is very successful and it’s relatively new. 😊❤

[sfsusana]

I completely see myself in your story. The difference, my age, 51 years old, and I live in Portugal. The same diagnosis, Hers2 positive, at the same time of year. I had eight rounds of chemotherapy and last week I had surgery. It was a little tough but with a clear head and the love of the family we managed. Come to the next steps with all the courage and great gratitude for the exceptional support of my public health system. The affection and competence with which they treat me, I have no words to thank or describe. I hope everything goes well for you! A big hug! P.S. Sorry for my English, it's not my first language.

[vivianmichaelson]

I was ER/PR - HER 2 + also. Started Immunotherapy in October 2022; surgery(L total mastectomy with lymph nodes removed)in March 2023; after 6 weeks of healing I continued every three weeks with immunotherapy and just finished treatments November 2023. Cancer free 🎉. Hang in there. It is a climb to get to the other side. So glad to hear you have good support.

[CaptTP]

I let mine go too…for a whole year…same as you…lumpy fibrous breasts and finally had pain rolling over onto my breast which felt different and drove me to go see the doctor. I was 48 at time of diagnosis in 2013 and mammograms in Canada 11 years ago didn’t start til age 50. I had an ultra sound first and the technician said, YOU need a mammogram which I had same day! Then biopsy, then came the news from the surgeon who didn’t beat around the bush and said we don’t need to consult with oncology because we know it’s cancer, Stage 3, er, pr + AND Her 2+. I did chemo (red devil didn’t work for me), surgery, radiation, 1 year of herceptin chemo and 5 years tamoxifen. I had a bilateral mastectomy…I was scared and I didn’t want to take any chances and I’m still here! Thank you for sharing your story. I wish you all the best and just trust the process. That’s what I did and I’m grateful for our medical system.

[kmpage]

I'm new here. You have my thoughts and prayers. Great job! I used to take X-rays, so I know what you're talking about. Yes, don't look for Zebras, but when it rears up right in front of you, you have to see it. Thank goodness we have progressed so far in treatment. You will be there for your children. That's my silver lining for you. Stay strong and know that people are routing for you.

[maudeboggins]

Ma'am I take my hat off to you. you are so very very brave. I sincerely wish you many decades of health & happiness.

[amyfran]

Thank you so much for this. My oldest sister had breast cancer at 29. I found a lump last night. I called my gynecological surgeon and they scheduled me for a mammogram/US tomorrow. It’s in the same building as her office which is a cancer center, so they are experts at least. I am terrified and his has made me feel so much more prepared. I hope you are doing g well ❤

[woodwormweasel]

Thank you for sharing this. I recently got diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer at 36. The diagnosis took a while and I was told not to worry about the tumor since cancer at my age is very improbable. You are taking this news much better then I did. I'll follow to see how it goes for you, it does provide a sense of comfort of sorts, that Im not alone in this predicament.

Wishing you all the best from Poland.

[Ceerads]

Thank you for this excellent video. I was dx in 1999 at age 51 with triple-positive, stage I, grades 2-3 breast cancer. Mixed DCIS, IDC, and lobular. I was tested for BRCA1 and -2 because of my ethnicity, and I don’t have either gene mutation. Treated at MSK. Had lumpectomy, four A/Cs, radiotherapy, Tamoxifen and then Letrozole. No Herceptin, as back then MSK was giving Herceptin to only metastatic patients. I’ve been okay so far. I wish you all the best, and I look forward to seeing your ensuing videos. Btw, I have Canada-envy, especially now, with such an important presidential election coming up. Blue!