Show them the "bruise", mine started out as a short line, but grew- and the area was achy. The nurses said mine was possibly (likely) from the Taxotere. They had to inject lower than that site for the second round. It happened again, but was more circular, and again with the third round. After my fourth round- I got the port. Should they recommend a port, having done it both ways, the port was worth the discomfort of having it placed, especially since I am HER2+ and had a year of infusions to do.

I did the mastectomy, and I agree, more discomfort at the site of lymph node removal! I saw where you said you were Triple Negative, a lot of times they will give TN patients both the hormone positive and Her2+ protocols. But they can now test and determine if the HER2+ is low- so that might be the difference. Wishing you all the best with your protocols! Hugs!

I looked up Herceptin: Herceptin (chemical name: trastuzumab) is a HER2 inhibitor targeted therapy. Herceptin works against HER2-positive breast cancers by blocking the ability of the cancer cells to receive chemical signals that tell the cells to grow.

I looks like that they use that one for HER2 positive. I am HER2 negative. So that might be why too.
My info was stage 1; grade 2; and 1.2 centemeters and triple negative. I had no lymph node involvement either. However, the sentinel node removal hurt a lot more than the lumpetomy.

Yes, ask about your infusion schedule. You did not list Herceptin (or biosimilar) so they may not be using it for you, so maybe- fingers crossed- your 4 infusions will be all you have to do! Hugs!

Since I was told I could do the arm instead of port I was happy. I saw a lot of people complaining about the port. I am HER2- (triple negative). I am not 100% sure about the total process. I was told 4 treatments and then radiation and at Mayo the person who called me told me I could do radiation there for 5 days only. I didn't need the 15 over 3 weeks. I live 3 hours from location. I wasn't told about any other infusions from oncologist. I will ask next week.

Again, the area doesn't hurt, not hot, just a little weird oval area. Because office is cold, I do have it covered and put some gauze over it with a strip of paper tape that I got for the surgery so it won't pull the skin or tear the hair out.

Just didn't need anyone seeing it and asking questions. I have kept my treatment to myself and few close friends. I am self employed and work on people's finances. I have been careful about not too many appointments and I figured I could ask to do by phone if I am feeling off or change it to another date. With the three week program, seems like the middle of the 2nd week and 3rd week are good, then....yikes, back to another treatment....

Thank you reaching out. I truly appreciate it.