A visual representation of the journey, showing key events and milestones from diagnosis through treatment.
Surgery on 30 May — therapeutic mammoplasty and axillary clearance after months of chemo. Histology confirms a pathological complete response (pCR): no residual invasive cancer in the breast, 0/31 lymph nodes positive. One small finding at an inner margin is being double-checked with extra lab stains; it is not counted as residual disease and sits with clear space from the edge.
Read more →After months of treatment (EC then weekly Taxol) alongside Phesgo, imaging now shows very little enhancement where the cancer was, and previously abnormal lymph nodes look normal. With a good response and reassuring heart checks, the next step is surgery in May.
Read more →A follow-up with the breast surgeon confirmed a mid-chemo response on ultrasound, discussed aiming for breast-conserving surgery if feasible, and made it clear that an axillary clearance will be needed because of the extent of node involvement at diagnosis.
Read more →A new chapter of treatment begins: Phesgo (HER2-targeted therapy) starts, alongside the move into weekly chemo. Different rhythm, different side effects, same goal — maximum response before surgery.
Read more →After EC, the next phase is weekly Taxol (paclitaxel), alongside HER2-targeted therapy (Phesgo). This page explains what a typical weekly Taxol appointment involves and what it’s trying to do before surgery.
Read more →A mid-treatment ultrasound showed the main breast lesion and the marked axillary lymph node were smaller again, with no other abnormal axillary nodes seen. The radiologist’s conclusion: a small further response to treatment.
Read more →Four cycles of dose-dense EC are done. It’s a quiet but huge marker in the middle of treatment — the first phase completed, before moving on to weekly Taxol and continuing HER2 therapy.
Read more →Specialist neck ultrasound to investigate PET/CT findings - one tiny node that might not even be involved, everything else completely clear
Read more →The first phase of chemo: dose-dense EC (epirubicin + cyclophosphamide) every two weeks. Here’s what a typical EC cycle involves, why it’s given first, and what it’s trying to achieve before moving on to weekly Taxol.
Read more →With cardiac clearance received, the complete treatment roadmap is finalized. Genetics testing initiated. Consent forms ready to sign. After weeks of preparation, assessment, and planning, treatment is ready to commence with a clear path to pCR.
Read more →Six days of cardiac testing and anxiety. From coronary calcification concerns to discovering excellent heart function. The relief of receiving clearance to proceed with the preferred chemotherapy regimen.
Read more →PET/CT scan reveals no distant disease - cancer is localized (huge relief!). Meeting the oncologist at Royal Marsden, receiving the treatment plan with pCR as the goal. But an unexpected finding on the PET/CT leads to an urgent cardiac referral and a pause before treatment can begin.
Read more →A week after the diagnostic tests, all results are in: HER2-positive invasive ductal carcinoma with lymph node involvement. The surgeon presents the complete diagnostic picture and outlines the NACT strategy with a clear goal - pathological Complete Response.
Read more →First consultation with the surgeon on Friday afternoon, followed by whirlwind of diagnostic imaging - mammogram, ultrasound, core biopsies. MRI scan the following week completes the picture. From reassuring examination to mounting concerns.
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