Nikki Williams – Trustee

DIAGNOSIS: ER/PR+ Her2- 

My cancer journey began in May 2017 when I was diagnosed with ER/PR+ Her2- Invasive ductal carcinoma. My treatment then consisted of wide local excision of the breast, radiotherapy and Tamoxifen for 5 years. Unfortunately, in May 2021 almost 4 years to the date of my primary diagnosis I was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer. 

An MRI scan showed that what I thought was back pain was in fact spinal cord compression caused by a spinal tumour. This was later confirmed that the breast cancer had returned and was indeed the tumour causing the compression. I had emergency spinal surgery to release the cord compression and stabilise my spine. Following recovery of this surgery I then received palliative radiotherapy. 

I was then commenced on my current line of treatment which I receive at the satellite clinic at my local hospital. My treatment consists of Goserelin, an implant delivered via wide bore injection into my stomach, which I receive every 4 weeks. This shuts down my ovaries and puts me into a medical menopause with immediate effect and keeps my ovaries asleep. Therefore, reducing the oestrogen levels that feed my form of cancer. (No HRT for me). 

Along with this I also take an aromatose inhibitor Letrozole, a tablet one a day. This is a hormone drug that prevents oestrogen production within the body, therefore less oestrogen to help the cancer cells grow. 

I also take Palbociclib a tablet once, every day for 3 weeks. I then have a week off before then having my bloods checked and if all is ok, I take them again for another 3 weeks and so on. Palbociclib is an anti-cancer drug. It works by slowing the progression of cancer cells but also normal healthy cells, which can have serious side effects. This is why it is important to have my bloods checked as it lowers neutrophil count and platelets. Making you prone to infections, neutropenic sepsis and bleeding. Palbociclib and Letrozole work well together and are known as an Endocrine Therapy. 

In order to protect my bones from osteoporosis I then also receive Denosumab via injection every 4 weeks alongside my Goserelin injection. Denosumab is a monoclonal antibody that reduces bone resorption (destruction of bone tissue that promotes bone loss).

I have scans 3-4 monthly and see my oncologist following each of these for results and follow up. I also have access to a metastatic breast care nurse in the Main Oncology hospital who I can message or ring with any concerns anytime.

If you have this ER/PR+ Her2- please feel free to contact me via our Facebook support group