Hi I'm new

[tammymarie]

Hi Everyone, I am a 34 year old mother of 4 children ages 11-3 and a wife of 14 yrs. I was dx'd with breast cancer in Dec'01 while pregnant with #4. I had a mast. and AC chemo and radiation. Last summer I had surgery to remove a tumor from my liver (a recurrence) I also had 6 rounds of herceptin and taxol. This past spring I was told there is cancer in my spine and pelvis. I have changed oncs and I am know on Zometa and herceptin every 3 weeks.
Anyway I wholly believe that God has all things in his control, however I am trying to pray Thy will be done and yet... please let me raise my kids!!! Anyway I just wanted to tell you all I've been reading many posts and I love the support around here.
Also does anyone know if you can be in a clinical trial in the US even if you're in Canada. I am in British Columbia, about 50km east of Vancouver.
Thank you,
Tammy

[al from canada]

Dear Tammy,

Welcome to the board aalthough you probably wish you had never had to look for us! You will find the information and people on this site second to none!

The answer to your question is YES.

My wife is being considered for a clinical trial in Seattle and we live in Ontario. Another one of our members, Celina; has a sister who travels to Boston and they live in Ottawa. You live just across the straight from one of the best centres in N.A., University of Washington.
I wouldn't ever hesitate to be in touch with a U.S. facility for a trial because of the $$$ they invest in research and number of trials. Sorry, but although our health care system is free, it really can't compete.
Regards and good luck,
Al

[jjfromcanada]

Welcome from another Canadian.

Be sure to check out trials in Canada too. www.ctg.queensu.ca/trials lists all by type of cancer.

Also Dr Karen Gelmon at BCCA at the Vancouver Cancer Centre (604 877-6000 X2045) is one of the best oncs in Canada. She is involved in many trials. You might try to get an appointment with her just to find out what's going on.

Your BC Cancer Agency has one of the best records in Canada. They spend more money per patient than any other province.

And Al, have you looked at your latest tax statement and the latest provincial and federal budgets, it ain't free.

[Lolly]

Tammy, you're so welcome here! But, sorry about the circumstances that bring you to us. It just makes me so mad when someone as young as you with a young family has this come on them, but such is life; these "accidents" come along and we have to use all our God-given tools to survive. Hang in there, and keep us posted :)

<3,
Lolly