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hermiracles
12-12-2007, 06:12 AM
Hello friends ~ well I am home from Sydney where I got my 2nd opinion from a wonderful female oncologist! I'm feeling so much more positive and able to really tackle this illness in a much more positive way.

Is it just me or is it true that men are just not good communicators? (My Anthony says not all men! Ok..ok..)

Not that she told me anything particularly different from my Onc here its just that she explained it in a way that made sense to me and she also reassurred me that this local Onc is actually a very good Doc and my treatment is right on track - so that is reassuring!

Interesting it came out that she would have given me chemotherapy back in 2003 when I was diagnosed with DCIS.. as there was some indication that there was an invasive component then.... not that I really understood any of that at the time http://her2support.org/vbulletin/images/icons/icon9.gif.... hmmmm... long story but I guess you can't change the past:-(( (getting much more educated now!)...

Anyways she reckons I could have another go at the Herceptin (with slower infusion and adequate pre-med to prevent reaction) - which I'm happy about.

But the next step is starting tomorrow - 5 days of radiotherapy to my R/hip where they found the cancerous cells. Im hoping they maybe able to also zap my spine because I am concerned about the 2 "spots" they found on my spine... in the back of my mind Im worried about breaking my spine and I would like to be able to pick up my bubbas without worrying about that. At the moment I can't pick them up at all - which is distressing to me.http://her2support.org/vbulletin/images/icons/icon9.gif

In terms of "prognosis" (that horrible word)... she said 'yes... that is true for women with metastatic bc it is usually 18mths to 2 yrs but she said that is a median estimate and I need to aim be in the 50% of women who are still around in 2yrs time.... well I hope to be around a lot longer than that!! (and I hope lots more of us are too!!) Though I've got no idea how to achieve that goal anyway... accepting treatment, educating myself, coming here for education and support, looking after myself as best I can????

Well it's getting late now ~ I'm very tired, sorry if this is a bit garbled...hubby and bubbas are all in bed sleeping http://her2support.org/vbulletin/images/icons/icon7.gif ~ I better take myself off there.

Thought I'd send you all an angel: http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a335/Miryyal/Twins/Twins%208mths/Angel.jpg My Sissygirl ~ Meyah May ~ gorgeous eh?

Blessings all
Hermiracles

MJo
12-12-2007, 06:55 AM
Beautiful, beautiful babies. I'm jealous. Like I said to someone else, an aggressive oncologist and a warrior, knowledgable patient are a great combination. May you live to see your children and grandchildren drive you crazy.

hermiracles
12-12-2007, 07:07 AM
Oh! lol! MJo ~ that is so sweet! Thank you!http://her2support.org/vbulletin/images/icons/icon7.gif
Blessings
Hermiracles

tousled1
12-12-2007, 07:33 AM
Absolutely beautiful babies! I'm glad you feel better after your second opinion. Most importantly she agreed with the treatment you are receiving. You have those beautiful babies to fight for so hang in there. You'[re in my prayers.

hermiracles
12-12-2007, 07:38 AM
Thanks Kate. You're a sweetheart!
Blessings
Hermiracles

Colleen007
12-13-2007, 10:45 AM
Hi there,

I was diagnosed as stage 4 about 6 weeks after my initial diagnosis. It was in my bones and liver. I'll also add that I was pregnant with my daughter at the time of my diagnosis, and she just turned 2 at the end of October. So...pay no attention to that statistic of 18 months - 2 years. I am now past the 2 year mark of living with Stage 4 and I'm still going strong (still on chemo, but going strong nonetheless). I am glad to hear that everyone is on board with your treatment plan, and I wil hope with all my heart that you turn into a long term stage 4 survivor so that you can watch those beautiful babies grow up!

Emelie
12-13-2007, 11:05 AM
Glad to hear that everything is "on track" treatment wise. As other's have said, pay no attention to statistics. We are not numbers, and we all have our own special reasons for fighting and winning this battle. The girls are beautiful and I know they fill your heart with love, laughter, and thoughts of the future. My girls do too.
Hope all goes well with next H treatment.
Have a great Holiday and enjoy every moment!
Emelie

Becca
12-13-2007, 03:58 PM
Glad you have had a second opinion. Now you have more confidence in your regular onc and your treatment plan. That must help you mentally. You have faced a lot in a short time period, hope it is easier on you now. Best wishes for lots of fun this holiday with those sweet babies.

dhealey
12-13-2007, 05:29 PM
Gorgeous babies! So glad you got a second opinion. I agree we are not just numbers, we are people and we all respond differently. Some have a stronger survival sense then others also. You keep on believing in hope and you will be here a long time.

hermiracles
12-19-2007, 02:28 AM
Thanks ladies.. so much for your encouragement and support - it really makes a difference.

I have just returned from Brisbane where I had 4 doses of radiotherapy to both my spine and my right hip/femur. Still on a bit of an emotional roller-coaster - as you can imagine. Seem to switch quickly to feeling hopeful to feeling despondent. Think Im still in shock really.. and I guess it should settle down as my acceptance grows. Im glad hubby and the bubs were able to be there with me and had a go at having a little holiday.

See the local Onc tomorrow to see what the next step is. Getting close to Xmas eh? Hope we all can have a peaceful one with lots of love and some hope and joy.

Thanks so much for sharing your experience strength and hope.

Blessings all
Hermiracles
PS I almost forgot to tell the GOOD news - Doc reckons its OK to pick up my bubbas now - so starting to feel more confident looking after them again. http://her2support.org/vbulletin/images/icons/icon7.gif http://her2support.org/vbulletin/images/icons/icon7.gif

Jean
12-19-2007, 07:36 AM
Glad to hear your news...you will be picking up those cutie beautie's
very soon.

Best Wishes,
Jean

MJo
12-19-2007, 09:29 AM
A thousand Christmas blessings to you and yours, and a healthy, prosperous and happy New Year. Your job is to beat this disease!

caya
12-19-2007, 10:57 AM
Enjoy those adorable "bubbas" Hermiracles. Glad you had the radiation - this is a great step in stopping the beast in its tracks.

Have a lovely Xmas with your family.

all the best
caya