NO node, is GOOD node!
Hi Friends~
Just wanted to share some good, great, wonderful news...! 4 weeks ago my PET scans showed that after only 18 weeks on Halaven + Herceptin, the combo had stopped working, and my disease was progressing again - with a lesion in my R lung firing up and a large supraclavicular node growing by 50%, and I was starting to have GI symptoms again from the 2 lesions in my colon. So we switched to oral Cytoxan + Methotrexate. I could feel that the supraclav node was shrinking & the pinch in my lung disappear and some of my other symptoms lessen & resolve, but today we have confirmation! I went in for an US guided biopsy of the supraclav node, just to check that the receptor status hasn't changed, etc, and after 30mins of searching for the node via Ultrasound, they couldn't find anything! This once visible, easily palpable hard node has melted away! This is so, so, so encouraging because this response in the supraclav node must be an indication of how my disease is responding in the rest of my body. Oh what a relief! Now to try and get as much response out of this combo as possible for as loooong as possible! And ofcourse for the WBR to do it's job on the 8 spots in my brain. 13 down, 2 to go. I'll finish on Valentine's Day;) Successful treatment for anyone of us is a VICTORY for all of us! Keep the Faith~ Jessica Dx-5/17/02 - 33 yo; Stage IV L IDC w/single liver met 1) Herceptin + Navelbine x 8 weeks - No response; progress to innumerable,immeasureable liver mets 2) ISIS 2504 + Herceptin - 6 mos, partial response 3) Taxol + Herceptin x 13 weeks to NED! NED for 1 year 9/04 - Single liver lesion recurrence Taxol + Herceptin - on/off to beat back lesion 12/05 - R Hepatectomy; Liver NED until 2009 3/06- Local recurrence - Left breast, IDC & DCIS, but holding treatment while continue to heal from Hepatectomy. 12/06 - L mastectomy + reconstruction through 8/07 10/07 - Recurrence - supraclav nodes 4) Gemzar + Herceptin - on/off controlling nodes thru 9/08 - 7wks Rads to supraclav nodes 10/08 - Acute Renal Failure - nodes in belly stricturing kidneys. placed permanent ureteral stents Back on Gemzar + Herceptin, but no longer responding. 5) 05/09 - Tykerb + Xeloda - partial response x 5 mos 6) 10/09 - Xeloda + Herceptin - no response, disease progresses 7) 2/10- Ixempra + Herceptin - partial response x 12 wks. Discovered single brain lesion x 4mm & liver lesions growing while screening for TDM1 + PI3Kinase study. 6/10 - Novalis to treat brain met - SUCCESSFUL! 8) 6/10 - Chemo-embo w/Adriamyacin to de-bulk liver lesion. 9) 8/10 - Screened & Started TDM1 EAP Immediate response, disease in belly responds dramatically. 2/11- questionable progression of lung nodules Discontinue TDM1 10) 3/11 - PI3Kinase + Herceptin - intial good response in 1st 6 weeks but LFT's elevated. 11) 7/11-Discontinue PI3Kinase + Herceptin study; Disease progression - 2 small lesions in colon – docs have never seen this before in BC 11) 8/11 –Start new combo Halaven+Herceptin 10/14/11 -Completed 3 cycles (9 wks)Halaven+Herceptin... 10/18/11 - Scanxiety time -1st scans since starting this regimen Good interval response, continue on H+H! 10/25/11 – new 2mm questionable spot in brain? Due to Novalis or new disease? Re-scan in 8 weeks. 1/3/12- Disease progression; 50%increase size & SUV-R lung, middle lobe 6cm lesion. R supraclav node multiple, miscellaneous nodes in belly. Colon lesions fired up. 12)Herceptin+ metronomic Cytoxan + Methotrexate. …on a hope & a prayer. Only chemo I haven’t been on is Taxotere. Hurry up Pertuzumab & TDM1! Follow Up Brain Scan on 1/18/12…pleasepleaseplease be okay. I can’t take much more. 1/18/2012- 8 new spots in 8 weeks since last Brain MRI one 2cm spot in brain stem, one 2cm spot in R temporal lobe. No symptoms. Suggested tx – WBR x 15 rounds 1/25/12 – Start WBR 2/10/12 - Treatment is working! US guided bx of supraclav node can't find it anymore! |
Re: NO node, is GOOD node!
Wow,that is wonderful news. I am so happy for you!
Pia |
Re: NO node, is GOOD node!
Jessica,
Glad to hear your good news. Amelia |
Re: NO node, is GOOD node!
What wonderful news for a great woman who has worked as hard as you. I am so happy for you.
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Re: NO node, is GOOD node!
Great news Jessica and could'nt be happier for you!!!
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Re: NO node, is GOOD node!
What a great loved filled day to finish...
to a person who is admired and loved. Jean |
Re: NO node, is GOOD node!
Fantanstic Jessica! Good news! Hope you get to put your feet up on Valentine's Day (with chocolates and champagne maybe?)
Dawn |
Re: NO node, is GOOD node!
WOW! That is good node, I mean news for sure. So glad you were able to get such an early indicator on how the new approach is working. And there's no denying, although many folks think a strong spirit can affect what's going on in your body, it definitely works in reverse as well!
I'm so relieved, and uplifted by your news. Thanks for posting Jessica. It certainly is a roller coaster, isn't it? Happy Valentine's day, my friend! Chris |
Re: NO node, is GOOD node!
Jessica,
I am SO happy to hear this news. I have been thinking of you daily- and still will (but with a smile on my face). Stay strong and keep being your incredibly funny self. You've got a book in you girl ! |
Re: NO node, is GOOD node!
Jessica,
It's so uplifting to hear the new drug combo is working. Seems so many times in this fight our backs are against the wall and our hope wanes, and yet so many times...surprise!!....there's another weapon in the arsenal that works!! I hope you get a long, long run out of this combo. I can feel your joy. I can only imagine the happiness of finding this node responding!! Hang in there, you encourage us all. |
Re: NO node, is GOOD node!
Thats brilliant news Jessica. I just love it when drugs work! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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Re: NO node, is GOOD node!
Bravo! Good news lifts us all. I will continue to think of you as you go through the WBR. Kind thoughts, best wishes, and prayers for you. You inspire!
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Re: NO node, is GOOD node!
Everyone has said it perfectly- very uplifting and inspiring! I wish you continued healing- lots of light and positive vibes coming your way!
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Re: NO node, is GOOD node!
As was suggested, dark chocolate is indicated. Especially since it will be Valentine's Day. In fact I think we ALL should indulge in some to show our solidarity with you! Best wishes.. Keep the faith.
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Re: NO node, is GOOD node!
Yes, yes,yes! So very pleased to hear this news.
Ellie |
Re: NO node, is GOOD node!
I love hearing your success story!
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Re: NO node, is GOOD node!
Thrilled for you Jessica!!
Def. eat some chocolate, it's good for you!! all the best caya |
Re: NO node, is GOOD node!
Jessica,
I am so so happy for you and it sounds like you are coping with the WBR too!! Take good care of yourself and rest up still Jenny xx |
Re: NO node, is GOOD node!
Jessica,
Great news! Joan |
Re: NO node, is GOOD node!
Wonderful Jessica!
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