diagnosed Aug. 8 2000
Stage 3a because of size. Lots of lymph involvement Her2/neu+++ er- high grade
4 rounds of Adriamycin/Cytoxen(sp!)
Mastectomy
4 rounds of Taxotere followed by radiation
Recurrence December 2002 to lymph nodes in the neck and chest.
6 rounds of Taxol/Carboplatin with weekly herceptin. After 6 rounds CT scans and MRI of brain are clear. WooHoo!
As of May 2003 on herceptin every three weeks indefinately.
First time around: learned so much " changed my life for the better in many ways. Wake up call. Not to just be alive but to really live.
Second time around: Took me by surprise at a time of great optimism that I just might beat this thing. Now I know that the struggle to survive will always be a part of my life. Not my idea of a good time. Now ""to live is Christ" " and to die is gain"" has a whole new meaning. I still need to really live while I am alive. My challenge is to be comfortable with the struggle; at the same time learn to relax and enjoy all the good things that yet remain in my life. We are in this struggle together and somehow that just helps! "