NED in the Head!
 

Hi Friends!!!

Just getting home from Emory, after a long morning of pre-op'ing for my stent procedure next week, then my 1st f/u Brain MRI, 4 weeks after finishing 15 rounds of WBR...
I have to say, my Rad Onc has pretty good poker face, & I was already holding steadfast for anything, but of course praying for good news.
When he said "You're going to like your scans," and broke out into a smile, I almost fell off the table.
He showed me before and after images of each of the 8 lesions, now 0 lesions!
My sister is with me and she asked, "Is this complete response?" and he said "It doesn't get better than this."
!!!!!!Yaaaaaay!!!!!
While we were waiting for the doc, my sis & I talked about the different scenarios - that the scan may not show any response at all, as it can take up to 3 months to see response, but mostly we just didn't want to see anything new or growing. I didn't dare to dream that we would get news as thrilling as this.
Called my mom right away to share the good news with her & I hope it brought her some joy & light & relief during a time that has been so hard for her & my poor pop.

Thank you everyone for your constant, unwavering support and encouragement. I strive to be the friend to you all that you all are to me!

Keep the Faith~

Jml
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, THANK GOD!
1/25/12 – Start WBR x 15 rounds
2/10/12 – Oral Cytoxan WORKING! Melted supraclav node & undetectable by US!
2/14/12 – FINISH 15 rounds WBR;)
3/14/12 - 1st f/u MRI post WBR -
Complete response "It doesn't get better than this," says Dr. Crocker!

Re: NED in the Head!
 

it really doesnt get any better ! congratulations

Re: NED in the Head!
 

That is fabulous! So very happy that this treatment worked so well for you!

Re: NED in the Head!
 

I am overwhelmed by your news, Jessica...now and forever,
Karen

Re: NED in the Head!
 

Oh Jessica, I'm teary-eyed reading your news and thrilled to hear! I'm having radiation sims done tomorrow before I get my own brain mets zapped. So happy to hear your wonderful news!!

Re: NED in the Head!
 

Jessica,
I look really dumb right now, wearing a big grin while tears are streaming from my eyes! Hope my boss doesn't come in and see me like this!

I'm so happy for your great news!

Re: NED in the Head!
 

Jessica
This is the best possible news you could deliver. Just take some time now to soak it in and enjoy. I am so happy to hear your news, I can't tell you.
Love,
karen z

Re: NED in the Head!
 

Do I hear a hallelujah???????????? Happy, Happy News!

Re: NED in the Head!
 

Yay yay yay so happy Jessica well done you for being so brave and getting through it all!!

Re: NED in the Head!
 

Thanks for sharing your wonderful news Jessica!!
so happy for you sweetie!

all the best
caya

Re: NED in the Head!
 

LOVE it! Congratulations!

Re: NED in the Head!
 

OHhh that is fantastic news Jessica, it gave me all little tingles as I read it!! Woo Hoo!!
Dawn

Re: NED in the Head!
 

Amen, Amen, Amen! How awesome is that! Just when you think your being forced to slow down your back in the running! Your stead fast strength and courage are amazing! God bless you and your family.

Re: NED in the Head!
 

Yay!!!!! Im totally doing the happy little snoopy dance! What a scary situation, but you and your doctors really kicked that cancer to the curb! Congratulations!

Re: NED in the Head!
 

I've got (happy) tears in my eyes... Congratulations!

Re: NED in the Head!
 

great news Jessica. Am almost speechless!

Re: NED in the Head!
 

Jessica,

I am so glad to hear your good news. I hope the fatigue has gotten better.

Amelia

Re: NED in the Head!
 

Congratulations! What wonderful news to share with everyone.
Take care of yourself and enjoy the day.
Emelie

Re: NED in the Head!
 

I am so happy for you Jesica!! congratulations and lets keep praying for the rest of our sisters who are facing the same situation. Hugs, hugs and more hugs.

Re: NED in the Head!
 

Great news Jessica....what a great role model you are for those facing brain mets....now, let the Halaven keep working! YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH