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Andrea Barnett Budin · 07-21-2007, 06:16 PM

Leslie, It is so wise of you to post your story and open up discussion. These women who have responded are brilliant, I know not medical professionals, but listen to all they came up with! Second opinion (actually thrid) sounds doable, especially within the time frame. Monday morning, you must get on that.

Lani, I am always beyond impressed by your posts. They are over my head and require translation, generally. But today -- you spoke to us (Leslie) with words that reached out and grabbed me. Your understanding and knowledge is invaluable. Thank you for always being there for all of us, but especially today -- for Leslie. With clear cut options and plenty to ponder! You're a blessing, Lani! Which I always knew, but thank God you came through with the lingo that could penetrate my brain, and hopefully Leslie -- yours too.

Leslie, I know how bright you are, and I hate the story of all you've been through, the missteps your first onc took and the repercussions. The angst and remorse and all the rest. I understand you're wanting resolution, but Lani and others have raised imperative points that need addressing. The in depth advice you've gotten is a gift. Don't let it confuse you. Use it. Let it help you in making decisions that are crutial. My love for you clouds my thinking. I want what you want. I want you to be well and happy, whatever that takes. Please consider all I've just read. My head is reeling, so surely yours, Leslie, is running in circles for the moment. When you calm down, reason it all out. You can do that. Your mind is remarkable. I have been touched by your clarity of thinking and your openness to ideas. Let us all know about Monday, July 23, please! Sending you love, hugs and prayers for wisdom and guidance, ANDI

07-21-2007, 06:16 PM	#8
Andrea Barnett Budin Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: LAND OF YES! w/home in Boca Raton, Florida Orig from L.I., N.Y. Ever hovering IN THE NOW... Posts: 1,904	So Glad You Posted, Leslie! Leslie, It is so wise of you to post your story and open up discussion. These women who have responded are brilliant, I know not medical professionals, but listen to all they came up with! Second opinion (actually thrid) sounds doable, especially within the time frame. Monday morning, you must get on that. Lani, I am always beyond impressed by your posts. They are over my head and require translation, generally. But today -- you spoke to us (Leslie) with words that reached out and grabbed me. Your understanding and knowledge is invaluable. Thank you for always being there for all of us, but especially today -- for Leslie. With clear cut options and plenty to ponder! You're a blessing, Lani! Which I always knew, but thank God you came through with the lingo that could penetrate my brain, and hopefully Leslie -- yours too. Leslie, I know how bright you are, and I hate the story of all you've been through, the missteps your first onc took and the repercussions. The angst and remorse and all the rest. I understand you're wanting resolution, but Lani and others have raised imperative points that need addressing. The in depth advice you've gotten is a gift. Don't let it confuse you. Use it. Let it help you in making decisions that are crutial. My love for you clouds my thinking. I want what you want. I want you to be well and happy, whatever that takes. Please consider all I've just read. My head is reeling, so surely yours, Leslie, is running in circles for the moment. When you calm down, reason it all out. You can do that. Your mind is remarkable. I have been touched by your clarity of thinking and your openness to ideas. Let us all know about Monday, July 23, please! Sending you love, hugs and prayers for wisdom and guidance, ANDI __________________ Andi BB '95 post-meno dx Invasive LOBULAR w/9cm tumor! YIKES + 2/21 nodes. Clear mammo 10 mnths earlier. Mastec/tram flap reconst/PORT/8 mnths chemo (4Adria/8CMF). Borderline ER/PR. Tamoxifen 2 yrs. Felt BLESSED. I could walk and talk, feed and bathe myself! I KNEW I would survive... '98 -- multiple mets to liver. HER2+ 80%. ER/PR- Raging, highly aggressive tumors spreading fast. New PORT. 9 mnths Taxotere Fought fire w/fire! Pronounced in cautious remission 5/99. Taxotere weekly for 6 wks, 2 wks off -- for 9 mnths. TALK ABOUT GRUELING! (I believe they've altered that protocol since those days -- sure hope so!!) + good old Vit H wkly for 1st 3 yrs, then triple dosage ev 3 wks for 7 yrs more... The "easy" chemo, right?! Not a walk in the park, but not a freight train coming at 'ya either... Added Herceptin Nov '98 (6 wks after FDA fast-tracked it for met bc). Stayed w/Vit H till July '08! Now I AM FREE! Humbly and eternally grateful for this life-saving drug! NED since '99 and planning on keeping it that way. To hell w/poor prognosis and nasty stats! STOPPED VIT H JULY '08...! REMAIN STABLE... Eternally grateful...Yes is a world & in this world of yes live (skillfully curled) all worlds ... (e e cummings) EVERY DAY I BEAT MY PREVIOUS RECORD FOR # OF CONSECUTIVE DAYS I'VE STAYED ALIVE. Smile KNOWING you too can be a miracle. Up to me and God now...