HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post

Andrea Barnett Budin · 11-02-2007, 01:50 PM

I know I am NED, but I can't resist. I think it is our responsibility to have annual PAP/HPV as well... They added the latter around 5 yrs ago. Good to have annual checkup too, for whatever that's worth. More input, I say. Every one (docs/nurses) have opinions, experience to share.

I still can't believe that since my '95 mastec when I go for mammog they say unilateral! A bargain rate! I had tram flap reconst but think of that area as my breast. I came home and said to Paul (the first time) I guess they think of my breast as a stomach!

I further contemplated, if GOD FORBID A HUNDRED MILLION TIMES they detected ca in my left *breast*, would they say I have *stomach* ca??? You have to laugh!!

YES. DEFINITEY PAP & TEST FOR HPV AS WELL -- YEARLY...

Andi

11-02-2007, 01:50 PM	#4
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	To Pap Or Not To Pap I know I am NED, but I can't resist. I think it is our responsibility to have annual PAP/HPV as well... They added the latter around 5 yrs ago. Good to have annual checkup too, for whatever that's worth. More input, I say. Every one (docs/nurses) have opinions, experience to share. I still can't believe that since my '95 mastec when I go for mammog they say unilateral! A bargain rate! I had tram flap reconst but think of that area as my breast. I came home and said to Paul (the first time) I guess they think of my breast as a stomach! *I further contemplated, if GOD FORBID A HUNDRED MILLION TIMES they detected ca in my left breast, would they say I have stomach* ca??? You have to laugh!! YES. DEFINITEY PAP & TEST FOR HPV AS WELL -- YEARLY... 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...