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I was dx Stage IIb in March 2003, her2+++, er/pr+, 1/12 nodes+. Single mastectomy followed by 4 A/C and 4 taxotere. Because I was premenopausal, I had my ovaries removed so I can take femara instead of tamoxifen. I was 40 with 2 kids and wasn't planning on having more kids. Since end of chemo treatment, I see my onc every 3 mos. for bloodwork/tumor markers. Each visit he thourougly palpates my breast, my reconstructed breast, neck, collar bone, arms, stomach etc, as well as listens to heart and lungs and ALL my concerns. I get chest xray, lung, pelvic, ab CTs and bone scans yearly. Additionally, my gyn. does a pelvic/breast examine every 6 mos and my breast surgeon examines me every 6-9 mos!!
After LOOONG discussion with my onc. and dissecting the research with him, I will not take Herceptin at this time.
It is a lot to sift through, but necessary to feel good about your decisions.
Cheryl
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