Re: Irene From Tampa
Conversations took place yesterday regards Irene's circumstance and the ready access to TDM1. As already mentioned / posted in this forum, such access isnt currently available.
There may be issues with the drug - although its agreed that the drug does work in many people in their fight against a terminal disease.
As mentioned to the Genetech representative, their stated search is a CURE for cancer - in its many varieties & complexities - one, two at a time. These trials are many and well founded, providing the statiscal basis on which "cure" is processed and offered - however, one stastistic should be unavoidable in their considerations - zero.
Irene Fernandez had double-digit tumors reduced to zero.
TDM1 may be the cure for Irene Fernandez.
TDM1 may be the cure for many of others at this forum.
TDM1 may not be a perfect drug yet - that process continues in good faith - but it worked "as is" now
on Irene. Unlike any chemotherapy taken previously - and over a 14-15 year period there have been many - TDM1 made her tumors both shrink and disappear.
Liver toxicity levels are a concern - but when compared to the ravages cancer will undoubtedly impose on her body - its a minor challenge. Irene's faced larger mountains with a strong heart.
Its a risk worth taking - its a risk she's been willing to take for many months, but her voice went unheard - unheeded.
In the complex healthcare field, Irene needs a partner of similar strength & conviction as she.
Irene lives in an absolute world.
Perhaps others on this forum - most certainly in the country share her circumstance.
There are no greys - its fairly black & white.
Maybes dont exist - its yes or no.
Good intentions..a well placed heart - dont count.
After a long and hard search - a battle to stay alive until such a cure could be discovered - TDM1 was found. This may be it for Irene. In every sense of the phrase.
Irene's (our) plea isnt made for "good intentions"...
Its not a search for calm in a difficult time...
Its not an effort to leave no stone unturned...
Its a desparate / first clenching grab for life.
Adminstrative concerns wont change the nature of this moment. A long clerical/medical "to do" list cant prevent action. An expression of concern - although accepted as heartfelt - wont suffice.
Action is needed.
Bold, creative, motivated action is whats necessary.
I believe Genetech is capable of these things - if they have the will.
I believe Genetech is capable these things - if they mirror Irene's strength.
I believe Genetech can cure Irene's cancer.
I believe thats their stated goal.
The time is RIGHT NOW.
__________________
Irene from Tampa
1996 - INFILT DUCTAL CAR.W/ LYMPH NODE INVOLVEMENT. ADRIA/CYTOXIN/5FU
1999 - RECURR. TO AUXILA AND 2 TUMORS IN LIVER
TREAT: STEM CELL REPLACEMENT/HERCEPTIN.
2002 - RECUR TO LIVER
TREAT: NAVELBINE, THEN GEMZAR, THEN XELODA.
2004 - TUMORS STILL IN LIVER
TREAT: RFA TO LIVER
STABLE UNTIL
2004 - TUMOR PROGRESSION IN LIVER.
TREAT: RESECT HALF OF LIVER.
2005 - RECURR TO LYMPH NODE OUTSIDE OF LIVER.
TREAT: TAXOL/CARPO/HERCEPTIN. FAILED ON
THIS TRIO. STARTED ON ABRAXANE.
2006 - PROGRESS WITH 2ND TUMOR GROWTH.
TREAT: AUG. BEGAN ON TYKERB/XELODA
TRIAL. CONSIDERED STABLE TO DATE.
2007 - TAKEN OFF OF TYKERB/XELODA TRIAL DUE TO
PROGRESS STARTING TYKERB/AVASTIN.
NOV 2007 - SCANS SHOW PROGRESS TUMOR GROWTH
IN ABDOM. AND TWO NEW TUMORS IN NECK AREA.
BEGAN HERCEPTIN/AVASTIN/TAXOTERE
Feb 08 - Ixempra/Xeloda
June 08 - Her/DM1 trial
"I WANT TO BE AN OUTRAGEOUS OLD WOMAN WHO NEVER GETS CALLED AN OLD LADY. I WANT TO GET SHARP EDGED & EARTH COLORED, TILL I FADE AWAY FROM PURE JOY."
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