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Joan,
Indeterminate reports are the absolute worst. If we have to be dealing with this crappy disease, the least they could do is have the ability to accurately figure out what is going on. Unfortunately, these scans are just another reminder that both treatments and diagnostic tests are art AND science, and both are imperfect. I'm still waiting for perfection of the Star Trek medical tricorder.
Mainly what the report seems to say is they can't say - although I'm encouraged by the comment on the node "likely reactive change"
I'm not clear on what, if any, systemic approaches you are taking - you say you are going to add Tykerb, but I forget, you are adding tykerb to ....what?
Rather than focus on the uncertainty of the reports, my doctor usually considers what the ramifications are for treatment. IF, and that's a capital IF there is recurrence, what would the plan be?
My heart goes out to you, I would be a total wreck waiting for the follow up - but at a minimum, discuss what the next steps would be so you are prepared and maybe consider them as precautionary steps now.
Hang in there.
chris
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Chris in Scotts Valley
June 2002 extensive hi grade DCIS (pre-cancer-stage 0, clean sentinal node) Mastectomy/implant - no chemo, rads. "cured?"
9/2004 Diag: Stage IV extensive liver mets (!) ER/PR- Her2+++
10/04-3/05 Weekly Taxol/Carboplatin/Herceptin , complete response!
04/05 - 4/07 Herception every 3 wks, Continue NED
04/07 - recurrence to liver - 2 spots, starting tykerb/avastin trial
06/07 8/07 10/07 Scans show stable, continue on Tykerb/Avastin
01/08 Progression in liver
02/08 Begin (TDM1) trial
08/08 NED! It's Working! Continue on TDM1
02/09 Continue NED
02/10 Continue NED. 5/10 9/10 Scans NED 10/10 Scans NED
12/10 Scans not clear....4/11 Scans suggest progression 6/11 progression confirmed in liver
07/11 - 11/11 Herceptin/Xeloda -not working:(
12/11 Begin MM302 Phase I trial - bust:(
03/12 3rd times the charm? AKT trial
5/12 Scan shows reduction! 7/12 More reduction!!!!
8/12 Whoops...progression...trying for Perjeta/Herceptin (plus some more nasty chemo!)
9/12 Start Perjeta/Herceptin, chemo on hold due to infection/wound in leg, added on cycle 2 &3
11/12 Poops! progression in liver, Stop Perjeta/Taxo/Herc
11/12 Navelbine/Herce[ptin - try for a 3 cycles, no go.
2/13 Gemzar/Carbo/Herceptin - no go.
3/13 TACE procedure
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