Hello Maryanne!
You have been on my mind. I think I owe you an email. No, I know I owe you one. You are such a sweetheart. And I love your spiritual quest. You go, girl!
When I was orig dx, in '95, I was considered *borderline* ER/PR. So they put me on Tamoxifen, hoping I would gain some benefit.
When I recurred in '98, I was ER-/PR-. I was told to toss the Tamoxifen in the toilet. No good FOR ME.
I also found out about the newly discovered HER2 neu gene, and tested 80% positive for that!
Paul and I had been keeping up to date re bc, so we requested that test. Herceptin was still in clinical trials. I tried to get into one, to no avail. Too much Adria in '95. HOWEVER, The FDA fast-tracked this life-saving drug that tens of thousands were being denied access to.
So I became metastatic (throughout my liver) in Aug of '98. And Herceptin became available to met bc patients Sept. 28, 1998! I was so lucky. In the right place at the right time.
Had I received Herceptin as newbies now can do, perhaps I never would have recurred. Or had to deal w/Taxotere.
Still and all, I am grateful for that horrid drug. It helped save my life! And put me into remission.
Now I remain on Herceptin (in my 10th year!!) -- keeping further mets at bay.
I feel so blessed.
Love your attitude, Harrie Canarie... HUGS TO YOU!
Happy 4th. We are free to be!!
Andi 