|
Re: Senior Member Check-In!
Great thread, thanks for starting it. I'm nearly (gasp!) 17 years post diagnosis with stage 3 ERPR- HER2+, enrolled in the initial NSAPBP trial for adjuvant Herceptin but lost the toss (no Herceptin for me) yet still here, without recurrence (such a crap-shoot). SO grateful for the support and advice I have received here over the years. At diagnosis and for years afterward, I never expected to still be here. Like most of us, I have grieved so many losses here, and for other wonderful friends I've made in this breast cancer experience. The losses, and my (again, crap-shoot) good fortune keeps me motivated to continue my work as a research advocate. It never seems enough, but it's a little something.
__________________
3/01 ~ Age 49. Occult primary announced by large (6cm) axillary node, found by my husband.
4/01 ~ Bilateral mastectomies (LMRM, R elective simple) - 1.2cm IDC was found at pathology. 5 of 11 axillary nodes positive, largest = 6cm. Stage IIIA
ERPR 5%/1% (re-done later at Baylor, both negative at zero).
HER2neu positive by IHC and FISH (8.89).
Lymphovascular invasion, grade 3, 8/9 modified SBR.
TX: Control of arm of NSABP's B-31 adjuvant Herceptin trial (no Herceptin, inducing a severe case of Herceptin-envy): A/C x 4 and Taxol x 4 q3weeks, then rads. Raging infection of entire chest after small revision of mastectomy scar after completing tx (significance unknown). Arimidex for two years, stopped after second pathology opinion.
2017: Mild and manageable lymphedema and some cognitive issues.
|