[Sheila]

Today begins another new journey for me in the cancer connection. The PET/CT and MRI showed tumor involvement with the brachial plexus nerve, causing the pain and numbness in the shoulder, neck and chest. I am fortunate that at this time, the 2 masses are pressing and not entwined. Gemzar was stopped today, and I will have mapping for radiation tomorrow. I will remain on Herceptin through rads, and will go back to the 3 week dose. Since I am not showing active systemic disease at this time, only local disease, it seems like perfect timing to try to blast the nodes and masses.

I am NOT looking forward to the 7 weeks of 150 mile a day trips to Chicago, but in the cancer world we do what we must.

After radiation, the oncologist said I will resume chemo.

When my journey began almost 10 years ago, I had 2 goals, to live 10 years, and to reach 60....well both will occur in the next 2 months, time for me to reset my goals and plan for 10 more years and 70! I refuse to go out without a fight!

Any tips on neck radiation are welcome, or radiation in general.....hoping I dont get too tired as I will be driving myself.....
I would appreciate prayers and positive thoughts for a successful journey ...I dont know how I would have gotten this far without all the love & support from those on this site!