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Andrea Barnett Budin · 10-26-2011, 07:14 AM

Yes Cool. I didn't know all you posted after the first post. Got with your gut, your Inner Voice. Of course you're anxious, but be calm and assertive and follow the advice above.

I also remember my onc telling me -- NO MATTER -- WHAT YOU ALWAYS GET HERCEPTIN. In '98 it was given weekly. It was years later that I was able to switch to the triple dose every 3 wks.

Explain to the person who answers the phone, in a calm but urgent manner, the way you would speak to a friend. It generally gets me what I want.

Prior to my orig dx I was pushing for a mammo. Nothing for 2 wks. I called back, explained firmly, and was told -- You're not going to believe this, I JUST had a cancellation! Go for it, Cool...

10-26-2011, 07:14 AM	#10
Andrea Barnett Budin Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: LAND OF YES! w/home in Boca Raton, Florida Orig from L.I., N.Y. Ever hovering IN THE NOW... Posts: 1,904	Very nervous Yes Cool. I didn't know all you posted after the first post. Got with your gut, your Inner Voice. Of course you're anxious, but be calm and assertive and follow the advice above. I also remember my onc telling me -- NO MATTER -- WHAT YOU ALWAYS GET HERCEPTIN. In '98 it was given weekly. It was years later that I was able to switch to the triple dose every 3 wks. Explain to the person who answers the phone, in a calm but urgent manner, the way you would speak to a friend. It generally gets me what I want. Prior to my orig dx I was pushing for a mammo. Nothing for 2 wks. I called back, explained firmly, and was told -- You're not going to believe this, I JUST had a cancellation! Go for it, Cool... __________________ Andi BB '95 post-meno dx Invasive LOBULAR w/9cm tumor! YIKES + 2/21 nodes. Clear mammo 10 mnths earlier. Mastec/tram flap reconst/PORT/8 mnths chemo (4Adria/8CMF). Borderline ER/PR. Tamoxifen 2 yrs. Felt BLESSED. I could walk and talk, feed and bathe myself! I KNEW I would survive... '98 -- multiple mets to liver. HER2+ 80%. ER/PR- Raging, highly aggressive tumors spreading fast. New PORT. 9 mnths Taxotere Fought fire w/fire! Pronounced in cautious remission 5/99. Taxotere weekly for 6 wks, 2 wks off -- for 9 mnths. TALK ABOUT GRUELING! (I believe they've altered that protocol since those days -- sure hope so!!) + good old Vit H wkly for 1st 3 yrs, then triple dosage ev 3 wks for 7 yrs more... The "easy" chemo, right?! Not a walk in the park, but not a freight train coming at 'ya either... Added Herceptin Nov '98 (6 wks after FDA fast-tracked it for met bc). Stayed w/Vit H till July '08! Now I AM FREE! Humbly and eternally grateful for this life-saving drug! NED since '99 and planning on keeping it that way. To hell w/poor prognosis and nasty stats! STOPPED VIT H JULY '08...! REMAIN STABLE... Eternally grateful...Yes is a world & in this world of yes live (skillfully curled) all worlds ... (e e cummings) EVERY DAY I BEAT MY PREVIOUS RECORD FOR # OF CONSECUTIVE DAYS I'VE STAYED ALIVE. Smile KNOWING you too can be a miracle. Up to me and God now...