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11-06-2007, 09:05 AM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: LI, NY
Posts: 660
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update on madubois63
Just thought I'd let you all know that I am playing the waiting game right now. I saw the thoracic surgeon on Monday. He said, "If it sounds like hoofs...think horses." So without a biopsy, he's diagnosed me as having metastatic bc again. He said it's not lung cancer because I'm too young(Tell Dana Reeves that), and it's not granulomas even though my immune system is so compromised and this could be a possibility. My onc wants a biopsy to be sure - duh. I have a CAT scan scheduled for tomorrow because the 10 pounds of films I brought to his office weren't enough - ugh. I also have a brain MRI in the morning, but that was already scheduled. The one good thing I did learn at the thoracic's office is that "if" he does a biopsy, it will be the easy one (image guided needle biopsy). No hospital stay - yeah! Now, this is the same guy that told me (while I was still under anesthesia) that the cancer was everywhere. He told my mom it was everywhere. He never wrote any notes in my file and he left the hospital. The nurse and I had no clue as to why my mom was crying...He needed to be hit upside the head with the stupid stick for sure!!! This doc is so gloom and doom, but he really is a good surgeon. So, I see him again on Monday. We should have the CAT scan results by then...Love to you all and thanks for all the prayers.
__________________
Maryann
Stage IV Inflammatory BC 1/00
Mod Rad Mastectomy 24nod/5+
Adriomycin Cytoxin Taxol
Tamoxifen 4 1/2 yrs
Radiation - 32 x
Metastatic BC lung/liver 10/04
thorocentesis 2x - pleurodesis
Herceptin Taxatiere Carbo
Femera/Lupron
BC NED 4/05
chemo induced Acute Myeloid Leukemia 5/06
Induction/consolidation chemo
bone marrow transplant - 11/3/06
Severe Host vs Graft Disease of liver
BC mets to lung 11/07
Fasoladex Herceptin Zometa Xeloda
GVHD/Iron overload to liver
Avascular Necrosis/morphine pump 10/10
metastatic brain tumor
steriotactic radiosurgery
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11-06-2007, 09:34 AM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: CHARLOTTE NC USA
Home town (ECUADOR) South America
Posts: 542
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thanks for the updated .....that doc is bad but in this case maybe it will worth it to used him ...but however I know is going to be OK ...all of us are thinking and prayers for you ..until everything is clear again ..
__________________
Lily Diag April/06 5 months after give birth my son Max stage IV mets on liver (5 tumors) 38 year old, her2+++ and ER+PR+ from32 nodes 4 positives mastectomy right breast chemo before surgery herceptin/carboplatin/taxotere ,clear and surgery have radiation 20, `& then herceptin and tamoxifen NED until Aug/07 body only then 'n June 04-06-07 .1 lesion of 1.6 cm on cerebellum ...novalis ,open sugery 5m.m brain met again novalis, 4mm.In the liver. Waiting 2 months now 3 tumors enroll on T-MCC trial start first infusion Nov 5/07 at Dec 17 scan show one tumor despair the 2nd and 3th diminish Doc said great results until March/08 ct scan show progression 03-05-08 start tykerb & xeloda
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11-06-2007, 09:38 AM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Northern Calif.
Posts: 981
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Maryann,
Thinking nothing but good thoughts. I just can't believe anything else! My prayers are with you for comfort and calmness as you wait on these tests and the results. You are such an amazing young woman who has beaten the odds. I know that you will continue to do so!
HUgs and Prayers,
Lexi
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11-06-2007, 09:56 AM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: South Florida
Posts: 477
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Oh Maryann,
Thank you for the update. I am sorry that you are going through this. It sucks. As far as the surgeon goes...he doesn't know everything, obviously. I can't stand to be around people / doctors like that but understand that you need him for his surgical skill and not his upbeat optimism. I stick with the oncologist and wait and see (easier said that done). I hope that you get the easy biopsy and it turns out to be nothing... I am praying for that unless it is proven otherwise.
Love, Hope and Peace,
Carolyn
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11-06-2007, 09:59 AM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Morris, IL
Posts: 3,507
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Maryann
The Surgeon sounds like he is talented, but a jerk...so OK, a talented jerk Dr., but here is hoping that you can prove him wrong....I am so happy for once you will be taking the easy route...not that anything is easy with this disease....you are in my prayers Maryann.....sending a hug to you....
__________________
"Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle."
Hugs & Blessings
Sheila
Diagnosed at age 49.99999 2/21/2002 via Mammography (Calcifications)
Core Biopsy 2/22/02
L. Mastectomy 2/25/2002
Stage 1, 0.7cm IDC, Node Neg from 19 nodes Her2+++ ER PR Neg
6/2003 Reconstruction W/ Tissue Expander, Silicone Implant
9/2003 Stage IV with Mets to Supraclavicular nodes
9/2003 Began Herceptin every 3 weeks
3/2006 Xeloda 2500mg/Herceptin for recurrence to neck nodes
3/2007 Added back the Xeloda with Herceptin for continued mets to nodes
5/2007 Taken Off Xeloda, no longer working
6/14/07 Taxol/Herceptin/Avastin
3/26 - 5/28/08 Taxol Holiday Whopeeeeeeeee
5/29 2008 Back on Taxol w Herceptin q 2 weeks
4/2009 Progression on Taxol & Paralyzed L Vocal Cord from Nodes Pressing on Nerve
5/2009 Begin Rx with Navelbine/Herceptin
11/09 Progression on Navelbine
Fought for and started Tykerb/Herceptin...nodes are melting!!!!!
2/2010 Back to Avastin/Herceptin
5/2010 Switched to Metronomic Chemo with Herceptin...Cytoxan and Methotrexate
Pericardial Window Surgery to Drain Pericardial Effusion
7/2010 Back to walking a mile a day...YEAH!!!!
9/2010 Nodes are back with a vengence in neck
Qualified for TDM-1 EAP
10/6/10 Begin my miracle drug, TDM-1
Mixed response, shrinking internal nodes, progression skin mets after 3 treatments
12/6/10 Started Halaven (Eribulen) /Herceptin excellent results in 2 treatments
2/2011 I CELEBRATE my 9 YEAR MARK!!!!!!!!!!!!!
7/5/11 begin Gemzar /Herceptin for node progression
2/8/2012 Gemzar stopped, Continue Herceptin
2/20/2012 Begin Tomo Radiation to Neck Nodes
2/21/2012 I CELEBRATE 10 YEARS
5/12/2012 BeganTaxotere/ Herceptin is my next miracle for new node progression
6/28/12 Stopped Taxotere due to pregression, Started Perjeta/Herceptin
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11-06-2007, 10:06 AM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Posts: 1,516
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Maryann...
prayers coming your way.
Rhonda
__________________
Rhonda
Dx 2/1/05, Stage 1, 0 nodes, Grade 3, ER/PR-, HER2+ (3.16 Fish)
2/7/05, Partial Mastectomy
5/18/05 Finished 6 rounds of dose dense TEC (Taxotere, Epirubicin and Cytoxan)
8/1/05 Finished 33 rads
8/18/05 Started Herceptin, every 3 weeks for a year (last one 8/10/06)
2/1/13...8 year Cancerversary and I am "perfect" (at least where cancer is concerned;)
" And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years."- Abraham Lincoln
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11-06-2007, 10:06 AM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 492
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Oh Maryann,
Tell Dr. Jerk to do the biopsy and to just keep his mouth shut! I am hoping they are granulomas or something else benign.
__________________
Are we there yet?
Dx 10/05 IDC, multi-focal, triple +, 5 nodes+
MRM, 4 DD A/C, 12 weekly taxol + herceptin
rads concurrent with taxol/herceptin
finished herceptin 01/08
ooph, Arimidex, bilateral DIEP reconstruction
NED
Univ. of WA, Seattle vaccine trial '07
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11-06-2007, 10:37 AM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Canada
Posts: 2,193
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onward and upward (again)
Hi Madame Dubois
I wish for you nothing but good stuff. I will send you
good vibes for the biopsy and for your continuing strength,
courage and fortitude. Don't forget to bring the "stupid
stick" to the biopsy. You can give him a whack once
he's finished with you. Good luck to you...............
__________________
PinkGirl
Dx Aug/05 at age 51
2cm. Stage 2A, Grade 3
ER+/PR-
Her2 +++
Sept 7/05 Mastectomy
4 FAC, 4 Taxol, no radiation
1 year of Herceptin
Tamoxifen for approx. 4 months,
Arimidex for 5 years
Prophylactic mastectomy June 22/09
" I yam what I yam." - Popeye
My Photo Album
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11-06-2007, 10:44 AM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Boise, Idaho
Posts: 758
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Maryanne,
As a retired operating room nurse I am here to tell you that not all surgeons are jerks but a great many are!!! However, most of the worst jerks are frequently the best surgeons. I go with skill not personality although when the two go together it is great. I am praying for you, as I am sure many are, and God will take care of you.
Love & hugs,
Marlys
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11-06-2007, 10:51 AM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 4,778
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Madubois
have you ever been to California?--Valley fever(coccidioidomycosis) can be misinterpreted as lung cancer or lung mets as I understand it. (granulomatous disease doesn't have to be TB). Not that that would be fun, but better than mets, lung CA
Good luck!
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11-06-2007, 01:14 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Sheboygan, WI
Posts: 2,582
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Hi Maryann,
Thanks for the update. I've been thinking of and praying for you since your first post. I'm really sorry you are going through this. As another person said "it sucks!!!" It does!!! I do like to be positive and normally am but "it sucks" seems appropriate.
I am praying for things to turn out well for you and do believe that with God all things are truly possible.
Love to you dear sister,
Mary Jo
__________________
"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10
Dx. 6/24/05 age 45 Right Breast IDC ER/PR. Neg., - Her2+++ RB Mast. - 7/28/05 - 4 cm. tumor Margins clear - 1 microscopic cell 1 sent. node No Vasucular Invasion 4 DD A/C - 4 DD Taxol & Herceptin 1 full year of Herceptin received every 3 weeks 28 rads prophylactic Mast. 3/2/06
17 Years NED
<>< Romans 8:28
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11-06-2007, 01:21 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 869
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Hi Madubois, Don't worry about the lung biopsy part-- had one about 18 months ago. It is not a painful procedure at all. Hoping for positive results. Ceesun
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11-06-2007, 01:33 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Marengo, IL
Posts: 518
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MaryAnn,
I, like many will be praying for you. I am so sorry you have to wait again. This disease knows no boundries. Just not fair that you have to endure more trials. But your positive atttitude will get you through this. Focus in on your surgeons gifts and not his faults!
Good luck and keep us informed.
Donna
__________________
Donna
Crystal Lake, IL
Diagnosed 8/4/06 at age 54
Lumpectomy 8/30/06
Stage llA, grade 3, ER/PR-, Her2++
1.7 cm tumor, 1+ lymph node out of 9
Completed 4 A/C, & 4 Taxol with Herceptin
36 rads completed 5/16/07
Mammograms, 7/07 clear
fractured ribs in radiated area 10/07
Finished Herceptin 12/27/07
Mammogram,CT,tumor markers 1/08 - small lung nodules in radiated area, repeated tests 3/08 stable
Mammogram,CT ,tumor markers 6/08 stable
NED 2 years!!
3 years !!!
4years!!!!
4 years, 10 months and 8 day NED, calling it 5 years!!!
Official 5 years 8/30/2011
8/31/ 2012 - 6 years!!!!!!
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11-06-2007, 02:02 PM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Watkinsville, Georgia
Posts: 356
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Maryann....what can we say? You are such an inspiration and blessing to everyone that reads your life travels. I pray for the best for you. You seem to carry so much more burden than is fair and just and yet you keep that wonderful disposition and hope alive for so many others. You are a true gift to this website as so many people gather strength from you. Good luck with your biopsy...you are in my thoughts.
Peace ~ Ruth
__________________
[/SIGPIC]~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Diagnosed 6/03 nursing daughter
Dose dense A/C 4x
Modified rad mast 8/03
IDC; 3 cm; 10+/16 nodes; ER/PR-; Her2+++
Weekly taxol w/Herceptin (off label) 12x's
40 weeks Herceptin
Radiation 33x
Reconstruction w/ implants 05 & 07
NED
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11-06-2007, 02:32 PM
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#15
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,519
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Thanks for the update Maryann... surgeons (as talented as they are) sure can be arses sometimes, huh? I have a cousin who is one of each... LOL. In response to his "the cancer is everywhere" remark - your answer can be "...yeah, well A*holes are apparently everywhere, too..." or you can simply ask "... do you plan to be an A*hole the rest of your life, or is this something special you do just for me?" LOL
I have a "just to be extra sure" brain MRI tomorrow, too. See ya there!
__________________
Brenda
NOV 2012 - 9 yr anniversary
JULY 2012 - 7 yr anniversary stage IV (of 50...)
Nov'03~ dX stage 2B
Dec'03~ Rt side mastectomy, Her2+, ER/PR+, 10 nodes out, one node positive
Jan'04~ Taxotere/Adria/Cytoxan x 6, NED, no Rads, Tamox. 1 year, Arimadex 3 mo., NED 14 mo.
Sept'05~ micro mets lungs/chest nodes/underarm node, Switched to Aromasin, T/C/H x 7, NED 6 months - Herceptin only
Aug'06~ micro mets chest nodes, & bone spot @ C3 neck, Added Taxol to Herceptin
Feb'07~ Genetic testing, BRCA 1&2 neg
Apr'07~ MRI - two 9mm brain mets & 5 punctates, new left chest met, & small increase of bone spot C3 neck, Stopped Aromasin
May'07~ Started Tykerb/Xeloda, no WBR for now
June'07~ MRI - stable brain mets, no new mets, 9mm spots less enhanced, CA15.3 down 45.5 to 9.3 in 10 wks, Ty/Xel working magic!
Aug'07~ MRI - brain mets shrunk half, NO NEW BRAIN METS!!, TMs stable @ 9.2
Oct'07~ PET/CT & MRI show NED
Apr'08~ scans still show NED in the head, small bone spot on right iliac crest (rear pelvic bone)
Sept'08~ MRI shows activity in brain mets, completed 5 fractions/5 consecutive days of IMRT to zap the pesky buggers
Oct'08~ dropped Xeloda, switched to tri-weekly Herceptin in combo with Tykerb, extend to tri-monthly Zometa infusion
Dec'08~ Brain MRI- 4 spots reduced to punctate size, large spot shrunk by 3mm, CT of torso clear/pelvis spot stable
June'09~ new 3-4mm left cerrebellar spot zapped with IMRT targeted rads
Sept'09~ new 6mm & 1 cm spots in pituitary/optic chiasm area. Rx= 25 days of 3D conformal fractionated targeted IMRT to the tumors.
Oct'09~ 25 days of low dose 3D conformal fractionated targeted IMRT to the bone mets spot on rt. iliac crest that have been watching for 2 years. Added daily Aromasin back into treatment regimen.
Apr'10~ Brain MRI clear! But, see new small spot on adrenal gland. Change from Aromasin back to Tamoxifen.
June'10~ Tumor markers (CA15.3) dropped from 37 to 23 after one month on Tamoxifen. Continue to monitor adrenal gland spot. Remain on Tykerb/Herceptin/Tamoxifen.
Nov'10~ Radiate positive mediastinal node that was pressing on recurrent laryngeal nerve, causing paralyzed larynx and a funny voice.
Jan'11~ MRI shows possible activity or perhaps just scar tissue/necrotic increase on 3 previously treated brain spots and a pituitary spot. 5 days of IMRT on 4 spots.
Feb'11~ Enrolled in T-DM1 EAP in Denver, first treatment March 25, 2011.
Mar'11~ Finally started T-DM1 EAP in Denver at Rocky Mountain Cancer Center/Rose on Mar. 25... hallelujah.
"I would rather be anecdotally alive than statistically dead."
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11-06-2007, 06:24 PM
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#16
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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
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Fasten Your Seat Belt!
Oh, Maryann, Since I read your post I have thought everything every one has post. Just wanted you to know you are in my prayers and that includes peace and calm during the waiting and the best results possible from the biopsy...
Ct guided liver biopsy was easy, but could have been trauma I was told. They try 2 times, then you have to go for hosp procedure. He was in in one. That's what I wish for you. Whatever it is, ca can't mess w/YOU, not our Maryann. No way! Stay strong, sweet Sister! Just another bumpy plane ride, which you've *weathered* and survived!!! With love,
Andi
__________________
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...
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11-06-2007, 08:21 PM
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#17
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Northern California
Posts: 764
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Were pulling for you. I just know that you'll come out on top of this one too. Your a miracle.
Hugs.
__________________
DX 02/01/07
2.5 cm, Er/Pr-, Her2+++
18/20 Nodes
03/07 CT & Bone scan - Clear
AC x 4, Taxol x 4, Added Herceptin
Radiation until 09/07
Herceptin every 3 weeks until 06/08
01/10/08 local recurrence -IBC
01/28/08 CT & Brain MRI - clear
02/08 - Navelbine & Herceptin
05/08 -MRM
05/08 - Gemzar & Herceptin - didn't work
09/08 - Hyperthermia rads
03/09 - Tykerb/Xeloda
05/10 - Tram flap to fix wound
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11-06-2007, 10:06 PM
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#18
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: I live in Christmas, MI - located on the shores of Lake Superior.
Posts: 606
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Thanks for the update! I had a lung biopsy and it was not painful, just feel some pressure. I'm hoping for the best for you, and a clear MRI. Enough is enough. I will be thinking of you tomorrow - positive thinking.
__________________
Barb
10/03 Radical Mastectomy 3 cm tumor - 1/17 Nodes Stage II B, Her 2 +++ ER-/PR- 11/03 4 AC 4 Taxol 12/05 Stage IV - Lung met , Bone mets - Carbo, Taxotere, Herceptin 9/06 - 2 cm brain tumor 10/06 - Tumor removal surgery - Herceptin Halted 12/06 gamma knife tumor base.1/07 Navelbine/Herceptin 4/07 Rads to R femur 5/07 Stereotactic - new 2 cm brain tumor 4/07 Start Xeloda 5/07 Tykerb added 7/07 Brain MRI clean 10/07 .055 cm brain met found. 12/07 Stereotactic -1 cm brain tumor Start Tykerb 11/07 Abraxane/Herceptin 5/08 Cisplatin, Gemcitabine/Herceptin 6/08 Stereotactic to 1cm 9/08 Stereotactic repeat (growth). 11/08 Pet Scan Good but new tiny met on L lung/dead Brain surgery (no cancer cells found/scar tissue) 1/09 Chemo restarted 2/09 Pet Scan Bad - R larger very active/active L active lymph nodes both sides of chest MRI- mets slight increase 2/09 Start Doxil/Tykerb Treatment
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11-07-2007, 12:20 AM
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#19
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Houston, Texas
Posts: 624
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I did not read your post until today. I hope everything went well and I am keeping you in my prayers. You are such a champ!
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11-07-2007, 05:48 AM
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#20
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: TAMPA, FL
Posts: 568
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Doctor McJerky I presume?????
Oh MaryAnne - what can I add but that I am also praying for you my friend.... even if Doc McJerky has to be so insensitive, try to stay positive. I have run across a few of those myself.
With all that you have been through already, I am just so sorry that you have to go through this worrying again.
Stay strong as you are and let us know how your results turn out.
Good luck dear
__________________
Irene from Tampa
1996 - INFILT DUCTAL CAR.W/ LYMPH NODE INVOLVEMENT. ADRIA/CYTOXIN/5FU
1999 - RECURR. TO AUXILA AND 2 TUMORS IN LIVER
TREAT: STEM CELL REPLACEMENT/HERCEPTIN.
2002 - RECUR TO LIVER
TREAT: NAVELBINE, THEN GEMZAR, THEN XELODA.
2004 - TUMORS STILL IN LIVER
TREAT: RFA TO LIVER
STABLE UNTIL
2004 - TUMOR PROGRESSION IN LIVER.
TREAT: RESECT HALF OF LIVER.
2005 - RECURR TO LYMPH NODE OUTSIDE OF LIVER.
TREAT: TAXOL/CARPO/HERCEPTIN. FAILED ON
THIS TRIO. STARTED ON ABRAXANE.
2006 - PROGRESS WITH 2ND TUMOR GROWTH.
TREAT: AUG. BEGAN ON TYKERB/XELODA
TRIAL. CONSIDERED STABLE TO DATE.
2007 - TAKEN OFF OF TYKERB/XELODA TRIAL DUE TO
PROGRESS STARTING TYKERB/AVASTIN.
NOV 2007 - SCANS SHOW PROGRESS TUMOR GROWTH
IN ABDOM. AND TWO NEW TUMORS IN NECK AREA.
BEGAN HERCEPTIN/AVASTIN/TAXOTERE
Feb 08 - Ixempra/Xeloda
June 08 - Her/DM1 trial
"I WANT TO BE AN OUTRAGEOUS OLD WOMAN WHO NEVER GETS CALLED AN OLD LADY. I WANT TO GET SHARP EDGED & EARTH COLORED, TILL I FADE AWAY FROM PURE JOY."
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