Overflowing with hope...so I'm sharing some with you!

[Mary Anne in TX]

Hello priceless friends!
This morning I woke so grateful and hopeful and excited about all the "good stuff" being done and being reported here in San Antonio, I just had to at least take time to send you some of my "overflow" to share my renewed determination to never stop believing and hoping for our new special drug and someday cure.
I've learned so much my fuzzy brain is asking for a day at the beach to relax! Last night we had another fantastic advocate session with 3 oncs and 1 researcher. I just can't express the level of gratitude for the commit level and determination they demonstrate. And then off to a rather technical session on drugs and their benefit, use, etc. My mind just soared with excitement as I realized how committed and smarty they all were. One was Chris' doctor and she just oozed braininess and committment.
Well, before I'm stamped with a loco stamp and sent off to the funny farm, I'll stop. But please share some of my enthusiasm about all that is being presented here at the Breast Cancer Symposium. It's just wonderful.
You'll get the reports to give you the facts, but I wanted you to know how very hard they are working in our Her2 behalf.
Love and holiday cheer to each and everyone,
ma

[BonnieR]

MA, I can feel your enthusiasm. Thanks for sharing it. Gives meaning to my favorite term "keep the faith".

[vickie h]

Thank you, Mary Ann! Just what I needed to wake up to this rainy, windy California day. I am excited and re-energized after reading your message. Let it rain! Can't wait to hear some of the news! Hope you are having a great time and getting in some sleep and relaxation (even though the great advancements and protocols must be keeping you in the clouds). Much love and gratitude for thinking of us, Vickie

[Jackie07]

Thanks for the update. If you happen to see a grey-haired young Doctor with a name tag 'Ruud'(pronounced 'rude', yet he's one of the most courteous person you can find), please say 'Hi'for me.

[StephN]

We are looking for snow here, but MaryAnn's enthusiasm and exhuberance overflowed into my living room!

You may have seen my med onc on one of those mentor session panels - she does that every year. Dr. Gralow.
I see her on Wed for my usual periodic checkup and will be sure to ask her some pointed questions. (Sort of like my own private "mentor session!")

Enjoy the last day of soaking up all you can at the conference. The day at the beach is coming soon ... be sure to take the chestnuts to roast over that open fire.

[Soccermom]

Thank you fore the update MaRy anne..I just read a "CURE" SanAn update that said Tykerb and Femara showed promise for Her2 metastatic disease. I look forward to hearing more good things!
Marcia

[ElaineM]

Mahalo (thank you) for sharing your hop and enthusiasm. I feel it too. Let's keep going in 2009.
Mele Kalikimaka (Merry Christmas)

[Mary Anne in TX]

Hello! Here it is early on the last day and my mind is swimming with tons of new information. So much new data and so many new trials and suggestions of treatment. The rest of the gang can relay the information, I'd just get it all mixed together, but when the doctors are excited, I think that is soooo good!
the TDM1 Trial gets rave reviews as do some of the other new drugs. Before we know it we'll be having choices!
Once again I see how very important it is for us to stay well educated and involved in what is happening in the research and use of meds for Her2s.
And most importantly, our support and education of each other will continue to allow us to break thru all the odds placed on Her2 BC. They are doing so much research on Her2. Almost the entire day on Friday was updates on the Her2 research. They really are getting there for us.
Stay strong and keep on believing!
ma
p.s. Thanks so much to Christine, Joe, and all the members who give so generously to keep our site a source of power and strength. So many researchers and doctors from around the world stopped at the table and let us know who they wish they had such a site in their language!
p.s.s. (won't she ever go back to sleep?) The River Walk here in San Antonio was "dream world" like. Lights and christmas trees everywhere. It's been very magical in so many ways.

Good link to news: http://www.medpagetoday.com/MeetingCoverage/SABCS/

[Ceesun]

This is just wonderful to hear-thanks for sharing. Ceesun

[tricia keegan]

Thanks for relaying all this back to us Mary Anne, it sounds very exciting and also like we're changing from having one of the worst prognosis to one of the better if only for all the research and interest in her2+!
I'll be watching the daily reports with interest too and thanks again, enjoy the rest !

[jones7676]

Thank You.... those positive thoughts are needed by me!

[RobinP]

Hey, thanks for posting Mary Anne, glad there is some light and progress with her2 bc. I did notice a lot more studies this year than in years past on her2 so it seems the researchers are working hard for us-YES! Happy holiday cheer to you too and thanks for your optimistic post and your efforts for her2support.

[harrie]

MA, thanks for the update on your exciting times over there!!
MA

[Believe51]

Thank you Mary Anne, this comes at a time when we all need this. Come to think of it, it is always a good time to hear this. Cannot wait to hear all the details!!>>Believe51