News was good on brain surgery!! NED

[StephN]

If my neck was not so sore I would be more vociferous about the great news! The poor surgeon was a little puzzled at my weak smile at his good news that NO tumor was found in the matter they removed. He said, "I don't get to give good news like this very often, so you have to be happy!" I told him I AM happy, just can't express myself very well.
Then his nurse came in and removed all the staples, after the surgeon pronounded the long incision "healing beautifully."

The rad onc came in and told us they went over my case at tumor board today and the whole group was surprised that the whole regrowth was necrosis. They had not seen that much contrast in a PET scan that did NOT turn out tumor. Well, I guess it is good to have a bad kind of necrosis also out. Neurosurgeon said once they get it out it should not reappear.

So, thank you one and all, for all the prayers and support.

[Maryanne]

How Wonderful!!!!!!!!!!

I am so very happy for you.

[chrislmelb]

That's great Stephanie.

Christine

[Barbara H.]

Hi Steph,
I kind of thought it might be necrosis, but I didn't want have your hopes dashed. When I found out that mine was necrosis, it was like waking up from a bad dream. I still think that it's good that it's out. I'm sorry that you are having so much trouble with your neck. In some ways the surgery was easier for me than the radiation. I'm so glad that you are NED. You will heal, and you are probably a little down from coming off the Decadron.
I have been waiting for your post all day. Just know that you are in my thoughts. We are leaving on Friday for NH for a week. Next week is school vacation in New England so I won't be on the internet much and won't be able to post.
Best wishes,
Barbara H.

[RhondaH]

ENJOY! Take care and God bless.

Rhonda

[jhandley]

Great news Steph! I have been thinking of you. Here's to a long time without a reoccurence.
Cheers
jackie

[sherri]

So happy for you. When I was at UW for Vaccine, I said if Steph's result comes back with no tumor and cancer, then this Vaccine would work for me. I'm so so happy! Great news.

[Yorkiegirl]

YEAH, WOOOO HOOOOO Steph this is such GREAT NEWS. I am so HAPPY FOR YOU. I'm doing the flippy floppy dance.



Vicki

[Julie2]

Hi Steph,

I am really happy to hear the news. Miracles happen. So your tumor markers and Her2 serum are representing the truth. enjoy the happy moment.

-Julie

[al from Canada]

Dear Steph,

If I was Simon Cowell and if you were in a competition for American Idol, or survivor, you would be in the final 3 and NOT be voted off the island. If that didn't make any sense, too bad, but....you are the admiration of all!

Some times a recovery like your own (and many others like Christine and Lisa) is the "luck of the draw" but, more likely a will to survive combined with informed decisions. We don't have much stock in "luck" but for those just tuning-in to this site, stay tuned because Steph is one of our Golden Globe embassadors.

Congrats Steph, you (and many others members most recently Esther) are a tribute to what it takes to be not only a survivor; but surviving with dignity, a life style and with a Quality of Life that was unheard of in "terminal" cancer patients only 5 years ago.

Keep blazing the trail and we will follow!

With Love,
Al and Linda

[Kim in CA]

Oh Steph,


Yippeeeee! This is wonderful news. Now just wish they could find a way to recognize necrosis without having to cut us open. I was so relieved when the pathology report from my liver resection showed NED, but it sure was alot to go through to find out. Unfortunately it is the only way to be sure, and we do have to be sure with this disease! I do so admire your "just do it" attitude and hope I will handle things as bravely as you have if the situation arises. You continue to amaze and inspire me. Now, just get healed up soon so you can get on with the business of living each day! Love and BIG HUGS, Kim in CA

[AlaskaAngel]

I can't imagine what it has been like to go through the uncertainty but I'm so relieved and happy to hear the good news. I hope you will take some time out to really heal from it all. Way to go, Steph, way to go!

HUGS,

Lois

[Lolly]

Steph, I'm REALLY RELIEVED to hear your good news! It is incredible all the things we go through with this disease that not too long ago would have been unimaginable to us. You've been admirably steady through this latest roller coaster ride, now you can sit back and coast for awhile

<3 Lolly

Steph! Just adding my own happiness over this good turn out for you.....

May you soon feel well enough to have a bit of a celebration.

lots of hugs,
xoxoxpatty

[jjfromcanada]

WOW!


This is terrific.

[TriciaK]

Add my congrats and cheers to all the others, Steph! We are all so happy for you. Every success like this increases our hope and faith. Thank you for all you share with us! Hugs, Tricia

[StephN]

Thanks to you all for the sincere congtats on my "no tumor" news.

For me the best news was to learn that Gamma Knife of a year ago was a success on my 3cm tumor. This size is the upper limit where some Gamma centers will treat, but not my center. It means that the right dose of radiation was given for the right length of time.

As some have posted here, we are all different and this is why the docs don't like to leave things to what they consider "chance." My gut was telling me that this was not tumor, but knowing that my cancer is high grade and aggressive, I let this sway me to the surgery.

Guess we will not be changing my treatment at this time, since I supposedly have nothing to treat. Will maintain on 3-weekly Herceptin and Zometa every 12 weeks. Will continue to monitor my CA27-29 and CEA.

I do plan to have the HER2 serum test again in a couple of months and regularly thereafter. Also brain monitoring by MRI every 3 months.

[Tracy]

Great news, I am so happy for you!

[Helen]

Great news! I hope and pray for your speedy recovery from the surgery.

Helen

[Diane H]

So happy for you, continue to heal quickly and bless you, Hugs, Diane