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04-27-2008, 12:36 PM
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#21
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 3,142
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Bill's break
Hi,
We totally understand. Everyone needs breaks. Take care. Stay well, safe and peaceful. Everyone will welcome you back when you are ready to re join us.
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04-27-2008, 12:55 PM
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#22
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Thornhill, Ontario
Canada
Posts: 2,320
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Hi Bill,
I also echo what others have said - I'm sure part of the healing process for you has been to stay close to the board where your dear Nicola was treasured. I hope this has been a comfort to you during these difficult days. Please keep in touch when you can, enjoy your time with your son and your family, and remember that today is the first day of the rest of your life.
all the best
caya
__________________
ER90%+/PR 50%+/HER 2+
1.7 cm and 1.0 cm.
Stage 1, grade 2, Node Negative (16 nodes tested)
MRM Dec.18/06
3 x FEC, 3 x Taxotere
Herceptin - every 3 weeks for a year, finished May 8/08
Tamoxifen - 2 1/2 years
Femara - Jan. 1, 2010 - July 18, 2012
BRCA1/BRCA2 Negative
Dignosed 10/16/06, age 48 , premenopausal
Mild lymphedema diagnosed June 2009 - breast surgeon and lymph. therapist think it's completely reversible - hope so.
Reclast infusion January 2012
Oopherectomy October 2013
15 Years NED!!
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04-27-2008, 01:34 PM
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#23
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Oregon
Posts: 1,756
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Bill, you have been such a bright light here, but it's so important to take care of yourself. It sounds like you have a handle on that. We'll always be here if you need us!
<3 Lolly
__________________
Sept.'99 - Dx.Stage IIIB, IDC ER/PR-, HER2+++ by IHC, confirmed '04 by FISH. Left MRM, AC x's 4, Taxol x's 4, 33 Rads, finishing Tx May 2000. Jan.'01 - local/regional recurrence, Stage IV. Herceptin/Navelbine weekly till NED August 2001, then maintenance Herceptin. Right Mast. April 2002. Local/Regional recurrence April '04, Herceptin plus/minus chemo until May '07. Gemzar added from Feb.'07-April '07; Tykerb/Abraxane until August '07, back on Herceptin plus Taxotere and Xeloda Sept. '07. Stopped T/X Nov. '07, stopped Herceptin Dec. '07, started Avastin/Taxol/Carboplatin Dec. '07. Progression in chest skin, stopped TAC March '03, started radiation.
Herceptin has served as the "Backbone" of my treatment strategy for over 6 years, giving me great quality of life. In 2005, I was privileged to participate in the University of Washington/Seattle HER2 Vaccine Trial.
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04-27-2008, 01:49 PM
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#24
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 2,077
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Hi everyone! You are all so wonderful. Thanks for all of your support and kind words. Like I said, I'll still be checking in, I promise. As far as my trip to Az goes, I know I'll bring a story or two back from that one. Love, Bill
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04-27-2008, 03:08 PM
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#25
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Bradenton,FL
Posts: 977
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Bill, we will leave the light on for you! Blaze some new trails, friend.
Hugs,Marcia
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04-27-2008, 03:33 PM
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#26
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Morris, IL
Posts: 3,507
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Bill
If this is your way to get out of making me cupcakes...well.....
we will miss you...your support and understanding, not to mention those wild adventures.....Nicola was very lucky to have you, as you were lucky to have her....may this time away help you to heal and take time for yourself....you and Nikki will always be here in thought!
__________________
"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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04-27-2008, 03:37 PM
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#27
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Shingle Springs, CA - near Sacramento
Posts: 295
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Just gotta say!
Hey Bill,
I just gotta say I think you are the coolest guy ever! That you came in here support of your beautiful wife is so incredibly wonderful in the first place - BUT - to stay here and lend support and insight and knowledge after her passing was really sooooo amazing. I am in awe of your gentle, care spirit and thank you so very much for being there.
By all means, go have a life! But don't forget we love you!
Donna
__________________
Donna in the Sierra Foothills of California
Diagnosed 6/7/06 invasive ductal carcinoma/ductal carcinoma in situ
Lumpectomy 6/21/06
Pathology: Er 99% Pr 10% Her2/neu 3+
DNA Index 1.0
S-Phase 3/High
Primary Tumor 2.4 cm Sentinel Node Tumor 2.1cm
A/C/T+ Herceptin + rads + Arimidex
stopped Herceptin after 7 mos. due to low MUGA
Surgery for thickened uterine tissue May 2008 - conclusion: side effect of Arimidex
Switched from Arimidex to Femara - joint/tendon problems significantly better!
2 year mark Pet scan and Echo shows all clear!
5 year mammogram with ultrasound shows no sign of cancer - yay!
11 years, 11 months new breast cancer - found lump
Mastectomy 4/30/2018
Pathology: Er99%, PR 28%, Her2 negative! (new type)
Faslodex
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04-27-2008, 04:12 PM
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#28
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,014
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Dear sweet Bill, all I can say is "it's about time". Not that we won't miss you terribly. I have always said that the worse thing that would come out of my death would be the pain that it would cause the ones I love. I would expect my friends and family to grieve for a while but I would quickly want them to get back to their lives, be happy and get joy in my memories. If they suffered too long, I would consider my life to have been a failure in that aspect. There is a time for grief and a time to move on and bring joy and honor to your loved ones memory by living a good happy life. It's time for you Bill to get out and do the things you need to do. I know you will still grieve for your dear Nicola but you have more important things that need to be done than spending your spare time here. You have been an awesome support for us ladies here, every now and then a guy like you pops up on this board and I am in awe of the concern and care given to us when you must be hurting so. I totally understand and support your decision and just ask that you occaisionally drop by and say "hi". You have been such a support for me here lately with my brother, and I want to say "thank you". Be blessed...luv..sherryg683
__________________
Sherry
Diagnosed: December , 2005 at age 44
13+ positive lymph nodes
Stage IV , Her2+, 2 small mets to lungsChemo Started: Jan, 2006
4 months Taxotere, Xeloda, Hercepin
NED since April 2006!!
36 Rads to follow with weekly Herceptin indefinately
8 years NED now
Scans every year
Life is not about avoiding the thunderstorms, it's about learning to dance in the rain!
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04-27-2008, 07:01 PM
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#29
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 274
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Hey Bill,
I haven't been on the site nearly as much as I used to be. Not for any bad reason, just too much going on. I just want to thank you for sending your sympathy when I lost "Red", my golden retriever. I know that you probably did not even know who I was but you were kind enough to respond. I am wishing all the best for you and hope that you are on the site again when the time is good for you.
Take care and enjoy your trip.
Sincerely,
Liz J.
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04-27-2008, 07:44 PM
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#30
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Guest
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Good luck to you Bill. It's OK to take as much time as you want. Everyone is different, and you may need a break. Thanks for being here. Bev
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04-27-2008, 07:58 PM
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#31
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: indianapolis, indiana
Posts: 1,544
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You will be missed. You have such insights on all of this and your advice to others has been so great. We do wish you luck on your trip and any time we get from you we'll take.
__________________
dxd 9-04, lumpectomy,
st 1, gr 3, er,pr-, her2 +,
2 tac,33 rads,6 cmf
1 yr herceptin,
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04-28-2008, 11:18 AM
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#32
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Posts: 127
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I too will miss your posts Bill. Your honesty, candor and true gentle spirit has inspired me to be a better person. No kidding. You have an old soul my friend. It is now time for you to go on with the next chapter of your life. Whatever that may bring, I hope that it brings you peace and love. You are meant to love Bill. It is who you are.
Much love to you. . . . .
-kim
__________________
dx 5-05 @42 years old
IDC stage IIA
ER+ (100%) ER+ (75%) HER2+
double mastectomy
4DD AC - 16 weekly Taxol
6 months Herceptin - stopped due to MUGA
35 chest wall rads
Tamoxifen
Lat flap with silicone implant reconstruction on left side due to radiation. "Normal" silicone on right. Finished all reconstruction 6-07!!!
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04-28-2008, 12:38 PM
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#33
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Central Florida
Posts: 503
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Live a little !!! Nicola would have wanted that for you. I took a 2 week break and no one noticed !
I cetainly understand your sentiments and your obligations as well.
Warmly,
maria
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04-28-2008, 06:04 PM
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#34
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,851
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Bill, Have a good trip to Arizona. God bless you for everything you did for Nicola and for all the support you give everyone here. Joan
__________________
Diagnosed stage 2b in July 2003 (2.3 cm, HER2+, ER-/PR-, 7+ nodes). Treated with mastectomy (with immediate DIEP flap reconstruction), AC + T/Herceptin (off label). Cancer advanced to lung in Jan. 2007 (1 cm nodule). Started Herceptin every 3 weeks. Lung wedge resection April 2007. Cancer recurred in lung April 2008. RFA of lung in August 2008. 2nd annual brain MRI in Oct. 2008 discovered 2.6 cm cystic tumor in left frontal lobe. Craniotomy Oct. 2008 (ER-/PR-/HER2-) followed by targeted radiation (IMRT). Coughing up blood Feb. 2009. Thoractomy July 2009 to cut out fungal ball of common soil fungus (aspergillus) that grew in the RFA cavity (most likely inhaled while gardening). No cancer, only fungus. Removal of tiny melanoma from upper left arm, plus sentinel lymph node biopsy in Feb. 2016. Guardant Health liquid biopsy in Feb. 2016 showed mutations in 4 subtypes of TP53. Repeat of Guardant Health biopsy in Jana. 2021 showed 3 TP53 mutations, BRCA1 mutation and CHEK2 mutation. Invitae genetic testing showed negative for all of these. Living with MBC since 2007. Stopped Herceptin Hylecta (injection) treatment in March 2020. Recent 2023 annual CT of chest, abdomen and pelvis and annual brain MRI showed NED. Praying for NED forever!!
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04-28-2008, 09:15 PM
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#35
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Hilo, Hawaii
Posts: 1,867
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Hey BBB,
Be sure you will truely be missed. Like I told you before, you give our site a very special touch with your spirit, compassion, and humor.
I understand 100% as to why you are making your decision to spend less time here and set your sights on your family and personal priorities. I know that is a very wise decision.
I am sure this site has helped you as much as you have helped so many on this site. I think it is time for you to move on to other important matters. I can't believe I am crying while I am writing this!
Wishing you all the best in life PLUS. take care ....and God bless.
Hariecanarie
__________________
*** MARYANNE *** aka HARRIECANARIE
1993: right side DCIS, lumpectomy, rads
1999: left side DCIS, lumpectomy, rads, tamoxifen
2006:
BRCA 2 positive
Stage I, invasive DCIS (6mm x 5mm)
Grade: intermediate
sentinal node biopsy: neg
HER2/neu amplified 4.7
ER+/PR+
TOPO II neg
Oncotype dx 20
Bilat mastectomy with DIEP flap reconstruction
oophorectomy
2007:
6 cycles TCH (taxotere, carboplatin, herceptin)
finished 1 yr herceptin 05/07
Arimidex, stopped after almost 1 yr
Femara
Last edited by harrie; 04-28-2008 at 09:17 PM..
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04-28-2008, 10:51 PM
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#36
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,519
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I miss you already - hurry back!
luv, hucklebuck
__________________
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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04-29-2008, 12:19 AM
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#37
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Southern, CA
Posts: 2,511
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Bill, You have certainly shown us all what a wonderful, caring and loving husband Nicola had. I can only imagine how blessed she felt to have you in her life. You've been so supportive to so many of us, and on the flip side brought so many laughs our way. You have such big heart and your presents will certainly be missed here.
That being said I do think its good that you are moving on in another direction. I can only imagine how difficult this time has been for you. Hold all those wonderful memories of Nicola in your heart and do what you know she would want you to do. Here's to you having a wonderful time out in AZ. Sounds like a good time for a trip...enjoy yourself.
I'll keep you in my prayers.
Chelee
__________________
DX: 12-20-05 - Stage IIIA, Her2/Neu, 3+++,Er & Pr weakly positive, 5 of 16 pos nodes.
Rt. MRM on 1-3-06 -- No Rads due to compromised lungs.
Chemo started 2-7-06 -- TCH - - Finished 6-12-06
Finished yr of wkly herceptin 3-19-07
3-15-07 Lt side prophylactic simple mastectomy. -- Ooph 4-05-07
9-21-09 PET/CT "Recurrence" to Rt. axllia, Rt. femur, ilium. Possible Sacrum & liver? Now stage IV.
9-28-09 Loading dose of Herceptin & started Zometa
9-29-09 Power Port Placement
10-24-09 Mass 6.4 x 4.7 cm on Rt. femur head.
11-19-09 RT. Femur surgery - Rod placed
12-7-09 Navelbine added to Herceptin/Zometa.
3-23-10 Ten days of rads to RT femur. Completed.
4-05-10 Quit Navelbine--Herceptin/Zometa alone.
5-4-10 Appt. with Dr. Slamon to see what is next? Waiting on FISH results from femur biopsy.
Results to FISH was unsuccessful--this happens less then 2% of the time.
7-7-10 Recurrence to RT axilla again. Back to UCLA for options.
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04-29-2008, 07:26 AM
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#38
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Oregon City
Posts: 856
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Bill:
Even though I am new to this site, I can see that you were an extremely strong supporter of the people here. You are definitely a community builder. I would like to thank you for the time, effort, and devotion you gave to this community.
Take as much time as you need getting your affairs in order, without feeling any guilt about the Her2 Neu community. This site is better off because of your contributions.
Thanks,
Lee
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04-29-2008, 04:16 PM
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#39
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 2,077
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I don't even know what to say, you are all so wonderful. I really do appreciate all of your support and out-pouring of love. I starting to feel like the little boy who cried wolf, though, because I haven't really gone anywhere yet, just spending a few less hours here and posting less. I hope you are all doing well. You are all in my thoughts and prayers, Love, Bill
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04-29-2008, 04:28 PM
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#40
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Sheboygan, WI
Posts: 2,582
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HI Bill,
And that's just fine with me if you only spend a little bit of time away and post less BUT still visit and post. You're too special to be away from us for long periods of time. Am I being selfish? If so...oh well.....
__________________
"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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