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03-13-2009, 07:36 AM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Oregon City
Posts: 856
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Aging early from the effects of chemo
Dear Friends:
Now that Colleen appears to be out of the woods and the radiation, chemo, and surgery are all over with, I should be grateful that Colleen is alive and healthy, and to a large extent I am.
But yesterday, I took Colleen out for lunch and he sun was shining through the window onto Colleen's face and I was really pretty shocked. Colleen looks like she aged ten to fifteen years in the last year in a half. Maybe all of this is temporary, and I hope it is, but she looks a lot older and a lot more fragile than I have ever seen her.
Mind you, I still think she is beautiful and I am still going to spend the rest of my life with her, but what happened? Maybe some of the other caregivers have noticed the same thing. If you have, I would like to hear from you.
Lee
__________________
This happened to Colleen:
Diagnosed in September 2007
ER-/PR-/HER2 Neu+++ 2.1 cm x .9 cm spicluted tumor with three fingers, Stage 2B
Sentinal node biopsy and lymph node removal with 3/18 positive in October 2007
4 TAC infusions
lumpectomy March 2008, bad margins
Re-excision on June 3rd, 2008 with clean margins
Fitted for compression sleeve July 16, 2008
Started the first of two TCH infusions August 14, 2008
Done with chemo and now a member of the blue dot club 9/17/08
Starting radiation October 1, 2008
life is still on hold
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03-13-2009, 09:55 AM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Georgia
Posts: 1,486
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Lee,
I am not a caregiver, but I was diagnosed in November 2007, so I am not too far behind Colleen. When I look in the mirror, I can tell this experience has aged my face also. Sometimes, it makes me sad. I will be 51 in July, and I am getting wrinkles on my face. I do not believe I would have had these wrinkles if I had not had the BC in my body. I believe the chemo also ages you.
I can honestly say that this experience has helped me to appreciate the smallest things in life.
I don't talk to many people about this experience, except for my cancer therapist and the HER 2 board, and she called this morning wanting me to go on a weekend retreat in April.
My boyfriend of 13 years is a retired school psychologist.
Amelia
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03-13-2009, 10:21 AM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Oregon City
Posts: 856
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You know, I have seen the effects of aging in Colleen's sister as well. Maybe this early aging is something that happens to everyone with the cancer treatments. I just haven't heard anyone talk about it before. Maybe it's a subject that is too hard for most people to talk about. If it is, then maybe I shouldn't talk to Colleen about it.
__________________
This happened to Colleen:
Diagnosed in September 2007
ER-/PR-/HER2 Neu+++ 2.1 cm x .9 cm spicluted tumor with three fingers, Stage 2B
Sentinal node biopsy and lymph node removal with 3/18 positive in October 2007
4 TAC infusions
lumpectomy March 2008, bad margins
Re-excision on June 3rd, 2008 with clean margins
Fitted for compression sleeve July 16, 2008
Started the first of two TCH infusions August 14, 2008
Done with chemo and now a member of the blue dot club 9/17/08
Starting radiation October 1, 2008
life is still on hold
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03-13-2009, 10:50 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 2,077
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Lee, alot of what you and Colleen are feeling and seeing may be the result of countless days and nights of worry and poor sleep. And, you know how radiation can take it's toll and the effects are cumulative and take awhile to wear off. Just keep eating well, resting well, and enjoying your life together as much as you can. Everything else will take care of itself. I wish I could help more, brother.
__________________
For Nicola
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03-14-2009, 02:13 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: "Love never fails."
Posts: 5,808
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Guys, guys, don't jump into conclusion too soon.
I am sure the treatment causes fatigue and possible early aging. But there could be some good effects.
My skin always gets smoothier after chemo - I called it a 'chemical peel' - and because I was staying home resting, I would no longer be underweight and my skin actually looks younger and better after the weight gain.
But it is true that most strangers think hubbie is 20 years younger than me (while in truth he is 3 years older.)
Be sure to allow plenty of rest, get plenty of fluid and nutritious food. And exercise - one of the things hubbie had to push me to stay on it.
__________________
Jackie07
http://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2011/06/doctors-letter-patient-newly-diagnosed-cancer.html
http://www.asco.org/ASCOv2/MultiMedi...=114&trackID=2
NICU 4.4 LB
Erythema Nodosum 85
Life-long Central Neurocytoma 4x5x6.5 cm 23 hrs 62090 semi-coma 10 d PT OT ST 30 d
3 Infertility tmts 99 > 3 u. fibroids > Pills
CN 3 GKRS 52301
IDC 1.2 cm Her2 +++ ER 5% R. Lmptmy SLNB+1 71703 6 FEC 33 R Tamoxifen
Recc IIB 2.5 cm Bi-L Mast 61407 2/9 nds PET
6 TCH Cellulitis - Lymphedema - compression sleeve & glove
H w x 4 MUGA 51 D, J 49 M
Diastasis recti
Tamoxifen B. scan
Irrtbl bowel 1'09
Colonoscopy 313
BRCA1 V1247I
hptc hemangioma
Vertigo
GI - > yogurt
hysterectomy/oophorectomy 011410
Exemestane 25 mg tab 102912 ~ 101016 stopped due to r. hip/l.thigh pain after long walk
DEXA 1/13
1-2016 lesions in liver largest 9mm & 1.3 cm onco. says not cancer.
3-11 Appendectomy - visually O.K., a lot of puss. Final path result - not cancer.
Start Vitamin D3 and Calcium supplement (600mg x2)
10-10 Stopped Exemestane due to r. hip/l.thigh pain OKed by Onco 11-08-2016
7-23-2018 9 mm groundglass nodule within the right lower lobe with indolent behavior. Due to possible adenocarcinoma, Recommend annual surveilence.
7-10-2019 CT to check lung nodule.
1-10-2020 8mm stable nodule on R Lung, two 6mm new ones on L Lung, a possible lymph node involvement in inter fissule.
"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." Irene from Tampa
Advocacy is a passion .. not a pastime - Joe
Last edited by Jackie07; 02-28-2010 at 04:41 PM..
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03-14-2009, 04:56 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Hilo, Hawaii
Posts: 1,867
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Eric, I appreciate you bringing up this topic. I know estrogen helps keep skin supple along with other anti-aging benefits. I have been on an AI for about 1 1/2 yrs now and I was wondering if it is going to have a significant impact on my face. I have not noticed any noticable changes so far, but I am wondering as the yrs go on, if I am going see more noticable aging signs.
I think it is impt to do all we can to counter the damage to our skin and therefore very impt to keep skin moisturized, use sun screen, and watch those outdoor activites. Just as it is equally impt to exercise and eat well to prevent wt gain and loss of muscle.
Chemo and AIs also can have a significant impact on sexual activities and comfort levels. You combine that with looking in the mirror and seeing yourself age makes for not a very inspiring pic. I think some kind of counselling could be very helpful for patients so they know they are not alone and suggest remedies that could be very helpful.
Would like to see input from others on what they have experienced.
Good thread Eric.
ooooops sorry.....I mean LEE.....
__________________
*** 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; 03-14-2009 at 05:08 PM..
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03-15-2009, 03:16 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Hershey, PA. Live The Sweet Life!
Posts: 2,005
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I think Mary Anne hit the nail on the proverbial head. Since chemopause and Tamoxipause my skin feels like plastic to me. Perhaps this has something to do with a bit of residual neuropathy in the ole' fingers, but I doubt that. My skin is just so DRY. I no longer use soap on my face at all. Just oil, or Palmers, or Vit E cream, all sans any estrogen mimickers, to try to combat the dryness. I add organic oil to my tub water and use organic body wash on the necessary parts. While I do still sweat, it has absolutely no odor. None.
Oddly enough when people see me they always comment on how good I look, and how you would never know I had been sick. I am still trying to adjust to this new body I am housed in, and to come to terms with living with the specter of cancer on the horizon.
Do I look older? Truthfully? I suppose, yes, I do. I can attest that I feel older, creakier, and much more vulnerable. Yes, cancer sure does shake your confidence!
I really, really hate cancer. It just stinks. On a positive note, I do not miss my period! HA! Talk about seeing the glass half full!
__________________
Smile On!
Laurel
Dx'd w/multifocal DCIS/IDS 3/08
7mm invasive component
Partial mast. 5/08
Stage 1b, ER 80%, PR 90%, HER-2 6.9 on FISH
0/5 nodes
4 AC, 4 TH finished 9/08
Herceptin every 3 weeks. Finished 7/09
Tamoxifen 10/08. Switched to Femara 8/09
Bilat SPM w/reconstruction 10/08
Clinical Trial w/Clondronate 12/08
Stopped Clondronate--too hard on my gizzard!
Switched back to Tamoxifen due to tendon pain from Femara
15 Years NED
I think I just might hang around awhile....
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03-15-2009, 05:39 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,477
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Lee,
I have seen patients look older during/after treatment and when time has passed- without treatment, with sleep, with exercise, with happiness once more- look wonderful. I have seen the clock roll back and people look like "themselves" time and time again. It is too early for you to conclude anything at this point. I agree with Bill that you guys should eat well (easy for me to say I know), exercise when you can, get rest, and enjoy life as much as possible- make Colleen laugh. You asked in your 3/13 post whether you should talk to Colleen about the aging. My question would be "why?" and my inclination would be "please don't." Just do everything you can to help Colleen get stronger and feel good about herself.
Best,
Karen
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03-15-2009, 07:03 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Hilo, Hawaii
Posts: 1,867
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I like Karen's words of advice, esp her last sentence. There are a multitude of factors that can contribute to signs of aging. I agree with her that it wouldn't be a good idea to talk to her about it. Your love and positive support would be an excellent influence on her emotions, self-image, and stress level. That support alone might be significant to turn the tides.
__________________
*** 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
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03-15-2009, 10:15 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Misty woods of WA State
Posts: 4,128
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This is an interesting topic. One thing that I noticed during my many months of chemo both times is that my eyesight was somewhat affected and I did not see fine detail all that well.
So, I finally bought a double sided mirror with magnifying on one side and normal on the other side. I did this as I could not see to groom my eyebrows very well any more.
Anyway, I think this slightly blurred vision was a blessing in disguise for a while! It cleared up eventually and I began to notice fine lines I did not have previously, but I was getting to be well over 50 by then!
It seems to me that what we notice about ourselves is driven by a couple of things. First, how self conscious we were in the first place. Second, how close we are ABLE to study ourselves, or WISH to study ourselves.
What was most important to me was being able to get stronger and do more, get my hair back and other not-so-picky things.
__________________
"When I hear music, I fear no danger. I am invulnerable. I see no foe. I am related to the earliest times, and to the latest." H.D. Thoreau
Live in the moment.
MY STORY SO FAR ~~~~
Found suspicious lump 9/2000
Lumpectomy, then node dissection and port placement
Stage IIB, 8 pos nodes of 18, Grade 3, ER & PR -
Adriamycin 12 weekly, taxotere 4 rounds
36 rads - very little burning
3 mos after rads liver full of tumors, Stage IV Jan 2002, one spot on sternum
Weekly Taxol, Navelbine, Herceptin for 27 rounds to NED!
2003 & 2004 no active disease - 3 weekly Herceptin + Zometa
Jan 2005 two mets to brain - Gamma Knife on Jan 18
All clear until treated cerebellum spot showing activity on Jan 2006 brain MRI & brain PET
Brain surgery on Feb 9, 2006 - no cancer, 100% radiation necrosis - tumor was still dying
Continue as NED while on Herceptin & quarterly Zometa
Fall-2006 - off Zometa - watching one small brain spot (scar?)
2007 - spot/scar in brain stable - finished anticoagulation therapy for clot along my port-a-catheter - 3 angioplasties to unblock vena cava
2008 - Brain and body still NED! Port removed and scans in Dec.
Dec 2008 - stop Herceptin - Vaccine Trial at U of W begun in Oct. of 2011
STILL NED everywhere in Feb 2014 - on wing & prayer
7/14 - Started twice yearly Zometa for my bones
Jan. 2015 checkup still shows NED
2015 Neuropathy in feet - otherwise all OK - still NED.
Same news for 2016 and all of 2017.
Nov of 2017 - had small skin cancer removed from my face. Will have Zometa end of Jan. 2018.
Last edited by StephN; 03-15-2009 at 10:36 PM..
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03-15-2009, 10:30 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: LA LA Land
Posts: 1,607
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I have aged so much compared to my friends. Even though everyone always says how good I look, I know they mean considering what I'm going through. I am not overly obsessed with aging - I am more concerned with QOL issues. It's always shocking to me that I'm not still 23. Age is truly a state of mind. I think that Bill and Karen Z make a lot of sense.
Lee - I would skip this conversation with your wife. The last thing ANY woman needs to hear is she looks old. Take her to Hawaii or somewhere tropical. Add some candles and some lingerie. Good food. Laughter. Time. Recovery. You'll be surprised how youth returns. While I acknowledge that chemo also adds age, I think there are other more important issues. And no offense - but I wonder how you looked to her in the bright sunlight. Turn off the lights - that's my solution.
__________________
1996 cancer WTF?! 1.3 cm lumpectomy Er/Pr neg. Her2+ (20nodes NEGATIVE) did CMF + rads. NED.
2002 recurrence. Bilateral mastectomy w/TFL autologous recon. Then ACx2. Skin lymphatic rash. Taxotere w/Herceptin x4. Herceptin/Xeloda. Finally stops spreading.
2003 - Back to surgery, remove skin mets, and will have surgery one week later when pathology can confirm margins.
‘03 latisimus dorsi flap to remove skin mets. CLEAN MARGINS. Continue single agent Herceptin thru 4/04. NED.
‘04 '05 & 06 tiny recurrences - scar line. surgery to cut out. NED each time.
1/2006 Rads again, to scar line. NED.
3/07 Heartbreaking news - mets! lungs.sternum. Try Tykerb/Xeloda. Tykerb/Carbo/Gemzar. Switch Oncs.
12/07 Herceptin.Tykerb. Markers go stable.
2/8/08 gamma knife 13mm stupid brain met.
3/08 Herceptin/tykerb/avastin/zometa.
3/09 brain NED. Lungs STABLE.
4/09 attack sternum (10 daysPHOTONS.5 days ELECTRONS)
9/09 MARKERS normal!
3/10 PET/CT=manubrium intensely metabolically active but stable. NEDhead.
Wash out 5/10 for tdm1 but 6/10 CT STABLE, PET improving. Markers normal. Brain NED. Resume just Herceptin plus ZOMETA
Dec 2010 Brain NED, lungs/sternum stable. markers normal.
MAR 2011 stop Herceptin/allergy! Go back on Tykerb and switch to Xgeva.
May-Aug 2011 Tykerb Herceptin Xgeva.
Sept 2011 Tykerb, Herceptin, Zometa, Avastin.
April 2012 sketchy drug trial in NYC. 6 weeks later I’m NED!
OCT 2012 PET/CT shows a bunch of freakin’ progression. Back to LA and Herceptin.avastin.zometa.
12/20/12 add in PERJETA!
March 2013 – 5 YEARS POST continue HAPZ
APRIL 2013 - 6 yrs stage 4. "FAILED" PETscan on 4/2/13
May 2013: rePetted - improvement in lungs, left adrenal stable, right 6th rib inactive, (must be PERJETA avastin) sternum and L1 fruckin'worsen. Drop zometa. ADD Xgeva. Doc says get rads consultant for L1 and possible biopsy of L1. I say, no thanks, doc. Lets see what xgeva brings to the table first. It's summer.
June-August 2013HAPX Herceptin Avastin Perjeta xgeva.
Sept - now - on chemo hold for calming tummy we hope. Markers stable for 2 months.
Nov 2013 - Herceptin-Perjeta-Avastin-Xgeva (collageneous colitis, which explains tummy probs, added Entocort)
December '13 BRAIN MRI ned in da head.
Jan 2014: CONTINUING on HAPX…
FEB 2014 PetCT clinical “impression”: 1. newbie nodule - SUV 1.5 right apical nodule, mildly hypermetabolic “suggestive” of worsening neoplastic lesion. 2. moderate worsening of the sternum – SUV 5.6 from 3.8
3. increasing sclerosis & decreasing activity of L1 met “suggests” mild healing. (SUV 9.4 v 12.1 in May ‘13)
4. scattered lung nodules, up to 5mm in size = stable, no increased activity
5. other small scattered sclerotic lesions, one in right iliac and one in thoracic vertebral body similar in appearance to L1 without PET activity and not clearly pathologic
APRIL 2014 - 6 YRS POST GAMMA ZAP, 7 YRS MBC & 18 YEARS FROM ORIGINAL DX!
October 2014: hold avastin, continue HPX
Feb 2015 Cancer you lost. NEDHEAD 7 years post gamma zap miracle, 8 years ST4, +19 yrs original diagnosis.
Continue HPX. Adding back Avastin
Nov 2015 pet/ct is mixed result. L1 SUV is worse. Continue Herceptin/avastin/xgeva. Might revisit Perjeta for L1. Meantime going for rads consult for L1
December 2015 - brain stable. Continue Herceptin, Perjeta, Avastin and xgeva.
Jan 2016: 5 days, 20 grays, Rads to L1 and continue on HAPX. I’m trying to "save" TDM1 for next line. Hope the rads work to quiet L1. Sciatic pain extraordinaire :((
Markers drop post rads.
2/24/16 HAP plus X - markers are down
SCIATIC PAIN DEAL BREAKER.
3/23/16 Laminectomy w/coflex implant L4/5. NO MORE SCIATIC PAIN!!! Healing.
APRIL 2016 - 9 YRS MBC
July 2016 - continue HAP plus Xgeva.
DEC 2016 - PETCT: mets to sternum, lungs, L1 still about the same in size and PET activity. Markers not bad. Not making changes if I don't need to. Herceptin/Perjeta/Avastin/Xgeva
APRIL 2017 10 YEARS MBC
December 2017 - Progression - gonna switch it up
FEB 2018 - Kadcyla 3 cycles ---->progression :(
MAY30th - bronchoscopy, w/foundation1 - her2 enriched
Aug 27, 2018 - start clinical trial ZW25
JAN 2019 - ZW25 seems to be keeping me stable
APRIL 2019 - ONE DOZEN YEARS LIVING METASTATIC
MAY 2019 - progression back on herceptin add xeloda
JUNE 2019 - "6 mos average survival" LMD & CNS new single brain met - one zap during 5 days true beam SBRT to cord met
10/30/19 - stable brain and cord. progression lungs and bones. washing out. applying for ds8201a w nivolumab. hope they take me.
12/27/19 - begin ds8401a w nivolumab. after 2nd cycle nodes melt away. after 3rd cycle chest scan shows Improvement, brain MRI shows improvement, resolved areas & nothing new. switch to plain ENHERTU. after 4th cycle, PETscan shows mostly resolved or improved results. Markers near normal. I'm stunned but grateful.
10/26/20 - June 2021 Tucatinib/xeloda/herceptin - stable ish.
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03-16-2009, 10:37 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,210
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Ditto what Fori said!
I have been hearing from people all the time lately how good I look. I seem to have more color and life in my face. I am finally laughing again. And feeling joy at being alive. So will Colleen. She has been through the wringer. Both of you have. Keep the faith.
__________________
Bonnie
Post menopause
May 2007 Core biopsy, Rt breast
ER+, Pr-, HER2 +++, Grade 3
Ki-67: 90%
"suspicious area" left breast
Bilateral mastectomy, (NED on left) May 2007
Sentinel Node Neg
Stage 1, DCIS with microinvasion, 3 mm, mostly removed during the biopsy....
Femara (discontinued 7/07) Resumed 10/07
OncoType score 36 (July 07)
Began THC 7/26/07 (d/c taxol and carboplatin 10/07)
Began Herceptin alone 10/07
Finished Herceptin July /08
D/C Femara 4/10 (joint pain/trigger thumb!)
5/10 mistakenly dx with lung cancer. Middle rt lobe removed!
Aromasin started 5/10
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03-17-2009, 02:22 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Stockton, NJ
Posts: 4,179
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Dear Lee
Who knows if treatment hurries along ageing. Who knows what we would look like without having bc happen to us - maybe alittle better but maybe alot worse. After all, many of us need to moisturize during treatment and then it becomes a habit. To avoid recurrence or a new bc, we eat better and exercise more. We enjoy things more and are happier about happy things and not so down in the mouth about bad things (there aren't as many bad things - I remember when thinking that not having someone ask me to the prom was the worst thing that could ever happen to me ![Smile](http://her2support.org/vbulletin/images/smilies/smile.gif) )
Rest, recovery, and being with my DH and the fam are better than any wrinkle. No matter how long it lasts!
PS - and there is always Botox ![Smile](http://her2support.org/vbulletin/images/smilies/smile.gif)
__________________
Kind regards
Becky
Found lump via BSE
Diagnosed 8/04 at age 45
1.9cm tumor, ER+PR-, Her2 3+(rt side)
2 micromets to sentinel node
Stage 2A
left 3mm DCIS - low grade ER+PR+Her2 neg
lumpectomies 9/7/04
4DD AC followed by 4 DD taxol
Used Leukine instead of Neulasta
35 rads on right side only
4/05 started Tamoxifen
Started Herceptin 4 months after last Taxol due to
trial results and 2005 ASCO meeting & recommendations
Oophorectomy 8/05
Started Arimidex 9/05
Finished Herceptin (16 months) 9/06
Arimidex Only
Prolia every 6 months for osteopenia
NED 18 years!
Said Christopher Robin to Pooh: "You must remember this: You're braver than you believe and stronger than you seem and smarter than you think"
Last edited by Becky; 03-17-2009 at 02:23 PM..
Reason: Add a P.S.
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03-17-2009, 11:30 PM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Hilo, Hawaii
Posts: 1,867
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My personal observations with my friends... I have 3 women friends that had BC approx 10 yrs ago. One was in her early 30s and the other 2 in their early 40s. All had chemo tx. They all look absolutely great, without exaggeration. There is no sign at all of advanced aging for their age, in fact, they all look rather young for their ages.
When I was ready to begin my chemo, I use to look at all 3 of them and tell myself, if they did it and be as healthy and look as beautiful like they do now, I surely can do it too. So I did it.
__________________
*** 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
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03-18-2009, 07:47 AM
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#15
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Oregon City
Posts: 856
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Flori:
You are correct, I would also benefit from dim lighting, excessive alcohol consumption, extreme distance, or a heavy fog, beings how I'm uglier than a bucket of frogs. I am not saying Colleen isn't still beautiful to me. It is more like I am feeling sad because it looked like Colleen had several years of life sucked from her by all of this. Maybe in a few months it will all go away. I just thought it was odd that the aging due to chemo hasn't been discussed very much, and I was wondering whether it is a matter of aging being a temporary effect or is it a subject that nobody wants to talk about.
Lee
__________________
This happened to Colleen:
Diagnosed in September 2007
ER-/PR-/HER2 Neu+++ 2.1 cm x .9 cm spicluted tumor with three fingers, Stage 2B
Sentinal node biopsy and lymph node removal with 3/18 positive in October 2007
4 TAC infusions
lumpectomy March 2008, bad margins
Re-excision on June 3rd, 2008 with clean margins
Fitted for compression sleeve July 16, 2008
Started the first of two TCH infusions August 14, 2008
Done with chemo and now a member of the blue dot club 9/17/08
Starting radiation October 1, 2008
life is still on hold
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03-18-2009, 12:13 PM
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#16
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: RHODE ISLAND
(Ed getting me a latte on 2nd Cancerversary Cruise 2008)
'BELIEVE': To accept as true or real, To have faith in, To presume
ALWAYS BELIEVE
Posts: 2,999
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Hey Lee, I think you have your answers but I would like to add my opinion? Mostly just to vent if you don't mind and to say I too feel sad. I too feel that it has sucked the lifeforce out of him. He always looked younger than he was but now appears 15+ years older.
Through this entire journey I have noticed several things. Ed has a raspy voice now from chemo and radiation. The weight loss of this very healthy 'before cancer' man helps to make him look even sicker. What little hearing he had before treatments is gone from the radiation and he will be deaf eventually. The skin on his face sags, his eyes are always glossy and always a pale glow to that beautiful face. His teeth are not the white teeth I once remembered but they are all his atleast. His hair is no longer auburn with white, it is black, it is sparse and it will never grow back completely. One thing he admired about his features was his hair. The doctors cannot believe it even has grown back at the rate it did after all he has been through.
I have bought him newer clothes that fit a little better and make him look a little better but they hang on him. I am going to address the Faslodex injection because he has no meat on his butt to stick it into anymore. I offered to splice off some of mine to help him out but he refuses the operation!! (haha) Go figure!
I totally agree with Flori and the tropical vacation or any vacation at that. I have the most gorgeous pictures from the cruise. The ones the crew photographer took shows Ed at his best. Let me add that he had the Gamma Knife 8 days before we left too. His pictures are proof of what time away will advocate for the patient. There was a pink glow to his face, his smile was natural, his clothes helped to make him look well. He was radiating from the inside out. No one would ever imagine that he was all Decadroned up and making me crazy....hahaha, glad I can laugh now!
But I am with you, Lee. Ed has never looked more beautiful to me, more stronger inside. Yes he looks fragile I must say, but never looked better. I am really looking forward to the rest of our lives together. Keeps getting better and better with each day!>>Believe51
PS: If Ed refuses the splicing operation, I think I should look into the low lighting or fog thing myself. I have aged from this journey for sure!
__________________
9/7/06Husband 50yrs=StageIV IBC/HER2+,BoneMets10/06TaxotereX10,'H'1X wk,Zometa,Tamoxifen4/12/07Last Tax5/18/07Pet=Rapid Cell Activity,No Organ Mets,Lytic Lesions,Degeneration,Some Bone Repair5/07ChemoFail6/01/07Pleural Thoracentisis=Effusions,NoMalignantCells6/19/07+7/2/07DFCI
6/25/07BrainMRI=BrainMets,Many<9mm7/10/07WBR/PelvisRad37.5Gx15&Nutritionist8/19/07T/X9/20/07BrainMRI=2<2mm10/6/07Pet=BoneProgression
10/24/07ChemoFail11/9/07A/Cx10,EndTam12/7/07Faslodex12/10/07Muga7512/13/07BlasticLesions1/7/08BrainMRI=Clear4/1/08Pet=BoneImprovement,
NoProgression,Stable4/7/08BrainPerfect5/16/08Last A/C8/26/08BrainMets=10(<9mm)9/10/08Gamma10/30/08Met=5mm12/19/08Gamma5mets5
12/22/08SpinalMets1/14/09SpinalRads2/17/09BrainMRI=NoNewMets4/20/09BoneScan5/14/09Ixempra6/1/09BrainMRI=NumerousMets6/24/09DFCIw/DrBurstein6/26/09Continue
Ixempra/Faslodex/Zometa~TM now lower7/17/09Stop Ixempra By Choice9/21/09HOSPICE10/16/09Earned His Deserved Wings And Halo=37 Month Fight w/Stage 4 IBC, Her2+++,My Hero!!
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03-18-2009, 03:50 PM
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#17
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Oregon City
Posts: 856
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Marie:
I am not so sure I am looking for answers. I am looking for thoughts and other points of view and I am looking to see if other caregivers noticed the same thing.
Marie, you are and Ed are always in my prayers.
Lee
__________________
This happened to Colleen:
Diagnosed in September 2007
ER-/PR-/HER2 Neu+++ 2.1 cm x .9 cm spicluted tumor with three fingers, Stage 2B
Sentinal node biopsy and lymph node removal with 3/18 positive in October 2007
4 TAC infusions
lumpectomy March 2008, bad margins
Re-excision on June 3rd, 2008 with clean margins
Fitted for compression sleeve July 16, 2008
Started the first of two TCH infusions August 14, 2008
Done with chemo and now a member of the blue dot club 9/17/08
Starting radiation October 1, 2008
life is still on hold
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03-18-2009, 10:36 PM
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#18
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Hilo, Hawaii
Posts: 1,867
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Lee, I really think that most rebound very nicely from chemo. I think it takes a while, but if NED and no further tx is necessary, i think it would be logical to assume that they will be back to how they were if not better.
__________________
*** 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
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02-26-2010, 01:12 PM
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#19
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Guest
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anti aging
Hi. here are some info about anti-aging cream ingridients:
Ingredients to Avoid
* Dioxane: (a synthetic derivative of coconut). This substance is widely used in skincare products. It often contains high concentrations of 1,4-dioxane, which is readily absorbed through the skin. I know this sounds crazy, but 1,4-dioxane is considered a chemical "known to the State of California to cause cancer". To think people pay money to put this stuff on their skin unknowingly is downright scary.
* Fragrances.
* Parabens: methyl, propyl, butyl, and ethyl paraben.
* Alcohols: ethanol, ethyl alcohol, methanol, benzyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol and SD alcohol.
Ingredients to Look For
* Collagen.
* Phytessence Wakame.
* Cynergy TK: This is a new exciting, cutting edge substance. Cynergy TK actually stimulates your own collagen to grow again. In fact, it is proven in clinical trials to stimulate not only the regrowth of collagen but also elastin, thereby promoting firmness and elasticity. In short, fewer wrinkles, and more youthful, healthier looking skin. It may help improve your skin's ability to retain its needed natural moisture.
Indeed, studies show a sustained 14% improvement in skin moisture retention over 18 days. Studies on Cynergy TK also show a sustained improvement in skin elasticity of 42% over 18 days.
* CoQ10: CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant. A lot of skin damage and aging comes from free radicals wreaking havoc in our body's cells. CoQ10's antioxidant ability can counter these free radicals before damage occurs.
More detailed info you can see in my article
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03-06-2010, 09:00 AM
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#20
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Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Riverside, CA
Posts: 19
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Re: Aging early from the effects of chemo
My wife lost weight from worry, and then the first treatment took a toll on her. Now she knows what to expect and is dealing with the whole cancer thing better. The worry, lack of sleep and not eating aged her some, she always looked tired.
Now that she is sleeping better and eating well, her color is back and the tired look is gone. She still worries.
I'm sure your wife's normal looks will return after a little time, rest, food, exercise and most important your TLC and understanding.You her caregiver can make her days better. Hugs and kisses do wonders ![Smile](http://her2support.org/vbulletin/images/smilies/smile.gif)
__________________
Wifes Dx:
Found tumor 11-09
Biopsy 11-09 positive: IDC Stage 4 grade 3 Her2 +, 3 nodes of 16 positive.
Surgery 12-09
CT scan: liver mets
MRI of Head: clean
Bone scan: clean
1st treatment: 1-28-10
Taxotere & Herceptin every 21 days
6 rounds of Taxotere
Herceptin every 21 days (on going)
Liver mets...GONE!
CT scans,bone scans & MRI's NED
NED to date
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