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Old 01-08-2010, 08:17 AM   #21
Jean
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Re: Irene From Tampa

John, Thank you for reaching out to us.
Please know we keep Irene and you in our prayers.

jean
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Stage 1, Grade 1, 3/30/05
Lumpectomy 4/15/05 - 6MM IDC
Node Neg. (Sentinel node)
ER+ 90% / PR-, Her2+++ by FISH
Ki-67 40%
Arimidex 5/05
Radiation 32 trt, 5/30/05
Oncotype DX test 4/17/06, 31% high risk
TOPO 11 neg. 4/06
Stopped Arimidex 5/06
TCH 5/06, 6 treatments
Herceptin 5/06 - for 1 yr.
9/06 Completed chemo
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Old 01-08-2010, 08:52 AM   #22
Mary Anne in TX
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Re: Irene From Tampa

Good morning John and Irene! The pictures brought so much joy to my ol' heart! I can just see that spirit of "digging into life" Irene has pressed into through her adventure these many years! I'm praying for the angels to arrive with miracles and blessings. ma
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Grateful for each and every day....

Diag. 12/05 at age 60
Stage II, Grade 3, 4.5 cm primary tumor
ER/PR- Her2 +3 strongly positive
Her2 by FISH 7.7 amplified
vascular invasion
Ki67 20% borderline
Jan - March '06 Taxotere/Adriamycin X 3 to try to shrink tumor - it grew
April '06 Rt Modified Radical Mas, 7 of 9 nodes positive
April - Aug. '06 Herceptin/Taxol/Carboplatin X 8 (dose dense)
Sept - Dec. '06 Navelbine/Herceptin x 8 (dose dense)
Radiation & Herceptin Jan. 22 - March 1, 2007
Finished Herceptin Dec. 10 '08! One extra year.
Port removed August, 2012.
8 1/2 years since diagnosis! 5 1/2 Years NED!
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Old 01-08-2010, 10:05 PM   #23
Catherine
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Re: Irene From Tampa

Dear John and Irene,

I had a little chuckle hearing that Irene is being the pushey wife that many of us might be. You talk too much? Oh well, that is better than being a quite mouse. Sending you love and prayers and strength to help the two of you and your family get through this struggle. Your words about the heart and intellect....were heartfelt and very meaningful. Keep talking to her because it seems you have a lot to say and a lot to give.

Hugs, Catherine
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Found my own lump in the shower
April 2006 at the age of 58
Stage IIB, ER- PR- HER2+++ multi focal tumors, largest 2.3cm
Chemo first: AC/Taxol over 16 weeks
Bilateral mastectomy Sep 06
33 rads after the surgery
1 year of Herceptin completed Dec 07
15 years and no recurrence as of April 2021
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Old 01-09-2010, 12:55 AM   #24
Sherryg683
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Re: Irene From Tampa

What a lovely site you have made for Irene. I am so saddened to hear she is not doing well, she has been such an inspiration. She is lucky to have such a loving husband and family by her side. I will pray for her and for you. sherry
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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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Old 01-09-2010, 01:06 AM   #25
Jackie07
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Re: Irene From Tampa

I always loved the inspiring quote on Irene's page:

"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."

What an amazing fighter!

Irene and John, keep on fighting! Know that we have your back (with our prayers.)
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"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

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Old 01-09-2010, 12:49 PM   #26
hutchibk
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Re: Irene From Tampa

Oh John. Thank you for taking the time to update us. Irene is a cornerstone of our family here, and she is cherished. Please send her all our love and prayers that the challenges lift for her soon. If I remember correctly, she is our resident Dragon Boat Queen... I admire her verve, spunk and spark greatly!
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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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Old 01-09-2010, 01:46 PM   #27
StephN
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Re: Irene From Tampa

Dear John and Irene -
The poster above me (hutchibk) and I have both had to fight brain mets. Makes us feel even closer to Irene in her current situation.

Yes, you have created a lovely place for Irene's friends and family to get news and updates, as well as to leave their well wishes and expressions of love.

Irene is a lucky woman to have a mate who is not "taciturn." I love conversing with my hubby!
__________________
"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.
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Old 01-09-2010, 02:49 PM   #28
IRENE FROM TAMPA
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Re: Irene From Tampa

Hello all -
Thank-you for your mssgs of love & support for Irene - all of which I've read to her. Here's today's entry at Caring Bridge:


Another quietly eventful day.......
Following a good nights sleep, Irent built on yesterdays interaction by eating a good, multifaceted breakfast. A little bit of everything. (Yes - the towel did the trick again!)

Mid-moring she enjoyed a relaxing session with a Healing Touch therapist. I'd offered to help, but both Irene and the therapist
thought the better of it...

Andrea showed up just as Irene was finishing off a really good lunch and she served up some spanish "sugar laden" deserts (I wont try spelling them...but think really strong coffee....and some flan.) Irene's developed quite the sweet tooth.

A measure of Irene's returning strength & spunk:
As I was testing/tasting various food items for temp and deliciousness (she has high standards) she told me to stop eating her food! Needless to say, we had two trays worth to pick from, so she didnt go hungry!

When I left to come home and get some things, we were waiting on the physical therapist - to continue working Irene's left side which remains challenged. We're hopeful that reduction of the brain tumors plus PT will result in good things. If you were lacking a direction for your positive vibes...have at it.

Thats about it...but for the following:

Since Maxx & Mollie have been mentioned so frequently and since they're such a large part of our lives, I've added a few recent pictures of them as well. They wait anxiously at home for Irene return. Many thanks to Liz for taking such good care of them in my abscence. Some people just have good hearts and never disappoint.

And lastly......

Thank-you Betty for the ingenious tips of how the towel can be utilized to its fullest! I wont promise it'll be handled that way - but it'll go on the list.....wayyyyy down the list!

You all be well - John
__________________
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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Old 01-09-2010, 04:27 PM   #29
ElaineM
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Wink Re: Irene From Tampa

I am happy to hear Irene is doing better. Keep up the good work. Eat up and enjoy the food !! Continue the therapies.
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ElaineM
12 years and counting
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Old 01-13-2010, 10:59 PM   #30
StephN
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Re: Irene From Tampa

Sending my love and prayers to Irene. The radiation is exhausting, but hoping the tumors shrink and allow her to move more freely.
__________________
"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.
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Old 01-14-2010, 04:41 AM   #31
IRENE FROM TAMPA
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Re: Irene From Tampa

Dear Friends -

Troubling (and feared) news was received yesterday concerning Irene's health. While the immediate focus of her treatment was towards her brain tumors, we learned the mets in her body have spread considerably.

I honestly dont have the heart or strength to go into greater detail and in this forum dont believe it necessary.

I've posted on her website the request that her family & friends hold her closer and be stronger for her than ever before.

I consider you here to be her "her2 family" and given circimstance some of her dearest of friends.

I do have to run.
They'll be bringing her food in a bit and I have to prepare for the day. Please accept my apologies for having to break this news to you as I believe you already too burdened with heartache.

Please be well - John
__________________
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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Old 01-14-2010, 04:59 AM   #32
Pam P
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Re: Irene From Tampa

Irene has been such a strong force of courage and support and a real fighter. I am so saddened to read this latest post this morning of more bad news. My love and prayers go out to both Irene and John. Pam
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6/01 IBC er+ her2+stage IIIb; mastecomy
7/01 AC, taxol; radiation
2/02 tamoxifen
9/02 stage IV bone mets femara
1/03 taxotere/herceptin/aredia
6/03 herceptin, aredia & faslodex
1/04 navelbine, herceptin, aredia
2/05 herceptin/aredia
7/05 xeloda/herceptin/aredia
3/07 xeloda/tykerb/aredia
5/08 taxol/avastin/aredia
2/09 gemzar/herceptin/zometa
7/09 Taxol/Carbo/Herceptin, zometa
10/09 navelbine/herceptin & zometa
2/10 herceptin & tykerb & zometa
4/10 add xeloda &aromasin
10/10 dx with dermatomyiositis triggered by cancer
11/10 restart herceptin, tykerb, zometa
12/10 surgery-place rod in R femur to stabilize bone
1/11 radiation to R femur - 20 tx
2/11 2nd surgery - rod in Left femur
2/11 tx eribulen -- suspended dx brain mets
3/11 brain mets wbr 20 tx
4/11 halaven; discontine 8/11 not working
8/11 radiation to left femur 20 tx'
8-9/11 rad to lower spine
9/11 abraxane/herceptin/zometa
9/12 xeloda/herceptin/zometa
12/12 ablation of liver
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Old 01-14-2010, 05:33 AM   #33
Mary Anne in TX
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Re: Irene From Tampa

John, it's not an unwanted burden to hear news of a warrior sister who has given so freely and lovingly to all of us here! What a lady! Please let her know I'm sending hugs and love galore today! ma
__________________
MA in TX.
Grateful for each and every day....

Diag. 12/05 at age 60
Stage II, Grade 3, 4.5 cm primary tumor
ER/PR- Her2 +3 strongly positive
Her2 by FISH 7.7 amplified
vascular invasion
Ki67 20% borderline
Jan - March '06 Taxotere/Adriamycin X 3 to try to shrink tumor - it grew
April '06 Rt Modified Radical Mas, 7 of 9 nodes positive
April - Aug. '06 Herceptin/Taxol/Carboplatin X 8 (dose dense)
Sept - Dec. '06 Navelbine/Herceptin x 8 (dose dense)
Radiation & Herceptin Jan. 22 - March 1, 2007
Finished Herceptin Dec. 10 '08! One extra year.
Port removed August, 2012.
8 1/2 years since diagnosis! 5 1/2 Years NED!
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Old 01-14-2010, 09:12 AM   #34
caya
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Re: Irene From Tampa

Sending prayers out to Irene and John.

A great Warrior...

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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Old 01-14-2010, 01:10 PM   #35
chrisy
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Re: Irene From Tampa

John,
we all share the sorrow...but do not need apologies. That is why we are here; we are part of the family.

Thank you for sharing.
__________________
Chris in Scotts Valley
June 2002 extensive hi grade DCIS (pre-cancer-stage 0, clean sentinal node) Mastectomy/implant - no chemo, rads. "cured?"
9/2004 Diag: Stage IV extensive liver mets (!) ER/PR- Her2+++
10/04-3/05 Weekly Taxol/Carboplatin/Herceptin , complete response!
04/05 - 4/07 Herception every 3 wks, Continue NED
04/07 - recurrence to liver - 2 spots, starting tykerb/avastin trial
06/07 8/07 10/07 Scans show stable, continue on Tykerb/Avastin
01/08 Progression in liver
02/08 Begin (TDM1) trial
08/08 NED! It's Working! Continue on TDM1
02/09 Continue NED
02/10 Continue NED. 5/10 9/10 Scans NED 10/10 Scans NED
12/10 Scans not clear....4/11 Scans suggest progression 6/11 progression confirmed in liver
07/11 - 11/11 Herceptin/Xeloda -not working:(
12/11 Begin MM302 Phase I trial - bust:(
03/12 3rd times the charm? AKT trial

5/12 Scan shows reduction! 7/12 More reduction!!!!
8/12 Whoops...progression...trying for Perjeta/Herceptin (plus some more nasty chemo!)
9/12 Start Perjeta/Herceptin, chemo on hold due to infection/wound in leg, added on cycle 2 &3
11/12 Poops! progression in liver, Stop Perjeta/Taxo/Herc
11/12 Navelbine/Herce[ptin - try for a 3 cycles, no go.
2/13 Gemzar/Carbo/Herceptin - no go.
3/13 TACE procedure
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Old 01-14-2010, 01:14 PM   #36
schoolteacher
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Re: Irene From Tampa

John,

You and Irene along with the rest of your family are in my prayers.

Amelia
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Old 01-14-2010, 06:42 PM   #37
Barbara H.
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Re: Irene From Tampa

Hi John,
Please know that my thoughts are with you and Irene. We were on the T-DM1 trial together. I spoke about her to my doctor and nurses. It angers me that she had to come off the trial because it was working for her. Please tell Irene that I am thinking of her.
Barbara H.
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Old 01-14-2010, 07:36 PM   #38
Ceesun
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Re: Irene From Tampa

Hello John, My love and prayers to our dear Irene. Thank you for informing us. My heart aches. Ceesun
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Old 01-14-2010, 08:07 PM   #39
IRENE FROM TAMPA
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Re: Irene From Tampa

Barbara H and friends.........

I've been with Irene for over 20 years and have accompanied her through this entire journey. I say that not to direct attention to myself but to validate the following:

In the long course of this struggle Irene (and I) have encountered many knowledgeable, intelligent, and compassionate healthcare professionals. Irene owes her life to these persons, organizations and corporations.

She / we most certainly recognize this.

She / we have also come to recognize and know how the "system" works...or more precisely how the system can work when properly directed. When motivated not by faceless corporate profit and bureaucratic stasis but by the joined / joint effort and motvation of individuals & corporations whose compassion for the human spirit is never lost - never forfeited in the name of bureaucracy - never lost in the "fine print."

She / we certainly understand the "industry aspects" of healthcare - we understand them at their most vital and important juncture :: how they maintain life. How they
restore the human spirit...the human heart...when the stakes could never be greater.

She / we also understand the "industry aspects" of healthcare at their harshest. When they represent the very antithesis of compassion. When they no longer serve the human sprit first - when they no longer seek to restore the human heart - but hide behind bureacracy and legalese...in the name of their own self preservation and financial interest.

Irene Fernandez will be 64 years old come January 22nd. Her current circumstance - her current
jeopardy isnt the result of the collective failure of motivated healthcare professionals doing their very best - its not caused by the failure of healthcare professionals sincerely carrying out their oath: to heal
the human body and sprit.

Irene Fernandez's current circumstance results from the combined failure of healthcare professionals who's goals arent for the individual - but profit. Healthcare professionals who tailor the outline and dimension of care not for the gift of life it can offer - but profit.

Irene's current circumstance can clearly be traced to the hasher elements of the healthcare profession..working to do her in.

Irene Joyce Fernandez is the very defination of a "compassionate use" patient - the term was coined for individuals like her.

Irene Fernandez was a "star" of the TDM1 trial. The drug eradicated double digit tumors and she was classified NED.

But because of an elevated level of a thing called billirubun - she was kicked off the trial.

Because of this thing called billirubin - Irene was put at jeopardy.

Because of the combined failure of healthcare professionals - practicing at their harshest and concerning themselves not with the human spirit...not with restoration of the human heart...but with selfish, profit oriented goals...Irene is in danger.

Show her the waiver.
Present her with the release.
Craft them as dilligently as deemed necessary - BUT GIVE HER THE DRUG.

Give Irene Fernandez the drug.

Live out your creed as healthcare professionals and restore her life.

John Parachini
on behalf of Irene Fernandez
Tampa, Florida
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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."

Last edited by Joe; 01-15-2010 at 04:21 AM..
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Old 01-15-2010, 03:51 AM   #40
Mary Anne in TX
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Re: Irene From Tampa

Amen, John! Open their eyes and help them find the way to truly care! ma
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Grateful for each and every day....

Diag. 12/05 at age 60
Stage II, Grade 3, 4.5 cm primary tumor
ER/PR- Her2 +3 strongly positive
Her2 by FISH 7.7 amplified
vascular invasion
Ki67 20% borderline
Jan - March '06 Taxotere/Adriamycin X 3 to try to shrink tumor - it grew
April '06 Rt Modified Radical Mas, 7 of 9 nodes positive
April - Aug. '06 Herceptin/Taxol/Carboplatin X 8 (dose dense)
Sept - Dec. '06 Navelbine/Herceptin x 8 (dose dense)
Radiation & Herceptin Jan. 22 - March 1, 2007
Finished Herceptin Dec. 10 '08! One extra year.
Port removed August, 2012.
8 1/2 years since diagnosis! 5 1/2 Years NED!
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