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Old 12-24-2008, 02:33 PM   #21
chrisy
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Location: Central Coast, CA
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Dear Sheila,
The holidays seem to enhance everything - I'm so sorry that you've been sick and although I love you for always seeing the silver lining (like lower blood pressure and weight loss) I know you would not recommend this approach. The only "home remedy" I've ever tried on that type of thing is miso with a LOT of garlic and onions. But I'll bet the best thing is to try to rest.

The main thing, dear Sheila, is to take care of YOURSELF - in all aspects including the emotional rollercoaster. Again, the holidays always seem to bring everything into sharper focus. My family also used to reschedule major holidays around when we could be together - and I remember many fake thanksgivings and christmases.

When Christmas is stripped of all the tinsel, remember it is really about love and miracles. Grab the love and feel your miracles unfolding around you.

Love and hugs, Sheila,
Chris
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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 12-24-2008, 10:35 PM   #22
jones7676
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Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: I live in Christmas, MI - located on the shores of Lake Superior.
Posts: 606
Dear Sheila,

I am wishing you recovery soon, and me too. My heart hurts for you as I always look forward to reading your posts and you are an inspiration to me.

I missed the last treatment Monday for a similar reason and an unexplained low count. I'm on my third type and round of antibiotics (they thought it was a virus that was going around).

I believe you will be better soon and get back on schedule successfully. I read all the help people offered.

GET WELL SOON!
__________________
Barb

10/03 Radical Mastectomy 3 cm tumor - 1/17 Nodes Stage II B, Her 2 +++ ER-/PR- 11/03 4 AC 4 Taxol 12/05 Stage IV - Lung met , Bone mets - Carbo, Taxotere, Herceptin 9/06 - 2 cm brain tumor 10/06 - Tumor removal surgery - Herceptin Halted 12/06 gamma knife tumor base.1/07 Navelbine/Herceptin 4/07 Rads to R femur 5/07 Stereotactic - new 2 cm brain tumor 4/07 Start Xeloda 5/07 Tykerb added 7/07 Brain MRI clean 10/07 .055 cm brain met found. 12/07 Stereotactic -1 cm brain tumor Start Tykerb 11/07 Abraxane/Herceptin 5/08 Cisplatin, Gemcitabine/Herceptin 6/08 Stereotactic to 1cm 9/08 Stereotactic repeat (growth). 11/08 Pet Scan Good but new tiny met on L lung/dead Brain surgery (no cancer cells found/scar tissue) 1/09 Chemo restarted 2/09 Pet Scan Bad - R larger very active/active L active lymph nodes both sides of chest MRI- mets slight increase 2/09 Start Doxil/Tykerb Treatment
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Old 12-25-2008, 02:30 AM   #23
sarah
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Location: france
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pneumonia is a serious illness if the patient doesn't rest, drink warm liquids etc. If you have viral pneumonia, you are probably getting anti-viral medicine not anti-biotics but I'm not a doctor, just a doctor's daughter so don't listen to me but your doctor.
You can check this site out for all the info on it:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/pneu...t&DSECTION=all
mayoclinic.com is a good place to start for basic info on things.
it states:"
Viral. Antibiotics aren't effective against most viral forms of pneumonia. And although a few viral pneumonias may be treated with antiviral medications, the recommended treatment is generally the same as for the flu — rest and plenty of fluids."
also:"
If you have pneumonia, the following measures can help you recover more quickly and decrease your risk of complications:
  • Get plenty of rest. Even when you start to feel better, be careful not to overdo it.
  • Drink lots of fluids, especially water. Liquids keep you from becoming dehydrated and help loosen mucus in your lungs.
  • Take the entire course of any prescribed medications. Stopping medication too soon can cause your pneumonia to come back and contributes to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
  • Keep all of your follow-up appointments. Even though you feel better, your lungs may still be infected. It's important to have your doctor monitor your progress.
  • In addition to these treatments, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter medications to reduce fever, treat your aches and pains, and soothe the cough associated with pneumonia. You don't want to suppress your cough completely, though, since coughing helps clear your lungs. If you must use a cough suppressant, use the lowest dose that helps you get some rest."

  • Be patient, it takes time to get better and as they say, don't overdo it when you think you're better because it's better to rest longer and to be really sure. and spit that yellowy phlegm out of your lungs and body.
  • all the best, don't get discourage, eventually you'll recover and that's the important thing.
  • patience,
  • sarah
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Old 12-25-2008, 02:56 AM   #24
Adriana Mangus
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Location: California
Posts: 668
Hi from Adriana

Dear Sheila: I'm sorry to hear you're not doing well.

Chicken soup has always work for me, try it please, if it doesn't do the trick at least it won't hurt you.

I remember my mom would boil a whole- cut- up chicken and add a lot of vegetables to the mix. Delicious.

Also, at age 14 my daughter was diagnosed with mononucleosis, the doctor prescribed-believe it or not- to eat as many as 3 times a day Rammen noodles soup or the one that comes in a cup and you just add water. I believe is the high amount of sodium each of these soups contains that do the trick. She was able to resume school activities in no time.

Please get well, you have been and continue being my inspiration. You were the first one to answer to my emails when I was so afraid and did not know what to expect, which way to go, decisions to make, etc.

I love you Sheila, I wish I could be there with you to give you my support, just the way you have supported me and so many others on the site.

May God Bless you and keep you in His heart forever.

Love,

Adriana
__________________
1994 - rt brst, .lump, underarm node dissection,chemo+rad 1.2 cms, Grade 3.
28 nodes neg
Er,Pr, Positive HER2 status unknown
2003- Recur to rt lung.July 16 ( B-Day!)
Her2+++ Er,Pr, Negative
2003 - Aug04--Navelbine + Herceptin
2004- 2007--
NED - Herceptin, only
2007 Feb-April Xeloda added to hereceptin
2007-May Back on Navelbine+Herceptin
2008-Feb-Mar 15 Ses Rad to Rt. Lung
2008- Oc 17 Add Tykerb to Herceptin
2009- June-- Discont Tykerb
2009 July 7--Current Taxol + Herceptin
2009 Dec--Discontinued treatment due to progression. Looking into cyberknife.
2010-Aug Accepted to TDM1, no SE, except liver count went up.
2010-2011 September got kicked out of the trial, due to a small spot found on lung.
2011- 2012 September thru early 2013 on Herceptin
2013- March Bone density shows small spot on 5th rib.
2013 - April 4th appt with onc. will post after discussing course of treatment.
2013-March-April Cyber knife to brain and radiation to rib. Chest --base line before chemo-CT-Scan stable for lung issue. CA2729 Normal.
2013 April Herceptin- TDMI
2013 Sept Herceptin + Perjeta . CA2729 within normal range. Brain and Pet scans October 31st. will post results.
2013 October Brain MRI- mixed response. Will see Onc/rad on Halloween.
2013 October/November Brain-MRI nothing new. Repeat MRI next year in May.

2013 December Continue Herceptin and Perjeta. Stable at the moment.
2014 February Brain MRI -clear!
2014 January Added Taxotere to Perjeta+Herceptin.
2014 March Stopped chemo-chest ct-scan next.

2014- March Scans shows tumor's larger, CA2729 higher. Discontinue Herceptin.
2014 April Perjeta+ Halaven
2014 April CA2729 went down 60 points after one cycle. Cough does not want to go away.
2014 June Continue on Perjeta + Halaven-- no more cough. Stable
2014 June Back on Herceptin + abraxane
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Old 12-25-2008, 03:00 AM   #25
Adriana Mangus
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Wink Adorable pic

Dear Barb; Just wanted to say this:

I love your picture!



P.S. Hubby is from Grand Blanc, MI
__________________
1994 - rt brst, .lump, underarm node dissection,chemo+rad 1.2 cms, Grade 3.
28 nodes neg
Er,Pr, Positive HER2 status unknown
2003- Recur to rt lung.July 16 ( B-Day!)
Her2+++ Er,Pr, Negative
2003 - Aug04--Navelbine + Herceptin
2004- 2007--
NED - Herceptin, only
2007 Feb-April Xeloda added to hereceptin
2007-May Back on Navelbine+Herceptin
2008-Feb-Mar 15 Ses Rad to Rt. Lung
2008- Oc 17 Add Tykerb to Herceptin
2009- June-- Discont Tykerb
2009 July 7--Current Taxol + Herceptin
2009 Dec--Discontinued treatment due to progression. Looking into cyberknife.
2010-Aug Accepted to TDM1, no SE, except liver count went up.
2010-2011 September got kicked out of the trial, due to a small spot found on lung.
2011- 2012 September thru early 2013 on Herceptin
2013- March Bone density shows small spot on 5th rib.
2013 - April 4th appt with onc. will post after discussing course of treatment.
2013-March-April Cyber knife to brain and radiation to rib. Chest --base line before chemo-CT-Scan stable for lung issue. CA2729 Normal.
2013 April Herceptin- TDMI
2013 Sept Herceptin + Perjeta . CA2729 within normal range. Brain and Pet scans October 31st. will post results.
2013 October Brain MRI- mixed response. Will see Onc/rad on Halloween.
2013 October/November Brain-MRI nothing new. Repeat MRI next year in May.

2013 December Continue Herceptin and Perjeta. Stable at the moment.
2014 February Brain MRI -clear!
2014 January Added Taxotere to Perjeta+Herceptin.
2014 March Stopped chemo-chest ct-scan next.

2014- March Scans shows tumor's larger, CA2729 higher. Discontinue Herceptin.
2014 April Perjeta+ Halaven
2014 April CA2729 went down 60 points after one cycle. Cough does not want to go away.
2014 June Continue on Perjeta + Halaven-- no more cough. Stable
2014 June Back on Herceptin + abraxane
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Old 12-25-2008, 09:35 AM   #26
D.W.
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Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Indianapolis
Posts: 46
Hi Sheila

Sometimes I get frustrated because I think, "When will life be easier?" This is too painful. One small suggestion is to have a friend or friends pick you up and go to lunch together. Even if you can only eat a breadstick or a salad; it can do alot of good to laugh and be with friends.

A chapter of the Bible could also be encouraging. One of the gospels could be a good pick me up.

I really hope that you feel better quickly!
__________________
4/06 diagnosed metastatic breast cancer stage III her2nu
4/06-7/06 taxol, carboplatin, herceptin 4/06-4/08 herceptin
8/06 mastectomy, lymph nodes removed
08/06-12/06 taxotere
28 radiation treatments
4/08 mets in brain, spine & hip
4/08 whole brain radiation 10 times
5/08-6/08 spinal radiation 12 times
4/08-9/08 tykerb, xeloda
9/08-present navelbine, herceptin
10/08 MRI shows brain mets just about gone!
4/09-blah more brain mets
6/09-Gamma Knife Radiation to the brain
9/09-three small brain tumors gone, big one shrunk almost in half
3/10 NED (nice)
8/11-more brain mets; shrunken are growing; new one found
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Old 12-25-2008, 03:01 PM   #27
chicagoetc
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Location: Near Chicago
Posts: 196
Hi Sheila...

Was wondering why you weren't in the list of those who went to San Antonio as I was thinking all the time that both you and Donna were there. The being as sick as you are for such a long time stinks. Just wondering, is your immune system holding up? [I'm not totally sure, and you would know better, but I think things like WBC are some indication.] There are really no suggestions I can add to what to others have said...only that I care. If there is ANYTHING that I/we could do to help, please let us know.

Love and a hug,
Melanie
__________________
Diagnosed: 7/13/07 (or 7/7/07)
Surgery: 8/15/07 Modified Radical One Side with Lymph Node Dissection
Pathology Report: ER/PR-, HER2+ with FISH at 8.4 copies, Grade 3, Stage IIIa, 3.2 cm tumor plus 4/19 positive lymph nodes
Portacath: 9/7/07
Chemo: 9/14/07 with AC (every three weeks) for four rounds
Physical Therapy for ROM Loss / "Cording" (but not Lymphodema)
Taxol + Herceptin weekly (started 12/2007 with 8 of 12 Taxol)
Radiation: (28 rads from 3/07 to 4/07)
Reconstruction (silicone implant)
Herceptin done (10/08)
Cognitive Remediation (11/08 - 12/08)
Lymphedema Diagnosed 5/10/10 (almost 3 years post cancer diagnosis)
Lymphedema Rehab 9/10/10 - 11/10/10
Six years NED...7/7/2013!
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Old 12-26-2008, 11:51 AM   #28
Joan M
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Sheila,

I'm sending good vibes your way for feeling better.

I don't know what your schedule is like but if possible it would be good for you to take it easy. Perhaps I'm projecting, but I always overdue it and was wondering whether you do the same.

In the fall I had a cough for a few months. It finally went away.

It seems like your body (and mind) needs a rest.

Joan
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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 2021 annual CT of chest, abdomen and pelvis and annual brain MRI showed NED. Praying for NED forever!!
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Old 01-04-2009, 07:08 AM   #29
Sheila
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Location: Morris, IL
Posts: 3,507
Again, Thank you all for your remedies, thoughts concerns, love and prayers...I am overwhelmed, if this could heal, i would have been well a long time ago. This has drug out 6 weeks so I am thinking that I may see Christmas around St Patricks Day...
I am just hoping I will be well enough to get chemo Tuesday...keep your fingers crossed. I have really missed my granchildren during this holiday time especially, because Christmas is truly about children.
After reading all your posts, I know how blessed I am to have all of you in my life. May this New year bring much healing to all of us.
__________________
"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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Old 01-04-2009, 07:44 AM   #30
GemmaG
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Location: Bergenfield, NJ
Posts: 121
Dear Sheila,
I'm so sorry to hear you're sick. Please know that I'm always thinking of you and pray for you.
I know how it feels. I'm also tired of being sick. I'm up and down.

Love and kisses to you,
Gemma
__________________
My love to you all
Gemma
____________________________________
Dx July03 at 35
Rt,breast lump.,1 node+
ER+(98%)ER-, grade3
A/C 4rounds,Rad for 38 days
Tamoxifen 2004-05
Recurrence Feb.2006, radi double mastectomy canceled bec. of mets, StageIV lungs mets
Her2+++, BRCA negative
Taxol/Herceptin six rounds of Taxol from April06.then Herceptin alone til May07. Started Tykerb/Xeloda in Jun07-Sept.07 bec of progression of the lympnodes. Navalbine/Herceptin Sept.07 to April 08 due to progression . Gemzar/Hercptin Apr08.June08 Brain MRI showed Brain Mets.CraniectomyAug.1,08, tumor removed completely
completed 20 wbrt!
Started Doxil 10/31/08 (monthly) and weekly Herceptin
Ixempra on 2/13/09
due to multiple hepatic mets
will have Herceptin as well.
Radical rt.breast Mastectomy June2009.
Ixempra/Herceptin 11/06/09--increasing right axillary lymphanenopathy and enlarging left upper lobe nodule :-(
Taxotere/Herceptin 3/5/10,more liver mets, lungs, lymphnodes. 2 weeks on, one week off...
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