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04-23-2008, 05:43 PM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Lincoln, Rhode Island
Posts: 371
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chemoembolization
Has anyone had one or know someone who has. I am afraid this might be my last option. I have had two treatments of Carbo, Abraxane and Herceptin and since I started in March my tumor marker has gone up from 113 to 160 and today it's 257!. I am scared and don't know what to do my doctor mentioned this to me the visit before last and I wanted to know if it works it seems everything is failing me and fast. Please please any information will be appreciated. It's so hard to believe anything will help me at this point I feel horrible all the time and have been in and out of the hospital a few times these past few months I don't want to give up hope but it is so hard I am so sad right now.
I love you all!
__________________
Love and Hope
Karen
IDC
DX 1998 STAGE I ER+/ PR+
AC CHEMO TILL FEB 1999
Tamxofin till 2001
2001 exstensive liver mets and mets to lungs
Started weekly taxol
Jan 2002 found out I was strongly HER2POS+++ started herceptin continued with taxol and herceptin till June 2002 then from June 2002 till Jan 2005 just herceptin and Arimidex
2005 Navelbine herceptin had RFA Then back on taxol with herceptin
April 2006 progression again went on clinical trial with tykrerb/herceptin progressed on the started Xeloda/ herceptin
Feb 2007 started Doxil
August 2007 Taxotere,Carboplatin and Herceptin exstensive mets to liver and pancreas
October 2007 Had to stop Carboplatin due to sever allergic reaction
Jan 2008
Stopped Taxotere due to progression now on Gemzar and Herceptin
March 2008 Starting Carboplatin, Abraxane, and Herceptin.
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04-23-2008, 06:25 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Sheboygan, WI
Posts: 2,582
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Hi Karen,
I know your looking for information on chemoembolization but I can't give you any. I only wanted to give you a cyber hug and to say that my prayers are with you. I also pray someone can give you the information you want.
Love you Karen...............and I'm wrapping you in prayer.
Mary Jo
__________________
"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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04-23-2008, 06:30 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Morris, IL
Posts: 3,507
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Karen
I feel your fear and your pain...but you must remember that many times when a new treatment begins, the tumor markers can go up...the cells are dying off at a very fast and heightened rate and are loading up in the bloodstream...most onc. don't get alarmed unless they see no leveling off after chemo has been given a chance to do its job...it seems early for that since you just started this new regimen. You are in my prayers and thoughts Karen, stay strong, remain positive...we are all with you in this fight. I am sure you will see an improvement soon.
__________________
"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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04-23-2008, 06:37 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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Karen, you know you have always been in my thoughts and prayers. I wish I could help more. Love, Bill
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04-23-2008, 06:40 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Lincoln, Rhode Island
Posts: 371
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I did have two blood transfusions last Thursday di you think that would make my markers jump like that?
lOVE YOU ALL
__________________
Love and Hope
Karen
IDC
DX 1998 STAGE I ER+/ PR+
AC CHEMO TILL FEB 1999
Tamxofin till 2001
2001 exstensive liver mets and mets to lungs
Started weekly taxol
Jan 2002 found out I was strongly HER2POS+++ started herceptin continued with taxol and herceptin till June 2002 then from June 2002 till Jan 2005 just herceptin and Arimidex
2005 Navelbine herceptin had RFA Then back on taxol with herceptin
April 2006 progression again went on clinical trial with tykrerb/herceptin progressed on the started Xeloda/ herceptin
Feb 2007 started Doxil
August 2007 Taxotere,Carboplatin and Herceptin exstensive mets to liver and pancreas
October 2007 Had to stop Carboplatin due to sever allergic reaction
Jan 2008
Stopped Taxotere due to progression now on Gemzar and Herceptin
March 2008 Starting Carboplatin, Abraxane, and Herceptin.
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04-23-2008, 07:14 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: San Antonio, TX
Posts: 2,357
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Karen could you do Tykerb, Taxol, and Herceptin? There has to be a combo that is right for you. I'm believin' and praying for you. 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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04-23-2008, 07:28 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Thornhill, Ontario
Canada
Posts: 2,320
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Karen,
I don't have any medical suggestions but I wanted you to know that I am thinking about your fight and praying that you will find the right combo. Remember that it always the darkest before the dawn.
I hope you feel better soon.
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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04-23-2008, 07:29 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Mountains of Virginia
Posts: 2,267
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Karen,
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Please know we are all here for you. Hoping that the new treatment is just settling in and you will see the markers decreasing soon.
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
__________________
Rhonda (Sassy)
dx age 45
DX 2/15/05 Stage IIb (at surgery)restaged IIIa
Left mast .9cm tumor 5 of 14 nodes
Triple Positive
4 DD A/C
12 Taxol/Herceptin
33Rads
Strange infect mast site one year aft surg, hosp 1 wk
Herceptin for total of 18 months
Lupron Monthly 4 yrs
Neurontin for aches, pains and hot flashes(It works!)
Ovaries removed 11/09 stop Lupron and Neurontin
Arimidex 6 yrs (tried Femara, no SE improvement)
Tried Exemestane-hips got so bad could hardly walk
Back to Arimidex for year seven
Zometa 2X Annual for 7years, Lasix
Stop Arimidex 5/13
Stop Zometa 7/13-Bi-lateral Stress Fractures in Femurs from Zometa
5/14 Start Tamoxifen
3/15 Stem cell transplant to stimulate femur bone growth/healing
5/15 Complete fracture of right femur/Titanium rods both femurs
9/16 Start Evista stopTamoxifen
3/17 Stop Evista--unwelcome side effects!
NED and no meds.......
14 YEARS NED!
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04-23-2008, 07:34 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Alaska
Posts: 2,018
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chemoembolization
Karen,
If you haven't, try doing a search on all forums for chemoembolization and read through the threads referencing it to see what you can find there. I know at least one person here has had very successful chemoembolization but may not be online frequently enough to catch your post yet.
AlaskaAngel
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04-23-2008, 08:02 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Marengo, IL
Posts: 518
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Karen,
I do not know anything about Chemoembolization, but I am sure you will get the answers you need from others here.
I am so sorry you are going through this. I will say a special prayer for you tonight as many others will also.
Take Shelia's words to heart. She is a very smart lady.
Stay strong. They just need to find the right piece to your puzzle.
Donna
I love your photo. So peaceful and beautiful.
__________________
Donna
Crystal Lake, IL
Diagnosed 8/4/06 at age 54
Lumpectomy 8/30/06
Stage llA, grade 3, ER/PR-, Her2++
1.7 cm tumor, 1+ lymph node out of 9
Completed 4 A/C, & 4 Taxol with Herceptin
36 rads completed 5/16/07
Mammograms, 7/07 clear
fractured ribs in radiated area 10/07
Finished Herceptin 12/27/07
Mammogram,CT,tumor markers 1/08 - small lung nodules in radiated area, repeated tests 3/08 stable
Mammogram,CT ,tumor markers 6/08 stable
NED 2 years!!
3 years !!!
4years!!!!
4 years, 10 months and 8 day NED, calling it 5 years!!!
Official 5 years 8/30/2011
8/31/ 2012 - 6 years!!!!!!
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04-24-2008, 04:49 AM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 309
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Dear Karen - so very sorry you are going through this - I can hear your fear and sadness - feel for you sis - sending you love and prayers for healing and hoping more answers can come for you.
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
Blessings
Hermiracles
__________________
2003 L/DCIS –> LWE: High G./Comedo - 6 nodes clear 6 wks Rx
04/07 2 miracles born ~ very grateful
06/07 Susp areas L/b
09/07 Stage 2 bilat. mastectomy R/ b. clear extens DCIS/IDC Paget’s 8 nodes clear ER(<5%) HER2+++ CT clear
11/07 Portacath - FEC
15/11/07 Stage 4 Emerg op - hip replacemt #NOF bone mets H/Taxotere
12/07 Rx to 'spots' on spine/R/hip/femur 3wkly H
2008 H+T mets to rib/sternum? Aredia CT clear! Cont. H + Aredia 07/08 1 wk Palliative Care - mets to lungs + ?1 to brain
09/08 Stop H complete Epirubicin 1wk PC new brain mets
10/08 2wks WBR 1wk PC 22/10/08 Tykerb/Xeloda 12/08 6 CEREBRAL METS COMPLETELY GONE! Rib mets down to <1cm.
01/09 Tumour markers normal! Rx to L/arm
03/09 LUNGS CLEAR (ALL NODULES GONE!), brain clear, liver clear. Bones stable! ~ THANK YOU GOD
07/09 Repeat CT Scan ~ ALL organs clear apart from bones which remain stable. I walk in gratitude.
***************
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04-24-2008, 04:25 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: East Central Illinois
Posts: 89
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Karen, I understand how you are feeling--when you feel awful physically it is hard to stay positive. My situation is similar to yours in many ways, so I feel much empathy for you. Everyone here is thinking of you, cheering you on, praying for you. So keep your courage up dear sister. I just googled Chemoembolization and that gives info about it. Surely someone on this site has had it done or knows someone who has.
When will you have scans--maybe they will tell a different story than the markers. It does not look like you have tried gemzar or ixempra. So there are more options if needed. Keep us posted. We love you too.
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04-24-2008, 05:23 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: South Florida
Posts: 477
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Karen,
Ask your doctor about the jump in tumor marker numbers. I always heard that the markers jumped on this treatment. I have not asked about mine...head in the sand and need to know kind of mode I am in. Please ask your doctor.
Love, Hope, Peace, Carolyn
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04-24-2008, 08:21 PM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Lincoln, Rhode Island
Posts: 371
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Hi,
I talked with the doctor today and he is very concerned about the tumor marker my marker has always been on the money. He also mentioned getting a cat scan next week and talking to one of the doctor's at Dana Farber Cancer Institute. And also taking Ixempra and looking into the chemoembolization. I am still so scared I have tried every drug except Avastin. Seems like everything is failing me. I will keep you all posted on what happens as soon as something does. Thanks again I love you all.
Love Karen
__________________
Love and Hope
Karen
IDC
DX 1998 STAGE I ER+/ PR+
AC CHEMO TILL FEB 1999
Tamxofin till 2001
2001 exstensive liver mets and mets to lungs
Started weekly taxol
Jan 2002 found out I was strongly HER2POS+++ started herceptin continued with taxol and herceptin till June 2002 then from June 2002 till Jan 2005 just herceptin and Arimidex
2005 Navelbine herceptin had RFA Then back on taxol with herceptin
April 2006 progression again went on clinical trial with tykrerb/herceptin progressed on the started Xeloda/ herceptin
Feb 2007 started Doxil
August 2007 Taxotere,Carboplatin and Herceptin exstensive mets to liver and pancreas
October 2007 Had to stop Carboplatin due to sever allergic reaction
Jan 2008
Stopped Taxotere due to progression now on Gemzar and Herceptin
March 2008 Starting Carboplatin, Abraxane, and Herceptin.
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04-24-2008, 08:35 PM
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#15
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Northern California
Posts: 764
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Hi Karen,
Just wanted to tell you that I am praying for you and your next line of treatment.
Hugs,
Tonya
__________________
DX 02/01/07
2.5 cm, Er/Pr-, Her2+++
18/20 Nodes
03/07 CT & Bone scan - Clear
AC x 4, Taxol x 4, Added Herceptin
Radiation until 09/07
Herceptin every 3 weeks until 06/08
01/10/08 local recurrence -IBC
01/28/08 CT & Brain MRI - clear
02/08 - Navelbine & Herceptin
05/08 -MRM
05/08 - Gemzar & Herceptin - didn't work
09/08 - Hyperthermia rads
03/09 - Tykerb/Xeloda
05/10 - Tram flap to fix wound
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04-24-2008, 08:42 PM
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#16
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 2,077
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Sweet Karen, we all love you, too. You still have options, and I know you are a strong fighter and an experienced warrior. You need to stay strong. You are an awesome woman and an amazing woman. Our love and prayers are pouring out to you. Love and prayers, Bill
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04-24-2008, 08:55 PM
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#17
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: CHARLOTTE NC USA
Home town (ECUADOR) South America
Posts: 542
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My love and prayers are with you and you know this ....fight ...fight ..I think you hav a good Doc ..lets wait ..(I hate this wait thing ) I'm with you in this, I Love you ...I wish we can live close to you and give you a hug ....
__________________
Lily Diag April/06 5 months after give birth my son Max stage IV mets on liver (5 tumors) 38 year old, her2+++ and ER+PR+ from32 nodes 4 positives mastectomy right breast chemo before surgery herceptin/carboplatin/taxotere ,clear and surgery have radiation 20, `& then herceptin and tamoxifen NED until Aug/07 body only then 'n June 04-06-07 .1 lesion of 1.6 cm on cerebellum ...novalis ,open sugery 5m.m brain met again novalis, 4mm.In the liver. Waiting 2 months now 3 tumors enroll on T-MCC trial start first infusion Nov 5/07 at Dec 17 scan show one tumor despair the 2nd and 3th diminish Doc said great results until March/08 ct scan show progression 03-05-08 start tykerb & xeloda
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04-24-2008, 10:47 PM
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#18
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: South Florida
Posts: 477
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Karen,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. I am praying so hard for you. You will find something that works.
Love, Hope, Peace, Carolyn
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04-25-2008, 05:02 AM
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#19
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: San Antonio, TX
Posts: 2,357
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Karen, I'll keep on prayin' til that special concoction is found for you! I know you're scared. I'd be too. But, I'm going to do something brave (not a clue what yet) today and send you the prayers of success. Please keep telling us what is happening and let us pray with you to victory. Much, much love, 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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04-25-2008, 02:02 PM
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#20
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Northern California
Posts: 764
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Hi Karen,
I just wanted to check on you too. I'm praying hard that the right treatment comes your way and that you may have some peace while it is being figured out. Stay strong.
Hugs,
Tonya
__________________
DX 02/01/07
2.5 cm, Er/Pr-, Her2+++
18/20 Nodes
03/07 CT & Bone scan - Clear
AC x 4, Taxol x 4, Added Herceptin
Radiation until 09/07
Herceptin every 3 weeks until 06/08
01/10/08 local recurrence -IBC
01/28/08 CT & Brain MRI - clear
02/08 - Navelbine & Herceptin
05/08 -MRM
05/08 - Gemzar & Herceptin - didn't work
09/08 - Hyperthermia rads
03/09 - Tykerb/Xeloda
05/10 - Tram flap to fix wound
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