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05-04-2008, 11:55 PM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 157
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Our Dear Friend Kate Got Her Wings
Sisters and Brothers,
It is with a broken heart and great sadness that I bring the dreaded news that our dear Kate, Kathleen McCarthy, went home to be with the Lord today, at 3:30 pm, sorrounded by her loved ones.
Our friend is now at peace. She is no longer in pain, no longer sick, no more suffering. She is strong and health again surrounded by beautiful angels, and by her family who went before her, specially her beloved son.
Kate courageously fought her battle until the very end. She faced this horrible disease with dignity and incredible strengh and positivity. She was an amazing person who touched me and so many others with her kindness and her support, and her posts were an inspiration for all of us.
Kate was a wonderful friend who I feel honored to have met her here on this site, and who always had encouraging and positive words when I needed most. I feel so blessed that I had the chance to get to know her better and to see what an amazing person she was. I also feel blessed that I was able to be "by her side" (phone calls) until almost the very end giving her the support that she gave to so many of us throughout these years.
I would like to thank each and every one of you on behalf of Kate's family and on my behalf for your prayers, support and kind words to our friend. Know that Kate treasured all of you and this site, and that she felt honored to be part of this family and to know that all of you were praying for her.
My heart is crying for my dear friend. I will never forget her. I know I will miss her a lot, I already am, but it comforts me to know that she is loved by all of us and that she will live forever in the heart of her family and each one of us.
God bless you all.
KarlaV.
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05-05-2008, 12:03 AM
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#2
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Guest
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So Sad:(
Oh karla this is so sad, I know Kate was battling for her life but still got such a shock on seeing your post just now. I'm so sorry to hear this, you also have been such a wonderful friend to Kate and a great support during her recent fight. Kate and I had been exchanging pm's up to recently on where she stayed in her time in Ireland and how much she enjoyed it.
She was a true lady and we'll all miss her so here. As I leave to attend Carols funeral I take comfort only in knowing they are both out of pain and at peace from this disease at last.
God bless them both and help their family and friends through this sadness in accepting their loss.
Thank you Karla, bringing this awful news to us especially this week was not an enviable task.
((((hugs))))
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05-05-2008, 12:07 AM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Ireland
Posts: 3,463
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oops!
Sorry forgot to log in, that message above was me Tricia Keegan..
__________________
Tricia
Dx July '05 IDC 1.9cm Triple positive 3/9 nodes positive
A/C X 4 ..Taxol/Herceptin x 12 wks then herceptin 1 yr
Rads x 36 ..oophorectomy August '06
Currently taking Arimidex..
June 2011 osteopenia/ zometa x1 yearly- stopped Zometa 2015 as Dexa show normal bone density.
Stopped Arimidex July 2014- Restarted Arimidex 2015 for a further two years on the advice of my Onc.
2014 Normal Dexa scan
2018 Mammo all clear, still NED!
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05-05-2008, 01:22 AM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 309
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Feel so sad. Love you Kate.
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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05-05-2008, 03:49 AM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Paris, France
Posts: 858
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I am crying. It is so unfair. Why take away from us the nicest and most courageous person? Thank you Karla for finding all the right words about Kate. I will never forget her.
Michka
__________________
08.2006 3 cm IDC Stage 2-3, HER2 3+ ER+90% PR 20%
FEC, Taxol+ Herceptin, Mastectomy, Radiation, Herceptin 1 year followed by Tykerb 1 year,Aromasin /Faslodex
12.2010 Mets to liver,Herceptin+Tykerb
03.2011 Liver resection ER+70% PR-
04.2011 Herceptin+Navelbine+750mg Tykerb
06.2011 Liver ned, Met to sternum. Added Zometa 09.2011 Cyberknife for sternum
11.2011 Pet clear. Stop Navelbine, continuing on Hercpetin+Tykerb+Aromasin
02.2012 Mets to lungs, nodes, liver
04.2012 TDM1, Ned in 07.2012
04.2015 Stop TDM1/Kadcyla, still Ned, liver problems
04.2016 Liver mets. Back on Kadcyla
08.2016 Kadcyla stopped working. mets to liver lungs bones
09.2016 Biopsy to liver. no more HER2, still ER+
09.2016 CMF Afinitor/Aromasin/ Xgeva.Met to eye muscle Cyberknife
01.2017 Gemzar/Carboplatin/ Ibrance/Faslodex then Taxotere
02.2017 30 micro mets to brain breathing getting worse and worse
04.2017 Liquid biopsy/CTC indicates HER2 again. Start Herceptin with Halaven
06.2017 all tumors shrunk 60% . more micro mets to brain (1mm mets) no symptoms
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05-05-2008, 04:11 AM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Sheboygan, WI
Posts: 2,582
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Thank you Karla for sending us this message about our Kate. Yes, she was a beautiful person and I feel blessed in having gotten to know her.
My sincere condolences to you and her family. Although we know her suffering has ended and she now has health and peace in Heaven, our hearts are heavy with saddness in knowing we will not "see" her here again.
God Bless you dear Karla and may you all be held close by God and given His comfort and peace.
Love,
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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05-05-2008, 04:28 AM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 46
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I found her very special, too. She will be missed very much here...
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05-05-2008, 04:32 AM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: moved to Lancaster, Pa in June, 2010
Posts: 576
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overwelmed by sadness
I am overwelmed by sadness over Kate's passing. She was such an inspiration to me. Another angel looking down on us. Kavy my you find comfort in that she is now cancer free. May you find comfort and peace in the following days as you greive the loss of your dear friend. She will be greatly missed hear on the board.
__________________
Debbie in North Carolina
Diag 10/2006-high grade invasive ductal carcinoma- mastectomy L breast
2.5 cm tumor ER/PR pos-Her2+++
4 rounds A/C, 4 rounds Taxol
Herceptin every 3 weeks until Jan. 2008
6/18/07 prophylatic mastectomy R breast
8/2007 started aromasin/stopped arimidex (side effects)
12/07 stopped aromasin due to side effects (now what?)
Finished herceptin 1/8/08
started tamoxifen for 2 years then will switch to femera
allergic to tamoxifen started femera 4/2008
June 20, 2008 portacath removed
Learnig to live life to the fullest!
Stopped Femera due to side effects
July 28, 2008 start trial for breast cancer vaccine
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05-05-2008, 05:28 AM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 292
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No.....
Peaceful, but sad.
__________________
Krista
Diagnosed 3/29/2007 @ age 34
Stage 1, Node Neg. (SNB), Grade 2, 1.4 cm. IDC
ER/PR 90%+ HER2 +
6 TCH started 5/25/2007, ended after #5 due to steroid "reactions" and neuropathy in feet and hands
BUT--#6 CH w/o Taxotere
Begin Herceptin alone 9/28/2007
30 rads completed 12/19/2007
Finish Herceptin 5/9/2008
Stopped Tamoxifen early--HATED it.
Married 17 years
13-year old son
3 embies on ice (from 1999)
GA, USA
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05-05-2008, 05:32 AM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Lincoln, Rhode Island
Posts: 371
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This is so heart breaking. I pray for Kate and her family that they are finally at peace. My deepest sympothy goes out to her family and everyone here we have suffered a great loss. All my love dear Kate all my love.
__________________
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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05-05-2008, 05:40 AM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Morris, IL
Posts: 3,507
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This is not the news I wanted to read this morning. We are blessed in ever having known Kate....she was truly a very special person, always putting herself last. My deepest sympathy to her family. Our dear Kate is an angel now...I will miss you Kate, my friend.
In sadness
__________________
"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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05-05-2008, 05:40 AM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Marengo, IL
Posts: 518
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My heart is breaking. Kate fought like a warrior until the very end. She is to be remember for her courage. It has been an honor to know Kate from this site. Thank you Christine and Joe for bringing us into this family where we can meet sisters like Kate. I am at a loss for words.
Her family, Kavy and all her friends will be in my prayers. Let us continue to pray for a cure for this unfair disease.
Donna
__________________
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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05-05-2008, 05:58 AM
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#13
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Webmaster
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Home of the "Flying Tomato"
Carlsbad, CA
Posts: 2,036
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We are deeply saddened by the loss of Kate and send our most sincerest condolences to her family.
Joe
__________________
A Proud webmaster to the internet's most informed, educated, COMPASSIONATE and caring group of breast cancer survivors.
Illegitimi non carborundum
My Album
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05-05-2008, 06:08 AM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Southern California
Posts: 900
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God Bless you Kate and make you whole again. You will be missed.
Much love,
__________________
Gerri
Dx: 11/23/05, Lumpectomy 12/12/05
Tumor 2.2 cm, Stage II, Grade 3, Sentinel Node biopsy negative
ER+ (30%) /PR+ (50%), HER2+++
AC X 4 dose dense, Taxol X 4 dose dense
Herceptin started with 2nd Taxol, given weekly until chemo done
then given every 3 weeks for one year ending on March 16, 2007
Radiation 30 treatments
Tamoxifen - 2 yrs (pre-menopausal)
May 2008 - Feb 2012 Femara
Aug 2008 - Feb 2012 Zometa every 6 months
March 2012 - Stop Femara, now Evista for bone strengthening
********** Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things. - Robert Brault
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05-05-2008, 06:19 AM
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#15
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 292
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All day yesterday, I would have moments of being inbetween laundry, cleaning, etc. and would think, "I am thinking of/hoping for/praying for Kate." It was simple, but it kept her on my mind all day. I kept checking the board, and was panicked when it was down--I needed to hear how Kate was.
When I first came here, she was one of the first people to write to me. I will never forget her mile-wide grin and ever-optimistic spirit. I will never forget that new photo of her (sans hair), but still with that grin.
With a heavy heart,
__________________
Krista
Diagnosed 3/29/2007 @ age 34
Stage 1, Node Neg. (SNB), Grade 2, 1.4 cm. IDC
ER/PR 90%+ HER2 +
6 TCH started 5/25/2007, ended after #5 due to steroid "reactions" and neuropathy in feet and hands
BUT--#6 CH w/o Taxotere
Begin Herceptin alone 9/28/2007
30 rads completed 12/19/2007
Finish Herceptin 5/9/2008
Stopped Tamoxifen early--HATED it.
Married 17 years
13-year old son
3 embies on ice (from 1999)
GA, USA
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05-05-2008, 06:32 AM
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#16
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,380
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My heart is very heavy from this sad news. My condolences to Kate's family and friends. They are in my thoughts.
Hopeful
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05-05-2008, 07:12 AM
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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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this is so broken heart news , I felt so impotence about this ..hopeless ..my prayers go with Kate who is in Heaven ...reading our post under God name and with angels on another vibration another level ...wachting her family and her friends like our group ...Please Dear Kate the Great help us wherever you are in heaven give us a hand on this ...you know how is ...knowing your genorosity I know that you will !!!!and I always remember you ......peace for your family ...and my condolence with the love one's family and friends ..
__________________
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
Last edited by lilyecuadorian; 05-05-2008 at 08:47 PM..
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05-05-2008, 07:20 AM
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#18
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Central Florida
Posts: 503
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The loss of Kate feels very personal to me... I hope she knew how much she was loved !
Maria
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05-05-2008, 07:23 AM
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#19
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Newnan, Georgia
Posts: 80
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I am so sad to hear of Kate's passing. She was such a strength and inspiration to all of us. I know now she is at peace in heaven. I hate this disease so much!! May God give Kate's family peace and comfort during this time.
__________________
Nancy
Diagnosed 4/06, age 45
IDC, 3.5 cm, 4/7 positive nodes
Stage IIB
Her2++, ER & PR++
Mastectomy, 4 AC, 4 Taxol & Herception for one year
Radiation
Ovaries out 4/07
Currently taking Arimidex and Zometa every 6 months
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05-05-2008, 07:34 AM
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#20
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: We presently live 1 1/2 hrs fr a city. in manitoba canada
Posts: 148
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she is now free...free to continue to support and love us from above. May her family find comfort as they find their way.
suzanne
__________________
suzannne
dx aug10/07
3 pos high, grade 3
tumor 2.5cm multifoc
bil mast recon sept 24/07
neg snb/neg lymph vascular
clear marg
chemo a/cx 4 rds
tomoxifan started feb11/08
herceptin to begin soon
herceptin completed feb/09
aromacin(A.I)for as long as i can
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