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One year Stage IV - triumph and trepidation?
It has now been a year since I was rediagnosed, after almost eight years of a health I had come to take for granted. So I have defied Dr. Google; typing in "liver mets prognosis" didn't do much for my peace of mind in the early days! What has been far more helpful has been the many happier stories on this forum. (At the same time, I acknowledge the sadnesses we have shared through the year, the losses to our community.)
I have learned a lot about how individual we are, in terms of our disease and response to treatment, and try not to be depressed by mere statistics. I have also learned I am NOT a good patient - by the time Docetaxol had taught me what being sick meant, I was full of self pity and taking it out on all those who loved me most. I am so fortunate that this love and support have never wavered.
Recently I have been stable, the treatment is easily tolerated and I have enjoyed a wonderful (Australian) summer. My crew cut looks a bit kinky, but hey, at least it's hair!
But it is that time..... just had scans and waiting for results. Cross fingers for me please!.......... Pam
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Diagnosed 2004: Lumpectomy - 2 tumours, both grade 1 infiltrating duct carcinoma, about 12mm. ER+,
C-erbB-2 status 3+.
Clear margins, no nodal involvement.
Radiotherapy, i year Tamoxifen, 4 years Arimidex.
Rediagnosed 2012: Multiple bone metastases.
3/12: began on Marianne trial - T-DM1 + Pertuzamab/Placebo.
5/12:Unexpected development of numerous bilateral liver mets. Came off trial.
Started Docetaxol/ Herceptin + Zometa.
8/12:Bones stable +major regression in liver (!)
9/12:Can't take any more Docetaxol! Start on Herceptin and Tamoxifen. Cross fingers!
Changed to Denosumab.
11/12: Scan shows stable - yay!
11/13: Still stable :-) !!!
1/16: All stable, but lowered calcium, so switched to Zometa 3 monthly.
2/19: Happily still stable on Herceptin, Letrozole and 3 monthly Zometa.
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