Scanxiety Confirmed, Progression Shown

[Sheila]

I havent posted, but was taken off Tykerb a few days ago...,my CT's 3 weeks ago showed progression, which was obvious to me in my armpit, neck and chest...losing my voice again and coughing which they felt was the neck nodes on the vocal cords...another round of CT's yesterday showed progression even more pronounced in the past 3 weeks, with a mass now encasing and causing obstruction to the left Pulmonary artery and left bronchus, which explains the coughing and shortness of breath. I have also dropped almost 10 pounds in the past 6 weeks. They plan on adding Avastin next week (waiting for approval) to the Herceptin since I did well before on it except for the B/P issues and the nosebleeds....I really felt like the Tykerb/Herceptin was the magic bullet for me....and might have been if I hadn't had to wait and fight for 2 months to get it. I am really bummed over this news...trying so hard to stay positive, but getting so tired of this roller coaster. At this point I feel as though I need a hat trick!
Keep me in your prayers!

[mmoons]

Oh Sheila....that stinks! I am so sorry you didn't get better news.

Everytime I see one of your kind, supportive posts for others I always think of how beautiful you are in your picture. Clearly you are as beautiful inside as out - the way you are always "there" for all of us.

Sending you lots of prayers for the fortitude to keep kicking this cancer.

Hugs,
Maureen

[Ellie F]

Oh Sheila
So sorry to hear this news. What about T-DM1? Would this be an option still?? Thinking about you. Please remember you have got on top of this before and you will again.
Love Ellie

[Jackie07]

Sheila,

Sorry for the set back. We'll pray that you get Avastin soon and cut off the blood supply of those cancer cells - choke them to death.

Meanwhile, please rest well and get ready for the next battle - we are all behind you.

[Bill]

I'm sorry to hear this, Sheila. You will be in my prayers and I hope the Avastin is approved quickly and does the trick. You keep in touch. "Don't make me come up there!" Love, Bill

[WomanofSteel]

Sheila, Sheila, I am so very sorry. I know how frustrating this is. It seems like we have almost exactly the same issues. I just started on tykerb, xeloda. Hopefully it'll do something for me. I hope this little avastin tweek does it for you. Hang in there honey!

[Carolyns]

Dear Sheila,

I am sorry to hear your news. I know that it is so tough to hang on during the down portions of this roller coaster ride... but when the news is new ... that it when I usually feel it as the lowest point. I guess we have to feel these lows because they are real and then get back up and lace up our gloves to go another round. I know I personally had to go buy a new Coach hand bag (to replace the $26 dollar bag I have been toting around for the last year or so) after I got a plan.

I wish there was something we could do for each other to take away the pain of these let downs. A magic wand or some fairy dust.... Thinking of you and praying for you.

Carolyn

[Midwest Alice]

Hi Sheila, I am so sorry to hear this news. Keep strong the Avasin next week will get you back to kicking it. I am thinking of you and praying for the Avasin to do the trick.

Hugs my friend, Alice

[Mary Jo]

Dear Sheila....I am so sorry to hear this. You have my prayers....most definitely and pray that Avastin is approved quickly for you.

The roller coaster of emotions has to be so hard to deal with. Please know I care......and I pray God's Peace to hold you at this time.

Love and gentle hugs...

Mary Jo

[chrisy]

Sheila,
You already know what my one-word reaction was. I forgot, Brenda would have put it on a - - - -stick.

Yes, you did well on the Avastin, you stopped it for a break, not because it failed. So it may still be able to pack a wallop for you.

I think at this point your insurance co should have learned who they are messin' with, so hopefully that will go smoothly.

Otherwise, Bill might come up there.

Hang in there, my friend.
Chris

[whatz]

Well $@$*!)(*$_! for lack of better words. I know how you feel about tiring of the rollercoaster but hej, don't give up on it! You've come too far. Keeping you in my prayers!

[Becky]

Oh Sheila. Maybe adding something to the Tykerb/Herceptin might do the job too. I am thinking all about you.

[sassy]

Sheila, I'm so sorry you are having to deal with this plus the added issues of insurance. Please know I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

[vlcarr]

Dear Sheila,

I'm so sorry to hear this. Your posts always bring me hope. I haven't been on the board that long but I know you are one tough cookie and you will fight this like the warrior you are.

I will be keeping you in my thoughts & prayers.

Sending warm fuzzies,
Vicky

[Barbara H.]

Hi Sheila,
I am so sorry to hear this. You were so helpful to me. Perhaps Avastin will work at least long enough until T-DM1 gets approved. Also, there are new trials coming out with targeted therapies. You might qualify since you have measurable disease. Please know that you are in my thoughts.
Barbara H.

[caya]

Sorry to hear this Sheila - no wonder you feel exhausted. Hopefully the Avastin will be the magic bullet for you...

Keep fighting valiant warrior woman!!

(and eat some chocolate, it's good for you!)

all the best
caya

[ElaineM]

I am sorry to read your news. Please keep pushing the docs, insurance company and whoever else you need to push to get the Avastin and whatever else might help.
I hope you get something to help you with the symptoms until you get the medicines you need. Take good care of yourself and keep putting one foot in front of the other.

[StephN]

Well, girlfriend, you know how I feel about this news. I know you were trying to spare us without adding to the other tough-to-take news we have been experiencing. As well as waiting for the new scans to tell the new story.

Hard to figure why the Tykerb did not do better. Would your onc be able to get Neratinib for you? Seems like the Avastin could knock down the tumors and pave the way for some new treatments. That will be my new mantra.

{{Big hugs to you.}}

[Chelee]

Shelia, Things started out so good for you on this combo...I can only imagine how your feeling about now. But gosh darn it all...I'm so sorry you have to deal with this. I will be praying that this leads you into a better direction. Weren't you on a wait list for TDM1? I hope that is a real possiblity...or as Steph mentioned, seeing if you could get on Neratinib trial. I feel so bad for you...it's been one fight after another for you. It seriously makes me angry that you have to deal with this. But I will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers that something will work it's magic. Sending you lots of positive energy and love your way.

Chelee

[Mary Anne in TX]

Sheila, you have my prayers and love for your upcoming battle. I am very sorry that you must take up yet another fight. I'm believing BIG for quick and positive results for your treatment. Much love to you, ma