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11-19-2008, 10:05 PM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 2,077
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Latest news on me
Hi Team! I've put off making this post for alot of reasons, but many of my friends here on the site have encouraged me to do it. As most of you already know, I lost my dear wife, Nicola, one year ago yesterday to cancer. The last three or four years have been a rough ride. I know this is going to sound rambly and somewhat dis-jointed, but I'm sorry. I'm trying to get to the crux of the story here without giving y'all my book for free (just kidding). At some point in Nikki's illness, someone signed her up for the Chemoangels program. Chemoangels send cards and small gifts to cancer patients out of the goodness of their hearts, without expecting and most often receiving nothing in return. Not even a thank you. That's part of the deal when you sign up. Well, Nicola received cards and gifts from an angel named Rita, and wrote back to her. (Imagine that). They struck up a friendship, long-distance. We lived in VA and Rita lived in CT. They corresponded and kept in touch throughout Nikki's illness. When Nikki passed away, I called family and friends, and then I called Rita, Nikki's Angel. She was distraught, understandably. We swapped phone numbers and e-mail addresses and that was it, or so I thought. Several months went by and then we began swapping e-mails, and then phone calls, and we realized that we had alot in common. We grew closer. Please keep in mind that during this time, I was living like a hermit, and all I was doing was talking to "my girls" (wink). I wasn't looking for anyone, and neither was Rita. She had sworn off men years ago, because as we all know, most are ***h****. Well, one thing led to another, and we gradually fell in love, over the phone and via e-mail. I decided to move to CT to be with her. To some, it may seem abrupt, but I don't give away my love casually, and those that really know me have been supportive. Rita is an awesome woman. Annually she donates money to a local orphanage so that children can start the school year with new shoes, etc., and with her chemo-angeling, she is a super person. Okay, I've rambled enough. You guys are always in my thoughts and prayers. I'm sorry to butt in with my own personal stuff, but I was encouraged to do so by my friends here. I love you guys. Take care, Bill
__________________
For Nicola
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11-19-2008, 10:18 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 589
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Bill,
I would imagine that it had to be a difficult step for you to post this message. I can only tell you that I'm very happy for you. It's wild how life works sometime and it sounds like she's a true gift. You went through hell and God knows you deserve to be happy. Enjoy!
Eric
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11-19-2008, 10:20 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 3,154
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Our Dear Sweet Bill,
I for one am thrilled that life has opened a new door for you to enter. I am certain many of my sisters will be react the same way. You have been a strong supportor for so many of us....therefore, out of love for you and respect I support what ever makes you happy.
My best wishes for your happiness. Rita sounds like a loving tender soul (she would have to be to have your attention). As we all know, enjoy every moment of each day.....and I wish you many joys.
With Love,
Jean
__________________
Stage 1, Grade 1, 3/30/05
Lumpectomy 4/15/05 - 6MM IDC
Node Neg. (Sentinel node)
ER+ 90% / PR-, Her2+++ by FISH
Ki-67 40%
Arimidex 5/05
Radiation 32 trt, 5/30/05
Oncotype DX test 4/17/06, 31% high risk
TOPO 11 neg. 4/06
Stopped Arimidex 5/06
TCH 5/06, 6 treatments
Herceptin 5/06 - for 1 yr.
9/06 Completed chemo
Started Femara Sept. 2006
Last edited by Jean; 11-19-2008 at 10:23 PM..
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11-19-2008, 10:23 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Cordoba, Mexico
Posts: 672
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Dear Bill,
Unfortunately I cannot express myself as well as I would like to, because English is not my firs language, however, I would like to congratulate you and encourage you to go ahead with your life. As you have mentionned, life is pretty rough sometimes and you have had your share for now. I think you deserve to keep going and try to be happy and have company. We all human beings need someone by our side, it is part of being alive. Good for you! you just have one life and there is no opportunity for rehearsals, so live and enjoy and be happy after all there is only one life. I bet you Nikki is happy that you are not alone anymore. My best wishes,
Paty
__________________
Dx. June 30th, 2006 at age 43
Lumpectomy rt breast
2.2 cm tumor, 13 nodes all negative
ER-PR+,her2+++
6 FAC
32 Rads
Dx. Lung fibrosis due to radiation
Ended 1 year herceptin in March, 2008
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11-19-2008, 10:28 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,851
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Bill,
"After all ... tomorrow is another day." (Margaret Mitchell)
God bless you.
Joan
__________________
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!!
Last edited by Joan M; 11-19-2008 at 10:31 PM..
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11-19-2008, 10:29 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: "Love never fails."
Posts: 5,808
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What wonderful news! I am so happy for you, Big Brother Bill. May God bless the two of you.
__________________
Jackie07
http://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2011/06/doctors-letter-patient-newly-diagnosed-cancer.html
http://www.asco.org/ASCOv2/MultiMedi...=114&trackID=2
NICU 4.4 LB
Erythema Nodosum 85
Life-long Central Neurocytoma 4x5x6.5 cm 23 hrs 62090 semi-coma 10 d PT OT ST 30 d
3 Infertility tmts 99 > 3 u. fibroids > Pills
CN 3 GKRS 52301
IDC 1.2 cm Her2 +++ ER 5% R. Lmptmy SLNB+1 71703 6 FEC 33 R Tamoxifen
Recc IIB 2.5 cm Bi-L Mast 61407 2/9 nds PET
6 TCH Cellulitis - Lymphedema - compression sleeve & glove
H w x 4 MUGA 51 D, J 49 M
Diastasis recti
Tamoxifen B. scan
Irrtbl bowel 1'09
Colonoscopy 313
BRCA1 V1247I
hptc hemangioma
Vertigo
GI - > yogurt
hysterectomy/oophorectomy 011410
Exemestane 25 mg tab 102912 ~ 101016 stopped due to r. hip/l.thigh pain after long walk
DEXA 1/13
1-2016 lesions in liver largest 9mm & 1.3 cm onco. says not cancer.
3-11 Appendectomy - visually O.K., a lot of puss. Final path result - not cancer.
Start Vitamin D3 and Calcium supplement （600mg x2)
10-10 Stopped Exemestane due to r. hip/l.thigh pain OKed by Onco 11-08-2016
7-23-2018 9 mm groundglass nodule within the right lower lobe with indolent behavior. Due to possible adenocarcinoma, Recommend annual surveilence.
7-10-2019 CT to check lung nodule.
1-10-2020 8mm stable nodule on R Lung, two 6mm new ones on L Lung, a possible lymph node involvement in inter fissule.
"I WANT TO BE AN OUTRAGEOUS OLD WOMAN WHO NEVER GETS CALLED AN OLD LADY. I WANT TO GET SHARP EDGED & EARTH COLORED, TILL I FADE AWAY FROM PURE JOY." Irene from Tampa
Advocacy is a passion .. not a pastime - Joe
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11-19-2008, 11:08 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2006
Location: northshore suburb of chicago
Posts: 1,093
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Bill,
Life does work in strange ways and is full of surprises. In Yiddush there is a word "Beshert" which basically means it was meant to be. I believe you and Rita were meant to be and I wish you all the best together.
__________________
~Rina~
Dx:3/06 had a lumpectomy April 19, 2006
Her2+ er/pr- Stage I Grade 3 tumor size 1.4 cm, node negative
AC 4 dense doses
34 radiation treatments including booster doses
receiving herceptin every 3 weeks since late August 2006 for 12 months
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11-19-2008, 11:44 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Hilo, Hawaii
Posts: 1,867
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Hello my friend,
I am so glad you shared this with us. It means so much. Wow, I think you are going with the flow of life very well. I am so happy for you.
You see, when you live life so fully with compassion and love the way you do, all things work out good.
I wish you tons of love, happiness and peace as you continue on this life together with Rita. She sounds perfect for you and I bet you for her.
I just found this bookmark hanging on my daughter's bedroom door.....it says.....
The guardian angels of life sometimes fly so high as to be beyond our sight, but they are always looking down on us......
----Jean paul Richter
Muchas alohas,
Maryanne
__________________
*** MARYANNE *** aka HARRIECANARIE
1993: right side DCIS, lumpectomy, rads
1999: left side DCIS, lumpectomy, rads, tamoxifen
2006:
BRCA 2 positive
Stage I, invasive DCIS (6mm x 5mm)
Grade: intermediate
sentinal node biopsy: neg
HER2/neu amplified 4.7
ER+/PR+
TOPO II neg
Oncotype dx 20
Bilat mastectomy with DIEP flap reconstruction
oophorectomy
2007:
6 cycles TCH (taxotere, carboplatin, herceptin)
finished 1 yr herceptin 05/07
Arimidex, stopped after almost 1 yr
Femara
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11-20-2008, 02:44 AM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Ireland
Posts: 3,463
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Bill, I'm so happy you and Rita have found happiness together and wish you both only good things through life....but you must know you've broken a few hearts here with your confession???? Lol, be happy 
__________________
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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11-20-2008, 03:13 AM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Grand Terrace, Southern California
Posts: 114
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Wow....I love it! God bless you both.
Rendi
__________________
04/97- breast bx. diagnosis breast cancer.
05/97- radical mastectomy; 5cm tumor & 11 lymph nodes.
10/97- City of Hope, high dose chemotherapy.
11/97- 36 radiation therapy.
01/98- NED; tamoxifen.
02/02- breast reconstruction.
08/04- recurrence; mets to rt lung; thoracentesis; femara.
09/04- thoracentesis; ER/PR +, Her2+++.
10/04- total abdominal hysterectomy.
02/06- mets to 9th rib; monthly zometa; arimidex.
06/06- medi port insert; weekly herceptin.
10/06- 3 weeks herceptin treatment.
02/07- mets to liver; arimidex
11/07-liver clear
02/08-chemo taxol/herceptin weekly treatment
12/08-taxol not working
01/09-navelbine/herceptin weelky
03/09-navelbine not working
04/09-xeloda/tykerb
09/09-30 radation to neck; xeloda/tykerb not working
11/09-Gemzar/herceptin weekly
04/10-tykerb/herceptin weekly
06/10-cancer spread to left lung;stop treatment; tap
07/10-right lung collasps; TDM1
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11-20-2008, 04:15 AM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: San Antonio, TX
Posts: 2,357
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Bill, our blessings come when and however they come. I think it's so wonderful that you have found someone to love and have an adventuresome life with! Hooray for having the courage to follow your heart! I love how God works! 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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11-20-2008, 06:26 AM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 943
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Bill, I think it is wonderful that you are sharing your life with such an angel, who seems to be there just at the right moments in your life, making them blessed. May you continue to enjoy every moment of your life in this bliss, you deserve it.
"Chemoangels send cards and small gifts to cancer patients out of the goodness of their hearts, without expecting and most often receiving nothing in return."......Ah, but she did get blessed, with your wonderful family.
__________________
Robin
2002- dx her2 positive DCIS/bc TX Mast, herceptin chemo
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11-20-2008, 06:38 AM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: From Syracuse, NY but living in Tokyo, Japan for 26yrs
Posts: 132
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I am so glad I signed in and checked the site today! What wonderful news! Congratulations Bill and Rita! Excuse my over use of exlamation marks but this news is just !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! heartwarming and encouraging. Thank you for sharing.
__________________
Kathy S in Tokyo (44)
11/2004 partial masectomy (clear margins) - ER/PR++ HER+++
12/2004 Tamoxifen
11/2005 Clavicle & neck lymph nodes mets
30 Days rads, 7 months CEF-T Chemo
6/2006 mid chemo lung mets oral toremifene
10/2006 changed hospitals
12/2006 Tamoxifen and monthly Zoladex
2/2007 Dramatic growth of mets! Stopped Tamoxifen and Zoladex
3/2007 Began weekly Herceptin
6/2007 Added weekly Taxol to regime
4/2008 More lung mets - stopped Taxol
5/2008 Xeloda - 3 weeks on 1 week off
8/2008 Got a port!
9/2008 Stopped Xeloda, started weekly Navelbine
12/2008 Tumor progression, stopped Navelbine
1/2009 Taxotere begins again, once in every three weekly Herceptin IVs
3/2009 Added Zometa pelvic bone met, lung tumors progressing, stopped Taxotere/Herceptin
4/10/2009 Whoa seizure! 6cm&3cm brain mets. craniotomy and gamma knife surgery 5/15/2009 Started Adria/Cyto stopped 9/15 due to progession. Brain mets back 10/28 surgery more gamma soon
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11-20-2008, 06:45 AM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Thornhill, Ontario
Canada
Posts: 2,320
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Bill,
Great news! I am sure your dear Nicola is happy for you, because she had a part in bringing you and Rita together. Go on with your life, I wish you and Rita much happiness.
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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11-20-2008, 07:03 AM
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#15
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 889
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Bill, I am truly happy that you have found Rita. It is wonderful to have some happy news amidst all the goings on in our lives. I wish you two only the best!
__________________
dx aug 03 invasive dcis 1 cm
er/pr/her2+
bcs 8/4/03
bcs 8/21/03 0/16 nodes
tx 4x ca 36 rad tam
postmenopausal 06 aromasin
sept 07 biopsy node in neck
muga/pet/cat/bone mets to lungs nodes and liver stage iv
tx hki-272
tx not working switched to taxol herceptin
Taxol not working switched to navelbine
navelbine is causing bad neuropathy
starting gemzar
gemzar quit on me now on Ixempra due to increasing number and size of liver mets
another progression starting tykerb/xeloda
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11-20-2008, 08:13 AM
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#16
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Stockton, NJ
Posts: 4,179
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Dear Bill
I have always believed that on earth, there are 10,000 people who are the right one for each of us. Many of these people we never meet many of them (they live in the Amazon, Europe, Asia and it is just location).
When you meet your soul mate, you stop looking for one (even though there are dozens of right people right in front of us). Sometimes, you even know - and snap your fingers and say to yourself, "if I wasn't married, I could really go for that person".
So, you have met another one of the 10,000 people on earth that are right for you. That is a wonderful and incredible thing (considering these 10,000 people are hidden amongst 7+ billion of us). I am totally, throughly and absolutely happy and thrilled for you. I am also happy for Rita too because she has you.
Congratulations and good wishes all around
__________________
Kind regards
Becky
Found lump via BSE
Diagnosed 8/04 at age 45
1.9cm tumor, ER+PR-, Her2 3+(rt side)
2 micromets to sentinel node
Stage 2A
left 3mm DCIS - low grade ER+PR+Her2 neg
lumpectomies 9/7/04
4DD AC followed by 4 DD taxol
Used Leukine instead of Neulasta
35 rads on right side only
4/05 started Tamoxifen
Started Herceptin 4 months after last Taxol due to
trial results and 2005 ASCO meeting & recommendations
Oophorectomy 8/05
Started Arimidex 9/05
Finished Herceptin (16 months) 9/06
Arimidex Only
Prolia every 6 months for osteopenia
NED 18 years!
Said Christopher Robin to Pooh: "You must remember this: You're braver than you believe and stronger than you seem and smarter than you think"
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11-20-2008, 09:02 AM
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#17
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Southern California
Posts: 900
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Aw Bill!
I read this with a lump in my throat and a smile on my face. Kismet, karma, serendipity - call it what you will, but this was meant to be.
Embrace your new life; you deserve every happiness that comes your way. I hope we won't lose you to Rita, but if we do we will certainly understand.
Wishing you endless joy,
Gerri
__________________
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
Last edited by Gerri; 11-20-2008 at 04:03 PM..
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11-20-2008, 09:06 AM
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#18
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Ft. Collins, Colorado
Posts: 546
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Yay!
Thank you so much for sharing this personal and exciting news. I am happy for you. And as one who lives with cancer, knowing it may take me leaving others behind, I often pray that happiness will come their way and that they can maintain that for always. I hope Rita knows what a great catch she has. If not she will have to answer to all of us-and we are feisty. Enjoy, Bill and please keep us posted on these and other developments.
__________________
with love and gratitude,
joy
dx stage I 2/2000*er/pr+; her- per IHC*lumpectomy*4 rounds A/C*30 rads*tamoxifen*dx stage 4 5/2002*huge mets to liver*tiny mets to lungs*stopped tamoxifen*5/02 taxotere/xeloda*her 2 checked with FiSH-her2+++herceptin *2/03 stopped chemo femara w/herceptin*zolodex*04 switched to aromasin w/herceptin*05 high estrogen tx*11/05taxol/carbo*7/06 stopped chemo; megace/herceptin*9/06navelbine/herceptin*5/07tykerb/xeloda great response*4/08 progression in liver; ooph/ faslodex /herceptin
6/08 began Herceptin DM-1
9/08 progression
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11-20-2008, 09:31 AM
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#19
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 492
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Bill,
One overwhelmingly kind soul finds another..... I am so happy for you both.
And I hope Rita is fine with the fact that you sometimes chat online with babes all day.......
(any Napoleon Dynamite fans out there?? LOL )
Best wishes and best of luck on your upcoming move and new beginning,
Margerie
__________________
Are we there yet?
Dx 10/05 IDC, multi-focal, triple +, 5 nodes+
MRM, 4 DD A/C, 12 weekly taxol + herceptin
rads concurrent with taxol/herceptin
finished herceptin 01/08
ooph, Arimidex, bilateral DIEP reconstruction
NED
Univ. of WA, Seattle vaccine trial '07
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11-20-2008, 09:39 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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bill...i 'm not to sure about all this. You need someone to fly down there and check her out...wink! Well if you have to go, you where to find us. Just a click away! Good luck and much happiness to you.
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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