 |
|
06-23-2009, 07:13 PM
|
#1
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 309
|
New member---Prayers and Positive thoughts requested
Hello Courageous Men and Women,
I am 53 years old, single, with two grown daughters in their 30's and 7 grandchildren.
I was first diagnosed via mammogram, with DCIS in November '08.
This was shocking as I did miss one year of a Mammo--however, 2 yrs prior I had the FULL workup Mammo-MRI-Ultrasound--and I was CLEAN!!!!
I actually received "The Call" from my Doctor as I was boarding a plane to relocate back to the West Coast for a new job.
I left that day, put my house up for sale...thought I would be back in a few weeks to finish packing. All I had with me was my two suitcases and my dog (left the cat with a relative, again, thought it was for a few weeks.)
My staging MRI a few weeks later uncovered ILC--I had a bilat mastectomy in January '09, opted for no reconstruction. A good decision on my mastectomy, as my surgical path showed (in the one breast) 4 tumors as well as 11cm of DCIS.
A few months later, after chemo round 2, I lost my job (yes the one I relocated here for) due to my cancer diagnosis--well not what they said, but this is what happened. While I was able to complete my remaining 4 rounds of chemo without the stress of the job--(I worked like a dog from the time I got there) It still was stressful knowing that once I completed treatment that I would be "unemployed" and looking for a job.
Moved in with my daughter and her family right before surgery-not wanting to go through this ordeal alone (it is crowded here) didn't know I would lose my job--had intended on moving right after treatment ended....
I finished chemo about 4 weeks ago, 6 rounds of TAC -started Herceptin on 6/12. I thank God everynight for this drug that I am so fortunate to receive. On my IHC, I am HER2 2-3+ on FISH I am equivocal.
Here I am over 7 months later....Grateful to be alive and that I am early stage.....
I remain positive, although I have had my moments......
Prayers needed for me to find employment here in CA, asap.......And that I sell that house QUICK!!!!
I know I am preaching to the choir here, but this disease is financially straining.
While I am grateful for insurance, the out of pocket expenses on my PPO are quite hefty--I never thought I would have to use the equity from my house--'my retirement' to fund my 'stayin alive' foundation.......
Thank you all for the contribution you are to others and
Blessings to all of you for reading this.
__________________
DX: 11/08 Age: 53
Surgery: 1/09
Bilat Mastectomy, no reconstruction
ILC-4 tumors-1.7 cm,1.5 cm (2).8 cm
DCIS-11 cm
All tumors Grade 3
All tumors ER-0%/PR-0%
All tumors HER2+
IHC-all tumors Overexpression/borderline
FISH 2 tumors Her2-Negative
FISH 2 tumors Her2+ Equivocal
Stage I, 0/1 nodes
LVI-Indeterminate(treated as positive)
SPR Score 8/9
Ki-67 20%
BRCA genetic test 1/2=negative
Chemo: 6 rounds TAC Feb-June 2009 w/Neulasta
Herceptin: 6/12/09-6/4/10 52weeks
HNPCC genetic test: negative
Port Placement-9/23/09 Port Removal 6/25/10
Echo's every 3 months-All normal
2/09 Staging PET/CT showed 0.2 micronodule upper R lobe-lung-Onc does not think this is mets--
6/5/09 AND 10/09 CT scan 0.2 micronodule unchanged
1/10-PET/CT-uptake in nasopharynx-
1/10-MRI All normal
6/10-Bone Scan-clear
12/10-PET/CT-All Clear-NED
12/11-PET-All Clear-NED
12/12-PET-All Clear-NED
12/13-CT w/contrast Head, Torso-All Clear
12/14-CT w/contrast Head-All Clear
2/15-Core needle biopsy-R scar line
|
|
|
|
06-23-2009, 07:40 PM
|
#2
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: San Antonio, TX
Posts: 2,357
|
Welcome, Cal-Gal, I wish you didn't have to be here, but am glad you found us! As I read your information, I immediately started putting everything in baskets (I'm so visual) and taking their power away! You have a list of lots of to-do's, but I'm sure pulling for ya to get them done one by one.
You've done the most important thing of all....take care of you!
You'll get lots of great help and support here. 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!
|
|
|
|
|
06-23-2009, 07:48 PM
|
#3
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Thornhill, Ontario
Canada
Posts: 2,320
|
Welcome Cal-Gal to the club that no one wants to join, but we are glad you found us.
You will find a great group of gals and guys here, with lots of information and support.
The diagnosis is often very shocking. I had a clean mammogram and breast ultrasound in July 2006, had a breast reduction in Oct. 2006 - my plastic surgeon found my tumour. Talk about utter disbelief.
But you will get through it, sorry about your job struggles which of course does not help.
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!!
|
|
|
|
|
06-23-2009, 08:33 PM
|
#4
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 309
|
Thank you Mary Anne and caya--
I think sometimes I am still in shock--for the longest time, I kept thinking 'this must be a dream(I know more like a nightmare)' and 'this can't be happening to me'--
I took care of my parents before they passed-both of cancer-so when I started going to the 'cancer center' where my Oncologist is located--it was very surreal--like what am "I" doing here--"I can't be here for me"
I think I was about half way through my treatment, when I got that I was going to the 'cancer center' for ME--
I am so grateful everyday for the love and support of friends and family--
My heart goes out to all of you fighting this disease--I realize how lucky I am when I read about and see at the treatment center women much younger than I with small children-or even very young women without children-or women with more advanced disease than mine-and women fighting this disease for many, many years-----you are my hero's!!!!!!
__________________
DX: 11/08 Age: 53
Surgery: 1/09
Bilat Mastectomy, no reconstruction
ILC-4 tumors-1.7 cm,1.5 cm (2).8 cm
DCIS-11 cm
All tumors Grade 3
All tumors ER-0%/PR-0%
All tumors HER2+
IHC-all tumors Overexpression/borderline
FISH 2 tumors Her2-Negative
FISH 2 tumors Her2+ Equivocal
Stage I, 0/1 nodes
LVI-Indeterminate(treated as positive)
SPR Score 8/9
Ki-67 20%
BRCA genetic test 1/2=negative
Chemo: 6 rounds TAC Feb-June 2009 w/Neulasta
Herceptin: 6/12/09-6/4/10 52weeks
HNPCC genetic test: negative
Port Placement-9/23/09 Port Removal 6/25/10
Echo's every 3 months-All normal
2/09 Staging PET/CT showed 0.2 micronodule upper R lobe-lung-Onc does not think this is mets--
6/5/09 AND 10/09 CT scan 0.2 micronodule unchanged
1/10-PET/CT-uptake in nasopharynx-
1/10-MRI All normal
6/10-Bone Scan-clear
12/10-PET/CT-All Clear-NED
12/11-PET-All Clear-NED
12/12-PET-All Clear-NED
12/13-CT w/contrast Head, Torso-All Clear
12/14-CT w/contrast Head-All Clear
2/15-Core needle biopsy-R scar line
|
|
|
|
|
06-23-2009, 09:01 PM
|
#5
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: RHODE ISLAND
(Ed getting me a latte on 2nd Cancerversary Cruise 2008)
'BELIEVE': To accept as true or real, To have faith in, To presume
ALWAYS BELIEVE
Posts: 2,999
|
Welcome to the family, a family one never dreamed we would be a part of. I am sorry you have to be here but so happy you found the most compassionate and supportive groups going. You will learn how to truly live through cancer here, and that makes me smile for you.
Please ask anything that will help you on this journey. It is important for you to know we are here and that we all walk besides one another.>>Believe51
__________________
9/7/06Husband 50yrs=StageIV IBC/HER2+,BoneMets10/06TaxotereX10,'H'1X wk,Zometa,Tamoxifen4/12/07Last Tax5/18/07Pet=Rapid Cell Activity,No Organ Mets,Lytic Lesions,Degeneration,Some Bone Repair5/07ChemoFail6/01/07Pleural Thoracentisis=Effusions,NoMalignantCells6/19/07+7/2/07DFCI
6/25/07BrainMRI=BrainMets,Many<9mm7/10/07WBR/PelvisRad37.5Gx15&Nutritionist8/19/07T/X9/20/07BrainMRI=2<2mm10/6/07Pet=BoneProgression
10/24/07ChemoFail11/9/07A/Cx10,EndTam12/7/07Faslodex12/10/07Muga7512/13/07BlasticLesions1/7/08BrainMRI=Clear4/1/08Pet=BoneImprovement,
NoProgression,Stable4/7/08BrainPerfect5/16/08Last A/C8/26/08BrainMets=10(<9mm)9/10/08Gamma10/30/08Met=5mm12/19/08Gamma5mets5
12/22/08SpinalMets1/14/09SpinalRads2/17/09BrainMRI=NoNewMets4/20/09BoneScan5/14/09Ixempra6/1/09BrainMRI=NumerousMets6/24/09DFCIw/DrBurstein6/26/09Continue
Ixempra/Faslodex/Zometa~TM now lower7/17/09Stop Ixempra By Choice9/21/09HOSPICE10/16/09Earned His Deserved Wings And Halo=37 Month Fight w/Stage 4 IBC, Her2+++,My Hero!!
|
|
|
|
|
06-23-2009, 09:02 PM
|
#6
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2006
Location: California
Posts: 668
|
Welcome aboard
Dear Cal Gal.
Thank you for finding us. You will find a lot of useful information, and you will soon find out how brave some of these women are.
Me too, I count my blessings that I'm alive after so many years since and after my initial diagnosis in 1994.
You can read our stories after our signatures, it will give you an idea of who we are, and the treatments we have received, diagnosis, etc.
Never hesitate to ask a question, if you ever are afraid, come to this place, you will find it inspiring and peaceful. At the same time it gives you the strenght and the tools necessary to continue the battle against this disease.
You need to educate yourself, number one rule. You own your body, you are in control. You are the one to make decisions regarding your treatment, get your hands on anything you can to learn everything about breast cancer. Eat well, sleep, try to relax, and the most important thing in life; find time alone for yourself, no one else. You need to go to that place, where no one is allowed, where you can express your fears, doubts, and also where you will find happiness, optimism, sense of humor, love and compassion.
Again, Welcome aboard. Stay positive.
Love,
Adriana
__________________
1994 - rt brst, .lump, underarm node dissection,chemo+rad 1.2 cms, Grade 3.
28 nodes neg
Er,Pr, Positive HER2 status unknown
2003- Recur to rt lung.July 16 ( B-Day!)
Her2+++ Er,Pr, Negative
2003 - Aug04--Navelbine + Herceptin
2004- 2007--NED - Herceptin, only
2007 Feb-April Xeloda added to hereceptin
2007-May Back on Navelbine+Herceptin
2008-Feb-Mar 15 Ses Rad to Rt. Lung
2008- Oc 17 Add Tykerb to Herceptin
2009- June-- Discont Tykerb
2009 July 7--Current Taxol + Herceptin
2009 Dec--Discontinued treatment due to progression. Looking into cyberknife.
2010-Aug Accepted to TDM1, no SE, except liver count went up.
2010-2011 September got kicked out of the trial, due to a small spot found on lung.
2011- 2012 September thru early 2013 on Herceptin
2013- March Bone density shows small spot on 5th rib.
2013 - April 4th appt with onc. will post after discussing course of treatment.
2013-March-April Cyber knife to brain and radiation to rib. Chest --base line before chemo-CT-Scan stable for lung issue. CA2729 Normal.
2013 April Herceptin- TDMI
2013 Sept Herceptin + Perjeta . CA2729 within normal range. Brain and Pet scans October 31st. will post results.
2013 October Brain MRI- mixed response. Will see Onc/rad on Halloween.
2013 October/November Brain-MRI nothing new. Repeat MRI next year in May.
2013 December Continue Herceptin and Perjeta. Stable at the moment.
2014 February Brain MRI -clear!
2014 January Added Taxotere to Perjeta+Herceptin.
2014 March Stopped chemo-chest ct-scan next.
2014- March Scans shows tumor's larger, CA2729 higher. Discontinue Herceptin.
2014 April Perjeta+ Halaven
2014 April CA2729 went down 60 points after one cycle. Cough does not want to go away.
2014 June Continue on Perjeta + Halaven-- no more cough. Stable
2014 June Back on Herceptin + abraxane
|
|
|
|
|
06-24-2009, 02:55 AM
|
#7
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 3,154
|
Hi Cal Gal,
Welcome and of course I am deeply sorry that you have been dx. but you will find a great amount of support and knowledge here.
I was thinking as I read your post how amazing life is.
How life unravels, you move to the West to start a new job and then you are dx. As it turns out you have the comfort of being with your daugher. The difficult part of treatment is behind you as herceptin is a much easier treatment plan.
Adriana's advice is right on target. Herceptin will do it's job and you will do your part now, exercise even if it is just walking, the mind helps to heal the body. While finding a job and selling the house is vital, remember at the end of the day "you are the most important" the job will come and the house will sell. Don't allow that to stress you, now is your time to heal and allow herceptin to do its job.
Best Wishes and Prayers are being sent to you.
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; 06-24-2009 at 02:58 AM..
|
|
|
|
|
06-24-2009, 06:49 AM
|
#8
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Georgia
Posts: 1,486
|
Cal Gal,
Glad to hear from you. I will pray that God sends you a job better than the one you had. This board will definitely offer you inspiration on your journey.
You sound like a very strong BC warrior.
Amelia
|
|
|
|
|
06-24-2009, 08:32 AM
|
#9
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Northern Calif.
Posts: 981
|
Dear Cal Gal,
I am very sorry that you have joined our club. However, I know that you will find comfort and good information here. So happy that you have finished up with chemo (Yippee). I hope you have few se's from the herceptin and that you will be able to resume a somewhat normal schedule.
Prayers that you sell your house and that you will find a job that will make you happy and not burden you.
Hugs and Prayers,
Lexi
|
|
|
|
|
06-24-2009, 09:13 AM
|
#10
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: me & my three HANDSOME grandsons!!Jacksonville, Arkansas
Posts: 354
|
Cali,
Welcome!
If you HAVE to fight this disease, this is the BEST place to be for support! These guys and girls here are the best for bouncing around serious, and not so serious subjects. Advise here is better than you can get ANYWHERE!
visit often!
__________________
Terri B.
46 yrs. young
Dx IDC 3/6/08
1.5 cm & .6 cm grade III, Stage IIA
es/pr- Her2+++, 9/9 richardson
Double Mast w/expanders 4-14-08
3/9 nodes positive.
additional excision rt breast 4-25-08
weekly T/H x 12 (6-2-08) Done!
FEC x4 (9-8-08) Last one 11-10-08!
Herceptin complete 8/10/09!!
33 RADS DONE 2/13/09!
rt. breast biopsy 3/20/09 .. B9!!
reconstruction complete!
DEEEEEEported on 5/19/10!!
almost 5 YEARS NED!!
Last edited by Terri B; 06-24-2009 at 09:14 AM..
Reason: i'm a dork
|
|
|
|
|
06-24-2009, 09:46 AM
|
#11
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Bayarea,CA
Posts: 679
|
Adding my prayers for you get a new job quickly and sell that house too! Sending lots of positive thoughts your way, Cal-gal. May God work things out for you asap!
hugs,
shobha
__________________
DX: 06-30-2007 - left breast -stage IIIB, Her2/Neu 3+++, ER weakly positive, PR-
Taxol+herceptin weekly for 3 months
FEC+herceptin every 3 weeks for 3 months
BRCA 1 and 2 - Negative
Jan 2008 - Bilateral mastectomy, prophylactic Rt. side.
Radiation for 5 weeks
Completed my yr of herceptin on 07-14-2008
Brain MRI - 3/2/09 Clean
|
|
|
|
|
06-24-2009, 12:21 PM
|
#12
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 309
|
Thank you ALL for such a warm welcome and words of inspiration.
That plane ride was an interesting one. My first thought after "The Call" was 'bad timing' the next thought, which I have held throughout was 'perfect timing' I was headed back to where I was born and raised, where I have lots of relatives and loads of friends all of whom have supported me through this.
I am thrilled to be done with chemo--boy, what a mountain to climb--and I am having very few se's after two infusions of Herceptin--really just some fatigue.
Thank you for keeping my perspective 'in-check'---and not to stress out over the job hunt and house selling. "It will all work out"....that is what my Mom used to say all the time.
I am so grateful to have been led somehow to this great portal of information, sharing, love and support.
Thank you ALL again.
I remain grateful for every sunrise and will keep all of you in my positive thoughts and prayers.
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
- Margaret Mead
__________________
DX: 11/08 Age: 53
Surgery: 1/09
Bilat Mastectomy, no reconstruction
ILC-4 tumors-1.7 cm,1.5 cm (2).8 cm
DCIS-11 cm
All tumors Grade 3
All tumors ER-0%/PR-0%
All tumors HER2+
IHC-all tumors Overexpression/borderline
FISH 2 tumors Her2-Negative
FISH 2 tumors Her2+ Equivocal
Stage I, 0/1 nodes
LVI-Indeterminate(treated as positive)
SPR Score 8/9
Ki-67 20%
BRCA genetic test 1/2=negative
Chemo: 6 rounds TAC Feb-June 2009 w/Neulasta
Herceptin: 6/12/09-6/4/10 52weeks
HNPCC genetic test: negative
Port Placement-9/23/09 Port Removal 6/25/10
Echo's every 3 months-All normal
2/09 Staging PET/CT showed 0.2 micronodule upper R lobe-lung-Onc does not think this is mets--
6/5/09 AND 10/09 CT scan 0.2 micronodule unchanged
1/10-PET/CT-uptake in nasopharynx-
1/10-MRI All normal
6/10-Bone Scan-clear
12/10-PET/CT-All Clear-NED
12/11-PET-All Clear-NED
12/12-PET-All Clear-NED
12/13-CT w/contrast Head, Torso-All Clear
12/14-CT w/contrast Head-All Clear
2/15-Core needle biopsy-R scar line
|
|
|
|
|
06-24-2009, 02:15 PM
|
#13
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Naples FL
Posts: 1,744
|
Welcome, CalGal. Your hardest moments are behind you now...hearing 'you have cancer' has to be one of the worst things I have ever heard. From that point on I made it my job to live!!! You will too!!! It is a great job to have. Somehow all the financial stuff that seems to be so overwhelming pales with the joy of being alive! Best of luckand hope to see you here often!!
__________________
 Suzan W.
age 54 at diagnosis
5/05 suspicious mammogram-left breast
5/05 biopsy-invasive lobular carcinoma with LCIS,8mm tumor,stage 1 grade 2, ER+ PR+ Her2+++
6/14/05 bilateral mastectomy, node neg. all scans neg.
Oncotype DX-high risk
8/05-10/05 4 rounds A/C
10/05 -10/06 1 yr. herceptin
arimidex-5 years
2/14/08 started daily self administered injections..FORTEO for severe osteoporosis
7/28/09 BRCA 1 negative BRCA2 POSITIVE
8/17/09 prophylactic salpingo-oophorectomy
10/15/10 last FORTEOinjection
RECLAST infusion(ostoeporosis)
6/14/10 5 year cancerversary!
8/2010-18%increase in bone density!
no further treatments
Oncologist says, "Go do the Happy Dance"
I say,"What a long strange trip its been"
'One day at a time'
6-14-2015. 10 YEAR CANCERVERSARY!
7-16 to 9-16. Extensive (and expensive) dental work done to save teeth. Damage from osteoporosis and chemo and long term bisphosphonate use
6-14-16. 11 YEAR CANCERVERSARY!!
7-20-16 Prolia injection for severe osteoporosis
2 days later, massive hive outbreak. This led to an eventual dx of Chronic Ideopathic Urticaria, an auto-immune disease from HELL.
6-14-17 12 YEAR CANCERVERSARY!!
still suffering from CIU. 4 hospitilizations in the past year
as of today, 10-31-17 in remission from CIU and still, CANCER FREE!!!
6-14-18 13 YEAR CANCERVERSARY!! NED!!
|
|
|
|
|
06-24-2009, 02:17 PM
|
#14
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 889
|
Welcome, this is a great place for support and advice. I wish you the best of luck in your job hunt and I hope your house sells quickly.
__________________
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
|
|
|
|
|
06-24-2009, 05:30 PM
|
#15
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,851
|
Cal-Gal,
Welcome to the HER2 support website. I'm sorry that you relocated and then lost your job over your breast cancer. I'm wishing you a speedy recovery from your chemo and hoping you will find a new job and sell your house soon.
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!!
|
|
|
|
|
06-24-2009, 05:41 PM
|
#16
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: MN
Posts: 731
|
Cal-Gal -
I can't add anything to what's already been said by others.
Sorry you had reason to find us, but glad you did. The people on this site are experts in knowledge and supportive beyond measure - a real blessing. I wish you all good things on this journey you now share with us. Pam
__________________
Pam
6/01 IBC er+ her2+stage IIIb; mastecomy
7/01 AC, taxol; radiation
2/02 tamoxifen
9/02 stage IV bone mets femara
1/03 taxotere/herceptin/aredia
6/03 herceptin, aredia & faslodex
1/04 navelbine, herceptin, aredia
2/05 herceptin/aredia
7/05 xeloda/herceptin/aredia
3/07 xeloda/tykerb/aredia
5/08 taxol/avastin/aredia
2/09 gemzar/herceptin/zometa
7/09 Taxol/Carbo/Herceptin, zometa
10/09 navelbine/herceptin & zometa
2/10 herceptin & tykerb & zometa
4/10 add xeloda &aromasin
10/10 dx with dermatomyiositis triggered by cancer
11/10 restart herceptin, tykerb, zometa
12/10 surgery-place rod in R femur to stabilize bone
1/11 radiation to R femur - 20 tx
2/11 2nd surgery - rod in Left femur
2/11 tx eribulen -- suspended dx brain mets
3/11 brain mets wbr 20 tx
4/11 halaven; discontine 8/11 not working
8/11 radiation to left femur 20 tx'
8-9/11 rad to lower spine
9/11 abraxane/herceptin/zometa
9/12 xeloda/herceptin/zometa
12/12 ablation of liver
|
|
|
|
|
06-24-2009, 07:59 PM
|
#17
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Hilo, Hawaii
Posts: 1,867
|
Welcome CalGal! I had most of my treatment/surgeries done in Southern Cal also. Congrats on completing your chemo and hopefully herceptin should be a breeze.
Good that you are in a place with so much love and support.
Now with all that behind you, you can move on to many good and exciting things in your life.
Keep us posted!
Wishing you the best!
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
|
|
|
|
|
06-25-2009, 10:43 AM
|
#18
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 309
|
Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,
WOW--what a warm welcome--you all are wonderful.
As I read your stories, I am amazed at the courage, strength and love that is present here. Your beauty shines through your posts and through the lovely pictures posted.
It is an honor to join you on this site and on this journey.
Big Hugs,
Cal-Gal
P.S. HarrieCanarie, I see you live in Hilo, HI. My family (Dad and Grandparents were born on Kauai) no longer relatives living there, but a cousin has a house there. Such a lovely and inspiring place--I cant wait to visit again.
__________________
DX: 11/08 Age: 53
Surgery: 1/09
Bilat Mastectomy, no reconstruction
ILC-4 tumors-1.7 cm,1.5 cm (2).8 cm
DCIS-11 cm
All tumors Grade 3
All tumors ER-0%/PR-0%
All tumors HER2+
IHC-all tumors Overexpression/borderline
FISH 2 tumors Her2-Negative
FISH 2 tumors Her2+ Equivocal
Stage I, 0/1 nodes
LVI-Indeterminate(treated as positive)
SPR Score 8/9
Ki-67 20%
BRCA genetic test 1/2=negative
Chemo: 6 rounds TAC Feb-June 2009 w/Neulasta
Herceptin: 6/12/09-6/4/10 52weeks
HNPCC genetic test: negative
Port Placement-9/23/09 Port Removal 6/25/10
Echo's every 3 months-All normal
2/09 Staging PET/CT showed 0.2 micronodule upper R lobe-lung-Onc does not think this is mets--
6/5/09 AND 10/09 CT scan 0.2 micronodule unchanged
1/10-PET/CT-uptake in nasopharynx-
1/10-MRI All normal
6/10-Bone Scan-clear
12/10-PET/CT-All Clear-NED
12/11-PET-All Clear-NED
12/12-PET-All Clear-NED
12/13-CT w/contrast Head, Torso-All Clear
12/14-CT w/contrast Head-All Clear
2/15-Core needle biopsy-R scar line
|
|
|
|
|
06-25-2009, 12:16 PM
|
#19
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 508
|
Hi Cal Gal. I am a relative newbie, having contacted the group on behalf of my sister (who was diagnosed in March). There is a wealth of knowledge and compassion here in these wonderful men and women, so do know you have found a whole new set of friends who truly understand this walk. I am sending along my wishes that you will tolerate your remaining treatments and will soon be working in California and that your house sells soon too!
Barb A.
|
|
|
|
|
06-25-2009, 02:23 PM
|
#20
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Ireland
Posts: 3,463
|
Hi CalGal, sorry I'm so late with saying hi but a warm welcome and I really hope things get better for you soon 
__________________
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!
|
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
All times are GMT -7. The time now is 03:15 PM.
|
Linear Mode
