 |
|
11-16-2009, 10:09 AM
|
#1
|
|
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
|
~Believe51~Back In The Saddle Again!!
Of all the things I have ever written here this is the toughest, for I am a woman greatly changed. His wake was one full of my laughter, tears and coffee. I have a video I would like to offer to travel and it was a perfect touch to a magical send off. My favorite picture is him smiling through the Gamma Knife head piece. Ed waited for his 14th Wedding Anniversary to pass. For 4 weeks no food or water and seeing this I know there is nothing that I cannot do, that you cannot do! Being Marie, I walked into the Hospice room and excitedly and lying I said "Happy Anniversary Baby!!". He shook his paralyzed head NO! I told him that day to let go and it would not be giving up, it would be leaving on his terms...shook his head NO!. He fought for his last breath just as promised and all with a smile. Well that was the 6th of October. He passed on the 16th and I arranged it so he was buried on his Anniversary. He would have wanted that. We officially started our life together that day and officially ended our journey. God I miss him and life is so different.
I am well my Loves, I cannot believe just how well. That comes with doing all we can and looking at what we have in front of us and fighting it. It is never looking back and always looking at the moment. It is knowing that the fight is not over even when your heart does. It means letting go but holding on forever. I had a perfect life for so long and this journey has made me a better stronger person.
December 12th the foundation opens and I will be finally working. The doors have been closing and opening for some time now. I will forever fight breast cancer....I am responsible for my own job description and budget....come on now....this is Believe51 and this bitch is gonna do some damage!!! Pardon me...living in the moment...LOL
I do this in honor of Ed and our other Angels, I do this in tribute to my love and respect for you and I most certainly do it for all of the woman to come.
PS...I just cannot change his status right now and in Facebook I think I am going to change mine to single instead of widow. I hate this...yes I said that word!!
__________________
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!!
|
|
|
|
11-16-2009, 11:14 AM
|
#2
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Naples FL
Posts: 1,744
|
Re: ~Believe51~Back In The Saddle Again!!
Dear Marie, I just know that you are going to be a Fighter Extraordinaire...Through your sharing on this board I feel like a true sister of yours, funny how we can know so much about other people without really "knowing" them!!! Our struggles do make us stronger. Please keep in touch!! XO Suzan
__________________
 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!!
|
|
|
|
|
11-16-2009, 12:06 PM
|
#3
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Thornhill, Ontario
Canada
Posts: 2,320
|
Re: ~Believe51~Back In The Saddle Again!!
Sweet Marie - you are such an inspiration to everyone... glad you are "back in the saddle" - keeping memories of your dear Ed close to your heart, you will forge on.
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!!
|
|
|
|
|
11-16-2009, 12:23 PM
|
#4
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Ireland
Posts: 3,463
|
Re: ~Believe51~Back In The Saddle Again!!
Marie, your strength astounds me and still does and I know you'll do amazing work in the future. It's good to hear from you and feel that strength again through your words 
You go girl!!!
__________________
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!
|
|
|
|
|
11-16-2009, 12:28 PM
|
#5
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,851
|
Re: ~Believe51~Back In The Saddle Again!!
Marie,
Doing everything you could for Ed is a major source of comfort. After everything, it really means a lot that you worked tiredlessly to get Ed the best treatment possible, to give him every chance. Doing that helps in letting go and developing another kind of relationship with Ed.
Sending you hugs of comfort and peace,
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!!
|
|
|
|
|
11-16-2009, 12:30 PM
|
#6
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Stockton, NJ
Posts: 4,179
|
Re: ~Believe51~Back In The Saddle Again!!
Aww Marie
I'm so glad you're back. You give us so much faith and hope. I love you!
__________________
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"
|
|
|
|
|
11-16-2009, 12:37 PM
|
#7
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Bayarea,CA
Posts: 679
|
Re: ~Believe51~Back In The Saddle Again!!
Marie,
Great to hear you are back!! I continue to pray for you to find peace.
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
|
|
|
|
|
11-16-2009, 12:38 PM
|
#8
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Grand Terrace, Southern California
Posts: 114
|
Re: ~Believe51~Back In The Saddle Again!!
Im so glad you're back on the saddle. You are an amazing and strong woman. Now it is your time to live your life. If you want to put single...than be single. Cherish all those wonderful moments. Thank you for being who you are and God bless.
__________________
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
|
|
|
|
|
11-16-2009, 03:00 PM
|
#9
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Watkinsville, Georgia
Posts: 356
|
Re: ~Believe51~Back In The Saddle Again!!
Marie ~
You are just amazing and so glad to read your post. We miss you and know that you will be a great big voice for all of us.
Hugs ~ Ruth
__________________
[/SIGPIC]~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Diagnosed 6/03 nursing daughter
Dose dense A/C 4x
Modified rad mast 8/03
IDC; 3 cm; 10+/16 nodes; ER/PR-; Her2+++
Weekly taxol w/Herceptin (off label) 12x's
40 weeks Herceptin
Radiation 33x
Reconstruction w/ implants 05 & 07
NED
|
|
|
|
|
11-16-2009, 03:02 PM
|
#10
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Central Coast, CA
Posts: 3,207
|
Re: ~Believe51~Back In The Saddle Again!!
Marie,
So glad to see you back. Ed was a mighty oak indeed - and in the end still showed canser who was boss.
Now you are taking the fight back to it. If I didn't hate canser so much I would almost feel sorry for it. It doesn't know what's about to hit it.
Love you so much, sweetie!
Chris
__________________
Chris in Scotts Valley
June 2002 extensive hi grade DCIS (pre-cancer-stage 0, clean sentinal node) Mastectomy/implant - no chemo, rads. "cured?"
9/2004 Diag: Stage IV extensive liver mets (!) ER/PR- Her2+++
10/04-3/05 Weekly Taxol/Carboplatin/Herceptin , complete response!
04/05 - 4/07 Herception every 3 wks, Continue NED
04/07 - recurrence to liver - 2 spots, starting tykerb/avastin trial
06/07 8/07 10/07 Scans show stable, continue on Tykerb/Avastin
01/08 Progression in liver
02/08 Begin (TDM1) trial
08/08 NED! It's Working! Continue on TDM1
02/09 Continue NED
02/10 Continue NED. 5/10 9/10 Scans NED 10/10 Scans NED
12/10 Scans not clear....4/11 Scans suggest progression 6/11 progression confirmed in liver
07/11 - 11/11 Herceptin/Xeloda -not working:(
12/11 Begin MM302 Phase I trial - bust:(
03/12 3rd times the charm? AKT trial
5/12 Scan shows reduction! 7/12 More reduction!!!!
8/12 Whoops...progression...trying for Perjeta/Herceptin (plus some more nasty chemo!)
9/12 Start Perjeta/Herceptin, chemo on hold due to infection/wound in leg, added on cycle 2 &3
11/12 Poops! progression in liver, Stop Perjeta/Taxo/Herc
11/12 Navelbine/Herce[ptin - try for a 3 cycles, no go.
2/13 Gemzar/Carbo/Herceptin - no go.
3/13 TACE procedure
|
|
|
|
|
11-16-2009, 03:11 PM
|
#11
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Newton, MA
Posts: 951
|
Re: ~Believe51~Back In The Saddle Again!!
Thank you for coming back and sharing. You are one impressive woman that I look up to. My thoughts continue to be with you.
Fondly,
Barbara H.
|
|
|
|
|
11-16-2009, 03:17 PM
|
#12
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 2,077
|
Re: ~Believe51~Back In The Saddle Again!!
Hi there, Sweet Marie! I'm glad to see that you're back in the saddle. It's good to hear from you. Keep fighting the good fight. Love, Bill
__________________
For Nicola
|
|
|
|
|
11-16-2009, 03:33 PM
|
#13
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 508
|
Re: ~Believe51~Back In The Saddle Again!!
Hello, Marie. I read daily, always hoping to see a post from you. I'm very glad to know that you are well, and that you are looking foward to beginning to work. My thoughts remain with you as you put one foot in front of the other.
Hugs,
Barb A.
|
|
|
|
|
11-16-2009, 03:41 PM
|
#14
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 3,142
|
Re: ~Believe51~Back In The Saddle Again!!
Good to hear from you. Welcome back. Try to get some rest before you start your new job. Have a nice Thanksgiving.
|
|
|
|
|
11-16-2009, 08:31 PM
|
#15
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 343
|
Re: ~Believe51~Back In The Saddle Again!!
Marie, it is so good to have you back. I can feel in your words that you are going to be a difference maker in this battle.
Sending hugs and best wishes to you
__________________
Vicky
Age 47, TN, Diagnosed 05/09
Her2+, ER/PR-, Stage III, 2 tumors = 1 8cm tumor
Grade 3
Sentinel Node Biopsy-speck present in 1 node
Completed 3 month clinical trial of weekly Herceptin and 1000mg Tykerb daily
Tumor no longer present
Right mastectomy and lymph node removal 09/25/09
No cancer present at time of surgery, none in lymph nodes
Start TCH 10/15, every 3 weeks for 4 months followed by radiation
Finished chemo 01/28/10-YEAH!
Herceptin every 3 wks until end of June
Radiation begins 03/01, 6 1/2 weeks
Radiation complete--Yeah!!
Developed lymphedema after radiation
In hospital for 4 days with pneumonia:(
Herceptin done! 06/24/10
Port Removed 07/08/10
Still in PT for lymphedema and mobility issues
DIEP Reconstruction 05/11
I can be changed by what happens to me, but I refuse to be reduced by it~~Maya Angelou
|
|
|
|
|
11-16-2009, 08:31 PM
|
#16
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Hershey, PA. Live The Sweet Life!
Posts: 2,005
|
Re: ~Believe51~Back In The Saddle Again!!
Well, all I can say, Marie, is that I'm glad you're on my side in this fight! You go kick cancer's cowardly butt!
Welcome home. You have been sorely missed.
__________________
Smile On!
Laurel
Dx'd w/multifocal DCIS/IDS 3/08
7mm invasive component
Partial mast. 5/08
Stage 1b, ER 80%, PR 90%, HER-2 6.9 on FISH
0/5 nodes
4 AC, 4 TH finished 9/08
Herceptin every 3 weeks. Finished 7/09
Tamoxifen 10/08. Switched to Femara 8/09
Bilat SPM w/reconstruction 10/08
Clinical Trial w/Clondronate 12/08
Stopped Clondronate--too hard on my gizzard!
Switched back to Tamoxifen due to tendon pain from Femara
15 Years NED
I think I just might hang around awhile....
|
|
|
|
|
11-16-2009, 09:36 PM
|
#17
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Shingle Springs, CA - near Sacramento
Posts: 295
|
Re: ~Believe51~Back In The Saddle Again!!
Dear Marie,
Whatever would we do here without you? Your clear, strong voice and indomitable spirit are more than inspirational! What a treasure to know you! My thoughts are with you, concerned but hopeful - keep us posted, please!
Love to you, Donna
__________________
Donna in the Sierra Foothills of California
Diagnosed 6/7/06 invasive ductal carcinoma/ductal carcinoma in situ
Lumpectomy 6/21/06
Pathology: Er 99% Pr 10% Her2/neu 3+
DNA Index 1.0
S-Phase 3/High
Primary Tumor 2.4 cm Sentinel Node Tumor 2.1cm
A/C/T+ Herceptin + rads + Arimidex
stopped Herceptin after 7 mos. due to low MUGA
Surgery for thickened uterine tissue May 2008 - conclusion: side effect of Arimidex
Switched from Arimidex to Femara - joint/tendon problems significantly better!
2 year mark Pet scan and Echo shows all clear!
5 year mammogram with ultrasound shows no sign of cancer - yay!
11 years, 11 months new breast cancer - found lump
Mastectomy 4/30/2018
Pathology: Er99%, PR 28%, Her2 negative! (new type)
Faslodex
|
|
|
|
|
11-16-2009, 11:35 PM
|
#18
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 131
|
Re: ~Believe51~Back In The Saddle Again!!
I was glad when I saw your post.. I have missed you.. and I believe many others on this board would agree .. Take care.
Charlotte
|
|
|
|
|
11-17-2009, 02:42 AM
|
#19
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Sardegna, Italy
Posts: 362
|
Re: ~Believe51~Back In The Saddle Again!!
You are still such an inspiration --- I so love you!
Its so hard to lose someone --- I know, as I have walked in your shoes (losing someone from cancer), but a accident, it is never easy... your attitude and positive attitude does help ---- hang in there!
From your fellow cancer kicking cowgirl - xoxo Karen
__________________
Karen Wheelhouse Age: 46
Facebook id: Karen Wheel
2-09 – Age 44 -Biopsy-Cancer
3-09 – Right Quadrantectomy. Clear margins.
3 lymph nodes taken - all clear
Tumor results: Stage 1, 1.5 cm, Her2 +++
Est positive 80% - Prog 10% - Ki67 postive 30%
4-09 – Became a vegan! pH balance of body - cancer can't grow in neutral pH!
4-09 Started Herceptin & Chemo (9 weeks of Navelbine *)
* FYI - when coupled with Herceptin has the same results as more toxic chemo. No brainer!
8-09 - 30 RADS
9-09 - Said NO to hormone therapy
4-10 Finished Herceptin!!!!
7-10 PET Scan & other exams .... All clear! YIPPEE!!!!
11-10 Breast, organ Ultrasounds and lung x-rays all clear no changes ... NED!
2-25-2011 --- 2 years from surgery and NED!!!!!!
7-2011 Clear bone scan and full body and head MRI! NED! NED! NED! ;-)[/SIZE]
|
|
|
|
|
11-17-2009, 07:34 AM
|
#20
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Poland Ohio just a little south of Youngstown.
Posts: 473
|
Re: ~Believe51~Back In The Saddle Again!!
Marie, it's such a relief to see your post. You have been in my thoughts constantly. Please, please stay in touch, you have so many who love you and care for you.
God bless you, sweetie.
love and hugs
__________________
Susan
Age: 61
dx: 5/25/06
2 cm/ 0 nodes
Lumpectomy rt breast on 7/26/06
ER/PR- / Her2+++
A/C x 4
finished taxotere 2/07
finished 33 rads
Herceptin finished 12/07/07 Yippee!
|
|
|
|
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 07:04 AM.
|
Linear Mode
