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01-12-2008, 09:29 PM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: LI, NY
Posts: 660
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8 years ago today...
8 years ago today I was diagnosed with stage IV inflammatory bc. I was given less than a year to live (I didn't learn that until a little later). 8 years ago today I learned what an oncologist was. Dr. Theo is the man that saved my life three times (well, actually two so far, but I'm counting on him to get this one under control too...). I was going to let this day go by without saying anything, but I decided to acknowledge this day for my own well being. None of you knew me from before cancer, and I'm not sure if I even remember the old me. I like to think I was a good person then, but I know I am a better person and mom for having been through what I've been through. I'd like to thank you all for keeping me sane (no jokes please) and surrounded by love, friendship and prayers. At times, I may not be the friend that I should be (not returning e-mails, phone calls or sending out Christmas cards), but you are all always in my prayers and heart.
Love to all...Keep praying for the cure. I know I am...
__________________
Maryann
Stage IV Inflammatory BC 1/00
Mod Rad Mastectomy 24nod/5+
Adriomycin Cytoxin Taxol
Tamoxifen 4 1/2 yrs
Radiation - 32 x
Metastatic BC lung/liver 10/04
thorocentesis 2x - pleurodesis
Herceptin Taxatiere Carbo
Femera/Lupron
BC NED 4/05
chemo induced Acute Myeloid Leukemia 5/06
Induction/consolidation chemo
bone marrow transplant - 11/3/06
Severe Host vs Graft Disease of liver
BC mets to lung 11/07
Fasoladex Herceptin Zometa Xeloda
GVHD/Iron overload to liver
Avascular Necrosis/morphine pump 10/10
metastatic brain tumor
steriotactic radiosurgery
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01-12-2008, 09:49 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 2,077
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Wow, Maryanne, God has blessed you. You've been granted some good years, (I know alot of it was rough), but the cancer does make you look at things in a different light. I've prayed for guidance and wisdom for Dr. Theo so that he may better help you. Sweet dreams tonight to you and yours. Love and prayers, Bill
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01-12-2008, 09:54 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Thornhill, Ontario
Canada
Posts: 2,320
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Maryann,
Thank you for sharing this news with us - 8 years at stage IV, with all your various up and downs? AMAZING!
Keep up the fight, praying that Dr. Theo will continue to help you, as we all pray for the cure.
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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01-12-2008, 10:31 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 290
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Congratulations Maryann. Happy to know you are still OK.
Sincerely,
Tom
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01-12-2008, 11:19 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: I live in Christmas, MI - located on the shores of Lake Superior.
Posts: 606
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Your eight years of survivorship is worth mentioning. I'm so glad you did. I'm wishing you at least 8 more.
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01-12-2008, 11:27 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 3,154
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Dear Maryanne,
You are one tough sweet cookie. My oh My your correct about cancer
making us stronger, kinder, and most of all a higher sense of what is important, amazing isn't it?
So glad you shared with us your 8 yr. anniversary, it is a major one.
I am keeping you in my prayers.
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
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01-13-2008, 12:44 AM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Southern, CA
Posts: 2,511
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MaryAnn, Big CONGRATULATIONS to you! I can't even begin to imagine what its been like to go through all that you have! You absolutely amaze me. You've heard it a million times but you ARE TRUE INSPIRATION to me, & I'll sure everyone here. For someone that was given a year...you sure fooled them & then some!  The way you pushed forward no matter what was in front of you...and WITH a sense of humor is more then amazing. I am so glad you didn't let this day go by without sharing it with us because its MAJOR. One that should be acknowledged and celebrated. Since Dr. Theo saved your life twice...you know what they say about the *third* time.  So hang in there and again....congratulations! Your always in my thoughts and prayers.Chelee
__________________
DX: 12-20-05 - Stage IIIA, Her2/Neu, 3+++,Er & Pr weakly positive, 5 of 16 pos nodes.
Rt. MRM on 1-3-06 -- No Rads due to compromised lungs.
Chemo started 2-7-06 -- TCH - - Finished 6-12-06
Finished yr of wkly herceptin 3-19-07
3-15-07 Lt side prophylactic simple mastectomy. -- Ooph 4-05-07
9-21-09 PET/CT "Recurrence" to Rt. axllia, Rt. femur, ilium. Possible Sacrum & liver? Now stage IV.
9-28-09 Loading dose of Herceptin & started Zometa
9-29-09 Power Port Placement
10-24-09 Mass 6.4 x 4.7 cm on Rt. femur head.
11-19-09 RT. Femur surgery - Rod placed
12-7-09 Navelbine added to Herceptin/Zometa.
3-23-10 Ten days of rads to RT femur. Completed.
4-05-10 Quit Navelbine--Herceptin/Zometa alone.
5-4-10 Appt. with Dr. Slamon to see what is next? Waiting on FISH results from femur biopsy.
Results to FISH was unsuccessful--this happens less then 2% of the time.
7-7-10 Recurrence to RT axilla again. Back to UCLA for options.
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01-13-2008, 08:03 AM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: San Antonio, TX
Posts: 2,357
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Maryann, I'm awefully glad that you're such a fighter and that you have such great doctors! Wouldn't be the same without you! I hope you have 8 more "8 years"!!!!!! Just live forever, girl! You're a blessing to us all. 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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01-13-2008, 08:14 AM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Poland Ohio just a little south of Youngstown.
Posts: 473
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I agree with everyone here. You truly are a fighter. I wish I had one third of your strength and determination. Love reading your posts, you will never know how much you have helped me. Big congratulations on the 8 years!
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!
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01-13-2008, 08:55 AM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Canada
Posts: 2,193
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Madame Dubois
Thank you for sharing this anniversary with us. You are truly an inspiration to everyone on this board. You fight so hard and never forget what the fight is for. Your words have given me information, insight, hope, and a few laughs. It is amazing to me that this stupid disease has brought so many wonderful people into my life. Congratulations on your 8 years - they certainly all haven't been easy years for you, but you are here with us and we are all grateful for that. Keep on doing what you've been doing - it is working. Congrats.
__________________
PinkGirl
Dx Aug/05 at age 51
2cm. Stage 2A, Grade 3
ER+/PR-
Her2 +++
Sept 7/05 Mastectomy
4 FAC, 4 Taxol, no radiation
1 year of Herceptin
Tamoxifen for approx. 4 months,
Arimidex for 5 years
Prophylactic mastectomy June 22/09
" I yam what I yam." - Popeye
My Photo Album
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01-13-2008, 08:57 AM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Lumberton, Mississippi
Posts: 118
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Congratulation MaryAnn. Just goes to show you that prayers are answered. You are a living and walking miracle. That is so wonderful. You give others hope that they too can beat this. I pray for your continued good health, and the strength to continue to fight.
Good luck to you.
Linda
__________________
Diagnosed 12/23/04
Biopsy 12/28/04
Lumpectomy 1/04/05
IDC, ER-PR-, HER2Neu+++
7mm tumor, Stage 1, Grade 3
6 CAF's
38 Rads
Finished 10/05
"Worry looks around. Sorry looks back. Faith looks up."
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01-13-2008, 09:49 AM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Sheboygan, WI
Posts: 2,582
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Dear Maryann,
Am I ever happy you decided to share this day with us. One more thing to thank God for today. YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh, Maryann, what a blessing for you. You've been through so much but listen to you in your post. No complaints - just thankful for all you are TODAY. And TODAY is what matters.
Continue to live it the fullest, spreading that love and joy we all hold in our hearts.
I'm SOOOOO very happy for you and right now thank Our Loving God and Father for His loving Hand on you.
Mary Jo
__________________
"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10
Dx. 6/24/05 age 45 Right Breast IDC ER/PR. Neg., - Her2+++ RB Mast. - 7/28/05 - 4 cm. tumor Margins clear - 1 microscopic cell 1 sent. node No Vasucular Invasion 4 DD A/C - 4 DD Taxol & Herceptin 1 full year of Herceptin received every 3 weeks 28 rads prophylactic Mast. 3/2/06
17 Years NED
<>< Romans 8:28
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01-13-2008, 09:59 AM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Ireland
Posts: 3,463
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Congratulations Maryann, you' ve always been an inspiration to me since joining this board and continue to do so each day. I'm very glad you mentioned your 8th anniversary and gave us all the opportunity to share in your achievement!
Here's to many more..
__________________
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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01-13-2008, 10:50 AM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: TAMPA, FL
Posts: 568
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Congrats MaryAnne
you are one amazing strong women and such an inspiration to us all.
Thank YOU
__________________
Irene from Tampa
1996 - INFILT DUCTAL CAR.W/ LYMPH NODE INVOLVEMENT. ADRIA/CYTOXIN/5FU
1999 - RECURR. TO AUXILA AND 2 TUMORS IN LIVER
TREAT: STEM CELL REPLACEMENT/HERCEPTIN.
2002 - RECUR TO LIVER
TREAT: NAVELBINE, THEN GEMZAR, THEN XELODA.
2004 - TUMORS STILL IN LIVER
TREAT: RFA TO LIVER
STABLE UNTIL
2004 - TUMOR PROGRESSION IN LIVER.
TREAT: RESECT HALF OF LIVER.
2005 - RECURR TO LYMPH NODE OUTSIDE OF LIVER.
TREAT: TAXOL/CARPO/HERCEPTIN. FAILED ON
THIS TRIO. STARTED ON ABRAXANE.
2006 - PROGRESS WITH 2ND TUMOR GROWTH.
TREAT: AUG. BEGAN ON TYKERB/XELODA
TRIAL. CONSIDERED STABLE TO DATE.
2007 - TAKEN OFF OF TYKERB/XELODA TRIAL DUE TO
PROGRESS STARTING TYKERB/AVASTIN.
NOV 2007 - SCANS SHOW PROGRESS TUMOR GROWTH
IN ABDOM. AND TWO NEW TUMORS IN NECK AREA.
BEGAN HERCEPTIN/AVASTIN/TAXOTERE
Feb 08 - Ixempra/Xeloda
June 08 - Her/DM1 trial
"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."
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01-13-2008, 11:02 AM
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#15
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,210
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You are a great example of the term "keep the faith"! Thanks for sharing.
Love, Bonnie
__________________
Bonnie
Post menopause
May 2007 Core biopsy, Rt breast
ER+, Pr-, HER2 +++, Grade 3
Ki-67: 90%
"suspicious area" left breast
Bilateral mastectomy, (NED on left) May 2007
Sentinel Node Neg
Stage 1, DCIS with microinvasion, 3 mm, mostly removed during the biopsy....
Femara (discontinued 7/07) Resumed 10/07
OncoType score 36 (July 07)
Began THC 7/26/07 (d/c taxol and carboplatin 10/07)
Began Herceptin alone 10/07
Finished Herceptin July /08
D/C Femara 4/10 (joint pain/trigger thumb!)
5/10 mistakenly dx with lung cancer. Middle rt lobe removed!
Aromasin started 5/10
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01-13-2008, 11:37 AM
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#16
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Acworth, GA
Posts: 2,104
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MaryAnne,
Thanks for sharing and congratulations! I always enjoy reading your posts. No matter what seems to be going on you always maintain that positive air and great sense of humor. You're truly an inspiration.
__________________
Kate
Stage IIIC Diagnosed Oct 25, 2005 (age 58)
ER/PR-, HER2+++, grade 3, Ploidy/DNA index: Aneuploid/1.61, S-phase: 24.2%
Neoadjunct chemo: 4 A/C; 4 Taxatore
Bilateral mastectomy June 8, 2006
14 of 26 nodes positive
Herceptin June 22, 2006 - April 20, 2007
Radiation (X35) July 24-September 11, 2006
BRCA1/BRCA2 negative
Stage IV lung mets July 13, 2007 - TCH
Single brain met - August 6, 2007 -CyberKnife
Oct 2007 - clear brain MRI and lung mets shrinking.
March 2008 lung met progression, brain still clear - begin Tykerb/Xeloda/Ixempra
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01-13-2008, 12:31 PM
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#17
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Shingle Springs, CA - near Sacramento
Posts: 295
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Happy Happy!!!
Dear Maryann,
Thanks so much for posting this - you were one of the first people to respond to me when I joined so I always felt a special conneciton to you. I would panic when we didn't hear from you for awhile. I know these have been rough years and I hope and pray for easier times ahead for a very long, long, long time! You have been an inspiration to me and I thank you for all you have contributed to our her2 family!
Keep going! 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
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01-13-2008, 12:36 PM
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#18
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: South Florida
Posts: 477
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Hi MaryAnne,
Thank you very much for sharing!
You are an inspiration to me and I am sure to your doctor's too.
Love, Hope, and Peace,
Carolyn
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01-13-2008, 01:28 PM
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#19
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Michigan
Posts: 230
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Congratulations
Mary Anne,
You are force to be reckoned with! You inspire us all with your positive attitude and fighting spirit. I know #3 will be the charm and you will be NED.
All my best.
Mary
__________________
Mary
Diagnosed 11/04 @39yrs. young
Stage IIB
2.5 cm, ER/PR- Her+++, grade 3
Partial Mast., 1/3 pos. node
1/05 full node dissection
4 A/C 4 Taxol DD, Herceptin 1 yr.
30X rads.
BRCA Negative
NED
Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune without the words,
And never stops at all -Emily Dickinson
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01-13-2008, 01:56 PM
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#20
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 617
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Congratulation!
You have a great fighting spirit, and stage 4 IBC 8 years ago amazing, thanks for sharing you give everyone hope and inspiration.
__________________
35 y/o
June 06: BC stage I
Grade 3; ER/PR neg
Her-2+++; lumpectomies
Aug 06: Stage IV
liver mets: 6 tumours
July 06 to Jan 07: 2*FEC+6*Taxotere; 3*TACE; LITT
March 07- Sept 07: Vaccination trial (phase 2, peptide based) at the UW (Seattle).
Herceptin since 2006
NED til Oct 09
Recurrence Oct 2009: to internal mammary gland since October 2009 missed on Oct and March 2010 scan.. palpable nodes in May 2010 when I realised..
Nov 2011:7 mets to lungs progressing fast failed hercp/tykerb/xeloda combo..
superior vena cava blocked: stent but face remains puffy
April 2012: Teresa Trial, randomised to TDM1
Nov 2012 progressing on TDM1
Dec 2012 blockage of my airways by tumours, obliteration of these blocking tumours breathing better but hoping for more- at mo too many tumours to count in the lungs and nodes.
Dec 2012 Starting new trial S-222611 phase 1b dual egfr her2+ inhibitor.
'Under no circumstances should you lose hope..' Dalai Lama
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