Calling all stage iv sisters

[Survivor2be]

Jackie, thank you for this list soooo much. It does matter to so many. Please add my info. Original diagnosis: 9/2010 triple negative: chemo, mastectomy, radiation. Breast recurrence 9/2011 HER2+, brain metastasis 10/2011: surgery done. Still in treatment, but cancer-free now 1 week and counting!!!!!!

[NEDenise]

Survivor2be-
Congratulations on the first of many, many weeks of being cancer-free!! I hope it lasts forever!
Stay strong! Be well!
Denise

PS-You're so right! Jackie is a gem to do this list for us! Thanks Jackie!!

[Jackie07]

Happy Thanksgiving (again !
Current stats:
Total 88 members* and 383 * years 3 months as of Nov 24, 2011

@ - members gleaned from other threads
*Including the founder of this group, Christine ((1990) 1999 Chest Brain NED 2001~), those who have posted on this thread, and members gleaned from other threads

[Introduced to one of our new members this thread which Jean had started in January. Then I noticed SoCalGal's tally (145 years for all 33 members) back in March. Thought I'd double check and add the ones after her posting. And I came up with 220 years and three months. (60 members* and 284* years as of July 9, 2011.) And it suddenly downed on me that I have survived my first diagnosis of stage I for 8 years. My recurrence in 2007, a Stage IIb, was caused by a series of failures - the surgeon thought she had had a clean margin, she didn't; the radiologist thought the shadow on the mammograms was 'scar tissue', it wasn't; my oncologist thought I was 'cured', he was wrong; my family doctor thought I was hypochondriac, he was also wrong ...

Will I have another recurence and become stage IV one of these days? Nobody knows. But just knowing the fact that so many of our stage IV sisters have beat the odds/on maintenance/receiving active treatment gives me confidence that whatever happens in the future, there is hope.

Thank you, stage iv sisters, for sharing your fighting spirit and triumph with us. 6-15-2011]

From NancyL: "Go to http://www.mbcnetwork.org/ and read stories about women who have been metastic for many many years. I also have a good friend, Stage IV for 11 years, continuously on Herceptin and doing well."

Name ____________ Er Pr Her2 (Initial Diagn) Stage IV Diagnosis _________ Clinical. Trials _______ Triumph years since Stage IV ___ (NED = No Evidence of Disease)
Adriana Mangus__ Er- Pr- Her2+ (June 1994 Er+Pr+) July 2003 Lung ________T-DM1_____________ 8 year 3 months and counting
Ahoff (Ann) ____________________________May 2010 IBC ______________________________ 1 year 5 months and counting
AndiBB ______________Er-Pr-Her2+ (1995 IV ILC) Aug 1998 Liver ____Herceptin 10 years ________ 16 years 2 months and counting (NED since 1999)
@ Angela ( - NC) __________Er-Pr-Her2+ (May 2003) Dec 2006 Lung Feb 2007 Brain (Cyber knife)____4 years 10 months and counting
Angela R _____________________________ (2009) April 2011 _____________________________ 6 months and counting
Annmask _________________ DCIS Her2 + (1999) Jan 2008 _______________ MM111 __________ 3 years 9 months and counting
Asahizuru _______________________ (1990, 1996) 2002 Bones Spine _________________________9 years and counting
Barbara H ________________________ (May 1998) May 2004 Brain _________________________ 7 yrs 5 months and counting (NED)
@Bunty (Marie) ___________________ (Dec. 2000) Oct 2007 Lung June 2011 Liver ______________ 4 yrs and counting
@cdbernal (Charlyn)_________________________Aug? 2006Liver __________________________5 yrs 2 months and counting]
Ceesun (Cathy) _________________________June 2006 Lung ______________________________5 yrs 4 months and counting
Chelee _________ Er+ Pr+ Her2+ (Dec. 2005 IIIA) Sept 2009 Bone ____________________________ 2 yrs 1 month and counting
Chrisy________________Er- Pr- Her2+ (June2002) Sept. 2004 Liver _________T-DM1____________ 7 yrs 1 month and counting
Colleen007______________________ Er- Pr- Her2+ Oct. 2005 Liver, spine, femur ________________ 6 yrs months and counting
CoolBreeze________________________ (Aug 2009) May 2011 Liver _________________________ 5 months and counting
CourtneyL _____________________Er- Pr- Her2+ April 2008 Liver Lung (NED) Bone Brain ________ 3 yrs 6 months and counting
Dawn ______________________ (March 2006 IIIA) Feb 2009 Bone Liver (NED April 2011) ________ 2 yrs 8 months and counting
Dawny _________Er- Pr- Her2+ (May 27 2011)lung nodes chest + neck Abraxane weekly - 16 weeks Herceptin every third week (Sept 26 NED)
DEBBIE S______________________Er- Pr- Her2+ Oct. 2004 Liver ___________________________ 7 yrs months and counting
Deena H ____________ Er- Pr- Her2+ (March 2010) Oct. 2010 Lung ___________________________ 1year and counting
@Delaney _________________ Er- Pr- Her2+ (2008) 2010 Nodes Skin Lung Hip Brain __ Allto Trial ___ 1 2/3 years and counting
DMWARN [wife of]___________________ (1999) 2000 Spine Lung __________________________ 11 yrs and counting
DianaMK ________________________ _(Dec 2006) June 2010 Skin Lung ______________________ 1 yr 4 month and counting (NED March 2011)
@Dianedack__________(Er+Pr+ Oct 2001 2 nodes) May 2009 Liver 2011Lung, Liver, Brain, Neck Node _2 yrs 5 months and counting
DQ1____________________ Er+ Her2+ (May 2009) Feb 2011 Mediastinal nodes Lung ____________ 8 months and counting
Emelie B____________________Her2+ (Nov. 2006) Jan. 2010 Sternum lung liver bone _____________ 1 yr 9 months and counting (NED)
Fauxgypsy ____________________ Er+ Pr+ Her2+ Feb 2007 Liver____________________________ 4 yrs 8 months and counting
Flossie__________________ Er+ Her2+ (Jan 2006) July 2008 Brain Rib neck _____________________ 3 yrs 3 months and counting
Fullofbeans ________ Er-Pr- Her2+ (June 2006) August 2006 Liver ________UW peptide trial ________ 5 yrs 2 month and counting
@Gracepang _________________ Her2+ (Jan 2004) 2009 Liver Lung 2010 Brain _________________ _2 yr and counting
Hraby73 (Holly) ________________ Er+ Pr+ Her2+ April 2011 Liver Lungs ______________________ 6 months and counting
Hutchibk ___________ Er+ Pr+ Her2+ (Nov. 2003) Aug. 2005 Chest nodes Bone Brain ___T-DM1_____ 6 yrs 2 month and counting
Jacqui ______________Er-Pr- Her2+ (Oct. 2009) Feb. 2011 Brain (VMAT radiation) ________________ 8 months and counting
Jeana _______________________ (June 2010 IIIA) April 2011 Brain (WBR) chest wall lung _________ 6 months and counting
@jkdowl _____________________(Dec 2010 III) Feb 2011 Bones _____________________________ 8 months and counting
Joan M ______________ Er- Pr- Her2+ (Sept.2003) Jan. 2007 Lung Brain (NED)___________________ 4 yrs 9 months and counting
Joan S. _____________________________________April 2007 _____________________________ 4 yrs 6 months and counting
Kathy T_____________________ Er+ Her2+ (1984) Jan. 2003 Bone ________T-DM1 (2 yrs)_________ 8 yrs 9 months and counting
Kavy ____________________________ (April 2005) Nov. 2005 Lung Liver _____________________ 5 yrs 11 months and counting
KDR (Karen) __________________ Er- Pr+ Her2 + June 2010 Liver____________________________ 1 yr 4 month and counting
KG1993 (Kim for her Mom) _____________Her2 + Aug. 2011 Bone Liver ________________________2 months and counting
Kim in CA _______________ Er+ Her2+ (Feb 1997) Sept 2001 Liver ______UW [Seattle]vaccine______ 10 yrs 1 month and counting (6 yr NED)
Kim in DC ____ Er- Pr- Her2+ (Aug 1998) 2004IBC Feb. 2008 Skin Sternum _____T-DM1 (2 yrs)________ 3 yrs 8 months and counting
Kiwigirl _______________Er-Pr- Her2+ (Oct 2009) Feb. 2011 Brain (VMAT radiation) _______________ 8 months and counting
Kmswilson ____________ Er- Pr- Her2+ (Dec 2010) Jan 2011 Liver Bones ________________________ 9 months and counting
@KristinSchwick ___________________ (Aug 2010) May 2011 Bones _________________________ 5 months]
Krisvell _____________ Er+ Pr- Her2+ (June 2009) Jan 2011 Brain ______________________________ 9 months and counting
kykeon22 (Son of Ha) _________ Er+Pr+Her2+ Feb 2008 Lung Liver ____________________________ 3 years 8 months and counting
Lauriesh (Laurie) ____________________________ July 2010 2 Liver mets (RFA) ________________ 1 year 3 months and counting (6 months NED)
Linda b ___________________________ Er+ Her2+ Feb. 2007 Lower back & Neck ________________4 yrs 9 months and counting
Lori R _________________________ Er- Pr- Her2+ Oct. 2007 Liver ____________________________ 4 yrs months and counting
Mamacze _____________________________ (2001) 2004 Liver and lungs ___Seattle Vaccine _______7 yrs and counting (NED)
Mandamoo (Amanda)___Er-Pr-Her2+ 2B (Feb 2011) June 2011 skin, axilla node, lung ___Bolero3_______ 4 months and counting
Marilyn _______________________________ (2000) July 2001 Bones ________________________ 10 yrs 3 months and counting
Mary L_______________________(Oct 2003 IBC IIIB) July 2004 Skin___________________________7 yrs 3 months and counting (NED since Oct 2007)
@Michka______________Er+ Pr+ Her2+ (Aug. 2006) Dec 2010 Liver (NED) June Sternum ___________ 10 month and counting
Missyw _____________ Er+ Pr+ Her2+ (Jan. 2001) Aug 2006 Liver _____________________________ 5 yrs 2 month and counting
Mtngrl (Amy) ________________ Er+ (April 2011) May 2011 Liver _____________________________ 5 months and counting
Nancy L_______________ Er- Pr- Her2+ (Sept 2004) Feb 2009 _________________________________2 yrs 8 months and counting (NED)
Nsebesta _______________________________ (2001) May 2004 Liver _________________________7 yrs 5 months and counting (NED since 2005)
Pam P_________________ Er+ Her2+ (June 2001) IBC Sept 2002 Bone Brain (WBR)_________________ 9 yrs 1 month and counting
PatE _______________________________________Oct 2007 Liver spine ______________________ 4 yrs and counting (NED)
@Patrice1968 _______________________________ Sept 2010 Spine, Ribs, Uterus, and Liver ________ 1 year 1 month and counting
@Peggy09____________________________________Feb. 2010 Liver, bone, lymph nodes _________ 1 yr 8 month and counting (NED)
Phil (‘s wife) ___________________________________________2006 _________________________5 years and counting
pibikay (Hema) ____________ Er- Pr- Her2+ (2010) March 2011 Vertebrae, Liver ___________________ 7 months and counting
Radiant __________________ (2005) 2010 Liver & Soft Tissue Mediastinal nodes _________________ 1 yr 8 months and counting
Ricky (‘s wife) _______________________________ 2006 Liver ______________________________ 5 1/2 years and counting (3 + years NED)
Schoolteacher (Amelia) ______________ Nov 28. 2007 L4 ____________________________________ 3 yrs 11 months and counting (NED since 4-16-2008)
@Shaysmom (Kelly) _______________ (2001 Stage III) 2002 Ovaries 2009 Mediasternum ____________ 9 yrs and counting
Sheila _______________ Er- Pr- Her2+ (Feb 2002) Sept. 2003 Neck nodes _______T-DM1(3) _________ 8 yrs 1 month and counting
Sherryg683 __________________________________ Dec 2005 Lungs _________________________ 5 yrs10 months and counting
SoCalGal (Flori) _________________ (1996; 2002) March 2007 Lung Sternum 2008 NED in Brain _______ 4 yrs 7 months and counting
StephN ___________________________ (Sept 2000) Jan 2002 Liver ___________________________ 8 yrs 9 months and counting (NED since 2005)
Survivor2be (Andrea) ____________triple – (Sept 2010) 9/2011 Her2+ brain _______________________ 2 months and counting (1 week NED)
SuThorn _______________ Er+ Pr- Her2+ Sept. 2007 Liver____________________________________ 4yrs 1 month and counting (NED since 1-2008)
tammymarie1971(30) ____ Er+ (Dec 2001) 2004 liver 2005 Spine/Hip ______________________________7 yrs 7 months and counting
@Tiquer505 _____________Er- Pr- Her2+ (1997) Four recurrences so far _________________________5 yrs and counting
Tonya ___________________________ Aug 2006 Liver ____________________________________ 5 yrs 2 month and counting
TriciaK ________________ Er+ (1985) 1990 spine, 2004, 2010 lung _____________________________ 21 years and counting
Trish ____________ Er (2+) Pr (3+) Her2 (3+)(May 2004) Dec. 2006 Liver 2008 Bone _________________ 4 yrs 10 months and counting
Unregistered _____________________ Jan. 2007 __________________________________________ 4 yrs 9 months and counting
Unregistered (8-25-2011 #106) __________________________________________________ ________9 years and counting
Vicky____________________________March 2011 Liver Spine_______________________________ 7 months and counting
Vivienne [Mom of]_________________March 2011 Liver_____________________________________ 7 months and counting
@Waterdreamer___________________June 2008 Nov Lungs and bones ________T-DM1___________3 yrs 4 months and counting
Yankeebikachic ___________(April 2006 IIIC) July 2008 Nodes in sup. clav._______________________ 3 yrs 3 months and counting (NED)

[sandra digilio]

All these stories are wonderful to read. I have stage IV metastatic breast cancer and I'm trying to deal with the news. I thought I was fine until I heard the dreaded news in September 2011 that I have it again and in 3 spots in my bones. All your success stories give me hope so thank you all for sharing your thoughts and stories. Peace be with us and lets hope a cure comes around for all of us. God Bless...

[KG1993]

Agree. Our family has been struck by stage IV as well. I was feeling a little down yesterday about it, and got on here and looked at all the stage IV postings and felt better immediately. Thank you stage IV sisters.
KG

[PAFB]

In January 2012, I will celebrate 15 years of survival since diagnosis and 14 years since metastasis. After 12 1/2 years, I stopped Herceptin in April 2011. So far, so good.

PAFB

[Andrea Barnett Budin]

UPDATE on me -- 4th stage lobular breast cancer in July '95. Mastectomy, tram flap reconstruction. 4 Adria 8 CMF. Tamoxifen until -- Aug '98. Bc tumors throughout my liver. Shook me to the core, but I rallied. My Inner Voice told me, Delay is not denial. I worked hard each day, calling my desired goal to me, chasing down all negative thoughts and images and ejecting them from my mind.

Did Taxotere for 8 mnths. The Freight Train drug. Nasty, but highly effective. Began Herceptin (as it just arrived from FDA, fast-tracked out of clinical trials) as well. LUCKY ME. A godsend.

Continued Herceptin from 11/98 - 7/'08. 10 years! I've been off Herceptin for 3 years now. Free. Stable. Tumor markers (CA 27.29) @17 as of today. Graduated to ANNUAL CT scans (chest/abdomen/pelvis). A little scary but I can handle it. Blood work every 6 mnths now. It's a new world out here.

I live grateful for each and every day. Conscious of good fortune. Full of love, compassion, joy and serenity (most of the time).

Lived to see my 2nd dghtr married, and to greet 5 grandchildren since original dx! Yes, I feel so very blessed!

I wish SURVIVAL for you all, my Sisters! Stay strong, brave and determined. Rethink POSSIBLE. Don't just hope -- DO...! We must fully participate in our own wellness -- body, mind and Soul! I believe that with all my heart.

With love,
Andi

[choyces]

Hey Sisters,
Yesterday I was told I have made a full response to treatment. All the mets in lungs, and all cancer gone. Was diagnosed in July 2011 with 3 large tumors in right breast, lymph in neck etc. Was treated with herceptin, tykerb, and chemo (paclitaxel). I am 50. I now continue with herceptin and head to the Dr. Disis in Seattle for vaccine trial. I am blessed!

[sandra digilio]

Andrea, your story is inspiring to hear! I just had a bone scan a couple days ago and will know the results this Friday. I'm a little nervous because I'm having pain in my rib where I know there is cancer. I'm trying so very hard to remain hopeful and it's really been a struggle for me. Hearing these stories really helps and for some reason your thread today brightened my day all together so thank you for sharing!
Peace be with you.
Sandra

[Mtngrl]

I was diagnosed in May 2011 with metastatic bc. PET scan on 12/5 shows no evidence of disease. I will stay on Herceptin at least until it's been a year (late May). One day at a time!

It seems to me (and this is totally unscientific and anecdotal) that maybe with new scanning technology and other diagnostics metastasis is more manageable(?) When I was diagnosed the mets were so small they weren't affecting liver function, which meant I could do chemo. In the old days "advanced cancer" was often very advanced by the time it was diagnosed.

Many of us here were diagnosed with relatively few, small mets. And many have had good responses to chemo and Herceptin. So far, so good, anyway.

Long-term survivors like StephN and AndiBB are certainly inspirational. We can give each other hope and encouragement.

[Jackie07]

Seasons Greetings!
Current stats:
Total 92members* and 400 * years 5 months as of Dec 15, 2011

@ - members gleaned from other threads
*Including the founder of this group, Christine ((1990) 1999 Chest Brain NED 2001~), those who have posted on this thread, and members gleaned from other threads

[Introduced to one of our new members this thread which Jean had started in January. Then I noticed SoCalGal's tally (145 years for all 33 members) back in March. Thought I'd double check and add the ones after her posting. And I came up with 220 years and three months. (60 members* and 284* years as of July 9, 2011.) And it suddenly downed on me that I have survived my first diagnosis of stage I for 8 years. My recurrence in 2007, a Stage IIb, was caused by a series of failures - the surgeon thought she had had a clean margin, she didn't; the radiologist thought the shadow on the mammograms was 'scar tissue', it wasn't; my oncologist thought I was 'cured', he was wrong; my family doctor thought I was hypochondriac, he was also wrong ...

Will I have another recurence and become stage IV one of these days? Nobody knows. But just knowing the fact that so many of our stage IV sisters have beat the odds/on maintenance/receiving active treatment gives me confidence that whatever happens in the future, there is hope.

Thank you, stage iv sisters, for sharing your fighting spirit and triumph with us. 6-15-2011]

From NancyL: "Go to http://www.mbcnetwork.org/ and read stories about women who have been metastic for many many years. I also have a good friend, Stage IV for 11 years, continuously on Herceptin and doing well."

Name ____________ Er Pr Her2 (Initial Diagn) Stage IV Diagnosis _________ Clinical. Trials _______ Triumph years since StageIV ___ (NED = No Evidence of Disease)

Adriana Mangus__ Er- Pr- Her2+ (June 1994 Er+Pr+) July 2003 Lung ________T-DM1___________ 8 year 5 months and counting
Ahoff (Ann) ____________________________May 2010 IBC _______________________________ 1 year 7months and counting
AndiBB ______________Er-Pr-Her2+ (1995 IV ILC) Aug 1998 Liver ____Herceptin 10 years ________ 16 years 4 months and counting (NED since 1999)
@ Angela ( - NC) ________ Er-Pr-Her2+ (May 2003) Dec 2006 Lung Feb 2007 Brain (Cyber knife) ___5 years and counting
Angela R _____________________________ (2009) April 2011 _____________________________ 8 months and counting
Annmask _________________ DCIS Her2 + (1999) Jan 2008 _______________ MM111 __________ 3 years 11 months and counting
Asahizuru _______________________ (1990, 1996) 2002 Bones Spine _________________________9 years and counting
Barbara H ________________________ (May 1998) May 2004 Brain _________________________ 7 yrs 7 months and counting (NED)
@Bunty (Marie) ___________________ (Dec. 2000) Oct 2007 Lung June 2011 Liver _____________ 4 yrs 2 months and counting
@cdbernal (Charlyn) _________________________ Aug? 2006Liver _________________________ 5 yrs 4 months and counting]
Ceesun (Cathy) _________________________ June 2006 Lung ______________________________ 5 yrs 6 months and counting
Chelee _________ Er+ Pr+ Her2+ (Dec. 2005 IIIA) Sept 2009 Bone ____________________________ 2 yrs 3 months and counting
Choyces ______________________________July 2011 neck node and lung __will do Seattle vaccine trial ___ 5 months and counting (full response to Herceptin, Tykerb and Paclitaxel)
Chrisy________________Er- Pr- Her2+ (June2002) Sept. 2004 Liver _________T-DM1____________ 7 yrs 3 months and counting
Colleen007______________________ Er- Pr- Her2+ Oct. 2005 Liver, spine, femur _______________ 6 yrs 2 months and counting
CoolBreeze________________________ (Aug 2009) May 2011 Liver __________________________ 7 months and counting
CourtneyL _____________________Er- Pr- Her2+ April 2008 Liver Lung (NED) Bone Brain ________ 3 yrs 8 months and counting
Dawn ______________________ (March 2006 IIIA) Feb 2009 Bone Liver (NED April 2011) ________ 2 yrs 10 months and counting
Dawny _________Er- Pr- Her2+ (May 27 2011)lung nodes chest + neck Abraxane weekly - 16 weeks Herceptin every third week (Sept 26 NED)
DEBBIE S ______________________ Er- Pr- Her2+ Oct. 2004 Liver ____________________________ 7 yrs months and counting
Deena H ____________ Er- Pr- Her2+ (March 2010) Oct. 2010 Lung ___________________________ 1 year and counting
@Delaney _________________ Er- Pr- Her2+ (2008) 2010 Nodes Skin Lung Hip Brain __ Allto Trial _1 2/3 years and counting
DMWARN [wife of]___________________ (1999) 2000 Spine Lung __________________________ 11 yrs and counting
DianaMK ________________________ _(Dec 2006) June 2010 Skin Lung ______________________ 1 yr 6 months and counting (NED March 2011)
@Dianedack__________(Er+Pr+ Oct 2001 2 nodes) May 2009 Liver 2011Lung, Liver, Brain, Neck Node _ 2 yrs 7 months and counting
DQ1____________________ Er+ Her2+ (May 2009) Feb 2011 Mediastinal nodes Lung ____________ 10 months and counting
Emelie B____________________Her2+ (Nov. 2006) Jan. 2010 Sternum lung liver bone ___________ 1 yr 11 months and counting (NED)
Fauxgypsy ____________________ Er+ Pr+ Her2+ Feb 2007 Liver ____________________________ 4 yrs 10 months and counting
Flossie __________________ Er+ Her2+ (Jan 2006) July 2008 Brain Rib neck ____________________ 3 yrs 5 months and counting
Fullofbeans ________ Er-Pr- Her2+ (June 2006) August 2006 Liver ________UW peptide trial _____ 5 yrs 4 month and counting
@Gracepang _________________ Her2+ (Jan 2004) 2009 Liver Lung 2010 Brain ________________ 2 yrs and counting
Hraby73 (Holly) ________________ Er+ Pr+ Her2+ April 2011 Liver Lungs _____________________ 8 months and counting
Hutchibk ___________ Er+ Pr+ Her2+ (Nov. 2003) Aug. 2005 Chest nodes Bone Brain ___T-DM1__ 6 yrs 4 months and counting
Jacqui ______________Er-Pr- Her2+ (Oct. 2009) Feb. 2011 Brain (VMAT radiation) _____________ 10 months and counting
Jeana _______________________ (June 2010 IIIA) April 2011 Brain (WBR) chest wall lung _______ 8 months and counting
@jkdowl _____________________ (Dec 2010 III) Feb 2011 Bones ____________________________ 10 months and counting
Joan M ______________ Er- Pr- Her2+ (Sept.2003) Jan. 2007 Lung Brain (NED)_________________ 4 yrs 11 months and counting
Joan S. _____________________________________April 2007 _____________________________ 4 yrs 8 months and counting
Kaim _________________Er- Pr- Her2+ (Sept 2011) Nov. 2011 Bones and Liver________________ 3 months and counting
Kathy T _____________________ Er+ Her2+ (1984) Jan. 2003 Bone ________T-DM1 (2 yrs) _______ 8 yrs 11 months and counting
Kavy ____________________________ (April 2005) Nov. 2005 Lung Liver _____________________ 6 yrs 1 month and counting
KDR (Karen) __________________ Er- Pr+ Her2 + June 2010 Liver ____________________________ 1 yr 6 months and counting
KG1993 (Kim for her Mom) _____________Her2 + Aug. 2011 Bone Liver _______________________ 4 months and counting
Kim in CA _______________ Er+ Her2+ (Feb 1997) Sept 2001 Liver ______UW [Seattle]vaccine____ 10 yrs 3 months and counting (6 yr NED)
Kim in DC ____ Er- Pr- Her2+ (Aug 1998) 2004IBC Feb. 2008 Skin Sternum _____T-DM1 (2 yrs)_____ 3 yrs 10 months and counting
Kiwigirl _______________Er-Pr- Her2+ (Oct 2009) Feb. 2011 Brain (VMAT radiation) ____________ 10 months and counting
Kmswilson ____________ Er- Pr- Her2+ (Dec 2010) Jan 2011 Liver Bones ______________________ 11 months and counting
@KristinSchwick ___________________ (Aug 2010) May 2011 Bones _________________________ 7 months]
Krisvell _____________ Er+ Pr- Her2+ (June 2009) Jan 2011 Brain _____________________________ 11 months and counting
kykeon22 (Son of Ha) _________ Er+Pr+Her2+ Feb 2008 Lung Liver ___________________________ 3 years 10 months and counting
Lauriesh (Laurie) ____________________________ July 2010 2 Liver mets (RFA) ________________ 1 year 5 months and counting (6 months NED)
Linda b ___________________________ Er+ Her2+ Feb. 2007 Lower back & Neck _______________ 4 yrs 11 months and counting
Lori R _________________________ Er- Pr- Her2+ Oct. 2007 Liver ____________________________ 4 yrs 2 months and counting
Mamacze _____________________________ (2001) 2004 Liver and lungs ___Seattle Vaccine ______ 7 yrs and counting (NED)
Mandamoo (Amanda)___Er-Pr-Her2+ 2B (Feb 2011) June 2011 skin, axilla node, lung ___Bolero3 __ 6 months and counting
Marilyn _______________________________ (2000) July 2001 Bones _________________________ 10 yrs 5 months and counting
Mary L _______________________ (Oct 2003 IBC IIIB) July 2004 Skin __________________________ 7 yrs 5 months and counting (NED since Oct 2007)
@Michka______________Er+ Pr+ Her2+ (Aug. 2006) Dec 2010 Liver (NED) June Sternum _________ 1 year and counting
Missyw _____________ Er+ Pr+ Her2+ (Jan. 2001) Aug 2006 Liver _____________________________ 5 yrs 4 month and counting
Mtngrl (Amy) ________________ Er+ (April 2011) May 2011 Liver ____________________________ 7 months and counting (NED 12/05)
Nancy L_______________ Er- Pr- Her2+ (Sept 2004) Feb 2009 ________________________________ 2 yrs 10 months and counting (NED)
Nsebesta _______________________________ (2001) May 2004 Liver _________________________ 7 yrs 7 months and counting (NED since 2005)
PAFB ____________________________ (Jan. 1997) Jan 1998 Metastasis ____ Herceptin till 4/2011 __ 13 yrs and counting
Pam P_________________ Er+ Her2+ (June 2001) IBC Sept 2002 Bone Brain (WBR)_________________ 9 yrs 3 months and counting
PatE _______________________________________ Oct 2007 Liver spine ______________________ 4 yrs 2 months and counting (NED)
@Patrice1968 _______________________________ Sept 2010 Spine, Ribs, Uterus, and Liver ______ 1 year 3 months and counting
@Peggy09 ____________________________________ Feb. 2010 Liver, bone, lymph nodes ________ 1 yr 8 months and counting (NED)
Phil (‘s wife) ___________________________________________ 2006 _________________________ 5 years and counting
pibikay (Hema) ____________ Er- Pr- Her2+ (2010) March 2011 Vertebrae, Liver ________________ 9 months and counting
Radiant __________________ (2005) 2010 Liver & Soft Tissue Mediastinal nodes _______________ 1 yr 10 months and counting
Ricky (‘s wife) _______________________________ 2006 Liver ______________________________ 5 1/2 years and counting (3 + years NED)
Sandra Digilio ______________________ (Dec., 2009) Sept. 2011 3 spots in bone _______________ 3 months and counting
Schoolteacher (Amelia) ______________ Nov 28. 2007 L4 __________________________________ 4 yrs 1 month and counting (NED since 4-16-2008)
@Shaysmom (Kelly) _______________ (2001 Stage III) 2002 Ovaries 2009 Mediasternum ________ 9 yrs and counting
Sheila _______________ Er- Pr- Her2+ (Feb 2002) Sept. 2003 Neck nodes _______T-DM1(3) ______ 8 yrs 3 months and counting
Sherryg683 __________________________________ Dec 2005 Lungs ________________________ 6 yrs and counting
SoCalGal (Flori) _________________ (1996; 2002) March 2007 Lung Sternum 2008 NED in Brain __ 4 yrs 9 months and counting
StephN ___________________________ (Sept 2000) Jan 2002 Liver __________________________ 8 yrs 11 months and counting (NED since 2005)
Survivor2be (Andrea) _________triple – (Sept 2010) 9/2011 Her2+ brain ______________________ 3 months and counting (4 weeks NED)
SuThorn _______________ Er+ Pr- Her2+ Sept. 2007 Liver __________________________________ 4yrs 3 months and counting (NED since 1-2008)
tammymarie1971(30) ____ Er+ (Dec 2001) 2004 liver 2005 Spine/Hip __________________________7 yrs 9 months and counting
@Tiquer505 _____________Er- Pr- Her2+ (1997) Four recurrences so far _______________________5 yrs and counting
Tonya ___________________________ Aug 2006 Liver _____________________________________ 5 years 4 months and counting
TriciaK ________________ Er+ (1985) 1990 spine, 2004, 2010 lung ____________________________ 21 years and counting
Trish ____________ Er (2+) Pr (3+) Her2 (3+)(May 2004) Dec. 2006 Liver 2008 Bone ______________ 5 years and counting
Unregistered _____________________ Jan. 2007 ___________________________________________4 yrs 11 months and counting
Unregistered (8-25-2011 #106) __________________________________________________ ________ 9 years and counting
Vicky____________________________March 2011 Liver Spine________________________________ 9 months and counting
Vivienne [Mom of]_________________March 2011 Liver_____________________________________ 9 months and counting
@Waterdreamer___________________June 2008 Nov Lungs and bones ________T-DM1___________3 yrs 6 months and counting
Yankeebikachic ___________(April 2006 IIIC) July 2008 Nodes in sup. clav._______________________ 3 yrs 5 months and counting (NED)

[Adriana Mangus]

Hi Amy,

I'm also a long term bc survivor --1994 and counting.

Just completed 14 months on the TDM1 trial, looking now to get into a different clinical trial.

I am still here, first on prayers and good friends, 2nd on the excellent care I've received from my oncologist, Doctor Godfrey. God bless him! 3rd and final...life is wonderful, even when things don't seem to go your way, you must continue on keeping your faith, be proactive, educate yourself, participate on clinical trials if you can, after all this is your life, take control of it.

Stay positive.


Love,

Adriana

[Jackie07]

Saw this very encouraging report of Abraxane by a member of the CancerConnect forum:

"I too have stage 4 ER+ MBC. I was diagnosed in November 2007 (age 49 at the time) with mets in my bones and liver. From January – June 2008 I had 8 treatments of Abraxane (once every 3 weeks). The day after the treatment I had a Neulasta shot to boost my blood count. I lost my hair 14 days after the 1st treatment. The eyebrows and eyelashes went after the 4th treatment. I had bad bone pain and fevers after each treatment that lasted several days. I will say that after those days I felt pretty good. I never had any really bad digestive issues on Abraxane. After the 4th treatment though, I became really tired. I remember there were days where I couldn’t really get off my couch. By the 6th treatment I had lost the feelings in my fingers and my feet. Taxanes will often cause neuropathy in the hands and feet. All of the struggles with chemo were worth it. After chemo I took some time off to recouperate and get my strength back. Then I had breast reconstruction and my ovaries removed. I also started Zometa treatments and Femara pills daily. It took 2 years but by March 2010 I was declared met free. I had 3 tumors (one in each lobe) of my liver that slowly shrank and then disappeared. Since then, I have some bone hot spots in my pelvic and spinal regions, but they come and go. So my point is that I believe Abraxane is worth it. For me, it’s now been 4 years. I think that 6 months of chemo for 4 years of life is a good bargain."

[iamlisaann]

Hi everyone,
I've recently rediscovered her2support. It's been awhile since I've been on here but know the importance of letting the sisterhood know updates. When I updated my status last I don't believe I even had my first surgery...oh how time flies. Well, after all of this, my most recent scans Dec 1st show NED.

My story:
I'm now 46. First diagnosed at 41 ER/PR neg, Her2+++, fish pos. No history of breast cancer or any cancer for that matter in my family. June 06 found lump in right breast, size of a walnut & felt lump under right armpit. Grew to 4.7cm in a very short time. July 06 diagnosed Stage IV BC also large node (3.3cm) right axilla & small liver METS. Started neoadjuvent chemo 8/06. 4 X Adriam/Cytox., 12 weeks Taxol/Herceptin weekly. Will continue Herceptin for 1 year. Right Breast Lumpectomy and Lymph node dissection 6/07 and 36 rounds of radiation. Complete clinical remission!?!? During Herceptin treatment discovered Brain Mets 4.7cm frontal lobe. Decided it was time to leave my town and head to UCSF (where my breast surgery was performed). Brain
surgery 1/08 and 5 days of Cyberknife to follow. Met with my new UCSF Oncologist 3/08 and started Avastin/Tykerb trial 4/08. Continue Brain MRI and CT Scans Thorax every 3-4 months. Treatment every 2 weeks. To date NED.

I've been reading such wonderful inspirational posts on here and hopefully I can be an inspiration to some of you as well.

Keep up the fight!

Lisa

[elcalabrese]

Hi Everyone.
I found this board years ago when I was dx stage 4 back in 2002. It was a lifeline for me. Here I am, now, almost 10 years later. Still on herceptin, but considered NED.
Eleanor

[Pmoore]

Hi All, I am fairly new to the site .I was dx stage IV 2010 after almost 7 years from my initial dx in 2003. Pia

[Jackie07]

Seasons Greetings!
Current stats:
Total 97 members* and 414 * years 1 months as of Jan 28, 2012

@ - members gleaned from other threads
*Including the founder of this group, Christine ((1990) 1999 Chest Brain NED 2001~), those who have posted on this thread, and members gleaned from other threads

[Introduced to one of our new members this thread which Jean had started in January. Then I noticed SoCalGal's tally (145 years for all 33 members) back in March. Thought I'd double check and add the ones after her posting. And I came up with 220 years and three months. (60 members* and 284* years as of July 9, 2011.) And it suddenly downed on me that I have survived my first diagnosis of stage I for 8 years. My recurrence in 2007, a Stage IIb, was caused by a series of failures - the surgeon thought she had had a clean margin, she didn't; the radiologist thought the shadow on the mammograms was 'scar tissue', it wasn't; my oncologist thought I was 'cured', he was wrong; my family doctor thought I was hypochondriac, he was also wrong ...

Will I have another recurence and become stage IV one of these days? Nobody knows. But just knowing the fact that so many of our stage IV sisters have beat the odds/on maintenance/receiving active treatment gives me confidence that whatever happens in the future, there is hope.

Thank you, stage iv sisters, for sharing your fighting spirit and triumph with us. 6-15-2011]

From NancyL: "Go to http://www.mbcnetwork.org/ and read stories about women who have been metastic for many many years. I also have a good friend, Stage IV for 11 years, continuously on Herceptin and doing well."

Name ____________ Er Pr Her2 (Initial Diagn) Stage IV Diagnosis _________ Clinical. Trials _______ Triumph years since StageIV ___ (NED = No Evidence of Disease)

Adriana Mangus__ Er- Pr- Her2+ (June 1994 Er+Pr+) July 2003 Lung ________T-DM1___________ 8 year 6 months and counting
Ahoff (Ann) ____________________________May 2010 IBC __________________________________ 1 year 8 months and counting
AndiBB ______________Er-Pr-Her2+ (1995 IV ILC) Aug 1998 Liver ____Herceptin 10 years ______ 16 years 5 months and counting (NED since 1999)
@ Angela ( - NC) ________ Er-Pr-Her2+ (May 2003) Dec 2006 Lung Feb 2007 Brain (Cyber knife) 5 years 1 month and counting
Angela R _____________________________ (2009) April 2011 _______________________________ 9 months and counting
Annmask _________________ DCIS Her2 + (1999) Jan 2008 _______________ MM111 __________ 4 years and counting
Asahizuru _______________________ (1990, 1996) 2002 Bones Spine ________________________ 9 years and counting
Barbara H ________________________ (May 1998) May 2004 Brain _________________________ 7 yrs 8 months and counting (NED)
@Bunty (Marie) ___________________ (Dec. 2000) Oct 2007 Lung June 2011 Liver _____________ 4 yrs 3 months and counting
@cdbernal (Charlyn) _________________________ Aug? 2006Liver __________________________ 5 yrs 5 months and counting]
Ceesun (Cathy) _________________________ June 2006 Lung ________________________________ 5 yrs 7 months and counting
Chelee _________ Er+ Pr+ Her2+ (Dec. 2005 IIIA) Sept 2009 Bone ____________________________ 2 yrs 4 months and counting
Choyces ____________________ July 2011 neck node and lung __will do Seattle vaccine trial ___ 6 months and counting
Chrisy________________Er- Pr- Her2+ (June2002) Sept. 2004 Liver _________T-DM1____________ 7 yrs 4 months and counting
Colleen007______________________ Er- Pr- Her2+ Oct. 2005 Liver, spine, femur _______________ 6 yrs 3 months and counting
CoolBreeze________________________ (Aug 2009) May 2011 Liver __________________________ 8 months and counting
CourtneyL _____________________Er- Pr- Her2+ April 2008 Liver Lung (NED) Bone Brain ________ 3 yrs 9 months and counting
Dawn ______________________ (March 2006 IIIA) Feb 2009 Bone Liver (NED April 2011) ________ 2 yrs 11 months and counting
Dawny _________Er- Pr- Her2+ (May 27 2011)lung nodes chest + neck Abraxane weekly - 16 weeks Herceptin every third week (Sept 26 NED) __________________________________________________ ______ 8 months and counting
DEBBIE S ______________________ Er- Pr- Her2+ Oct. 2004 Liver _____________________________ 7 yrs 3 months and counting
Deena H ____________ Er- Pr- Her2+ (March 2010) Oct. 2010 Lung ___________________________ 1 year 3 months and counting
@Delaney _________________ Er- Pr- Her2+ (2008) 2010 Nodes Skin Lung Hip Brain __ Allto Trial _1 2/3 years and counting
DMWARN [wife of]___________________ (1999) 2000 Spine Lung ___________________________ 11 yrs and counting
DianaMK ________________________ _(Dec 2006) June 2010 Skin Lung ______________________ 1 yr 7 months and counting (NED March 2011)
@Dianedack__________(Er+Pr+ Oct 2001 2 nodes) May 2009 Liver 2011Lung, Liver, Brain, Neck Node _ 2 yrs 8 months and counting
DQ1____________________ Er+ Her2+ (May 2009) Feb 2011 Mediastinal nodes Lung ____________ 11 months and counting
elcalabrese (Eleanor) _______________________ 2002 Stage IV ___________ Herceptin ________ 10 years and counting
Emelie B____________________Her2+ (Nov. 2006) Jan. 2010 Sternum lung liver bone ___________ 2 yrs and counting (NED)
Fauxgypsy ____________________ Er+ Pr+ Her2+ Feb 2007 Liver _____________________________ 4 yrs 11 months and counting
Flossie __________________ Er+ Her2+ (Jan 2006) July 2008 Brain Rib neck ____________________ 3 yrs 6 months and counting
Fullofbeans ________ Er-Pr- Her2+ (June 2006) August 2006 Liver ________UW peptide trial _____ 5 yrs 5 month and counting
@Gracepang _________________ Her2+ (Jan 2004) 2009 Liver Lung 2010 Brain ________________ 2 yrs and counting
Hraby73 (Holly) ________________ Er+ Pr+ Her2+ April 2011 Liver Lungs _____________________ 9 months and counting
Hutchibk ___________ Er+ Pr+ Her2+ (Nov. 2003) Aug. 2005 Chest nodes Bone Brain ___T-DM1__ 6 yrs 5 months and counting
iamlisaann (Lisa) __________ Er- Pr- Her2+ (June) July 2006 Liver Brain ___UCSF Avastin/Tykerb __ 5 years 7 months and counting (NED)
Jacqui ______________Er-Pr- Her2+ (Oct. 2009) Feb. 2011 Brain (VMAT radiation) _____________ 11 months and counting
Jeana _______________________ (June 2010 IIIA) April 2011 Brain (WBR) chest wall lung _______ 9 months and counting
@jkdowl _____________________ (Dec 2010 III) Feb 2011 Bones ____________________________ 1 year and counting
Joan M ______________ Er- Pr- Her2+ (Sept.2003) Jan. 2007 Lung Brain (NED)_________________ 5 yrs and counting
Joan S. _____________________________________April 2007 ________________________________ 4 yrs 9 months and counting
@KaiM _________________Er- Pr- Her2+ (Sept 2011) Nov. 2011 Bones and Liver________________ 3 months and counting
Kathy T _____________________ Er+ Her2+ (1984) Jan. 2003 Bone ________T-DM1 (2 yrs) _______ 9 yrs and counting
Kavy ____________________________ (April 2005) Nov. 2005 Lung Liver ______________________ 6 yrs 2 month and counting
KDR (Karen) __________________ Er- Pr+ Her2 + June 2010 Liver _____________________________ 1 yr 7 months and counting
KG1993 (Kim for her Mom) _____________Her2 + Aug. 2011 Bone Liver _______________________ 5 months and counting
Kim in CA _______________ Er+ Her2+ (Feb 1997) Sept 2001 Liver ______UW [Seattle]vaccine____ 10 yrs 4 months and counting (6 yr NED)
Kim in DC ____ Er- Pr- Her2+ (Aug 1998) 2004IBC Feb. 2008 Skin Sternum _____ T-DM1 (2 yrs) ___ 3 yrs 11 months and counting
Kiwigirl _______________Er-Pr- Her2+ (Oct 2009) Feb. 2011 Brain (VMAT radiation) ____________ 11 months and counting
Kmswilson ____________ Er- Pr- Her2+ (Dec 2010) Jan 2011 Liver Bones ______________________ 1 year and counting
@KristinSchwick ___________________ (Aug 2010) May 2011 Bones _________________________ 8 months and counting
Krisvell _____________ Er+ Pr- Her2+ (June 2009) Jan 2011 Brain _____________________________ 1 year and counting
KsGal _____________ Er-Pr- Her2+ (Oct 2011) Dec 2011 Liver ________________________________ 1 month and counting
kykeon22 (Son of Ha) _________ Er+Pr+Her2+ Feb 2008 Lung Liver ___________________________ 3 years 11 months and counting
@Laura4252 ________ (High grade DCIS 2005 recur 2009) April 2011 Left Lung __waiting for vaccine __ 9 months and counting
Lauriesh (Laurie) ____________________________ July 2010 2 Liver mets (RFA) ________________ 1 year 6 months and counting (6 months NED)
Linda b ___________________________ Er+ Her2+ Feb. 2007 Lower back & Neck ________________ 4 yrs 11 months and counting
Lori R _________________________ Er- Pr- Her2+ Oct. 2007 Liver _____________________________ 4 yrs 3 months and counting
Mamacze _____________________________ (2001) 2004 Liver and lungs ___Seattle Vaccine _____ 7 yrs and counting (NED)
Mandamoo (Amanda)___Er-Pr-Her2+ 2B (Feb 2011) June 2011 skin, axilla node, lung ___Bolero3 __ 7 months and counting
Marilyn _______________________________ (2000) July 2001 Bones _________________________ 10 yrs 6 months and counting
Mary L _______________________ (Oct 2003 IBC IIIB) July 2004 Skin __________________________ 7 yrs 6 months and counting (NED since Oct 2007)
@Michka______________Er+ Pr+ Her2+ (Aug. 2006) Dec 2010 Liver (NED) June Sternum _________ 1 year 1 month and counting
Missyw _____________ Er+ Pr+ Her2+ (Jan. 2001) Aug 2006 Liver _____________________________ 5 yrs 5 month and counting
Mollecat _________________________ July 2011 nodes by lung, above clavicle, in neck _________ 7 months and counting
Mtngrl (Amy) ________________ Er+ (April 2011) May 2011 Liver, lung ________________________ 8 months and counting (NED 12/05)
Nancy L_______________ Er- Pr- Her2+ (Sept 2004) Feb 2009 _________________________________ 2 yrs 11 months and counting (NED)
Nsebesta _______________________________ (2001) May 2004 Liver __________________________ 7 yrs 8 months and counting (NED since 2005)
PAFB ____________________________ (Jan. 1997) Jan 1998 Metastasis ____ Herceptin till 4/2011 _ 13 yrs and counting
Pam P_________________ Er+ Her2+ (June 2001) IBC Sept 2002 Bone Brain (WBR)_______________ 9 yrs 4 months and counting
PatE _______________________________________ Oct 2007 Liver spine ________________________ 4 yrs 3 months and counting (NED)
@Patrice1968 _______________________________ Sept 2010 Spine, Ribs, Uterus, and Liver ______ 1 year 4 months and counting
@Peggy09 ____________________________________ Feb. 2010 Liver, bone, lymph nodes ________ 1 yr 11 months and counting (NED)
Phil (‘s wife) ___________________________________________ 2006 ___________________________ 5 years and counting
pibikay (Hema) ____________ Er- Pr- Her2+ (2010) March 2011 Vertebrae, Liver ________________ 10 months and counting
pmoore (Pia) ______________ Er- Pr+ Her2+ (2003 II) 2010 Lung Er+ Pr+ _______ Herceptin ______ 2 years and counting
Radiant __________________ (2005) 2010 Liver & Soft Tissue Mediastinal nodes _______________ 1 yr 11 months and counting
Ricky (‘s wife) _______________________________ 2006 Liver _________________________________ 5 1/2 years and counting (3 + years NED)
Sandra Digilio ______________________ (Dec., 2009) Sept. 2011 3 spots in bone _______________ 4 months and counting
Schoolteacher (Amelia) ______________ Nov 28. 2007 L4 ____________________________________ 4 yrs 2 month and counting (NED since 4-16-2008)
@Shaysmom (Kelly) _______________ (2001 Stage III) 2002 Ovaries 2009 Mediasternum _______ 9 yrs and counting
Sheila _______________ Er- Pr- Her2+ (Feb 2002) Sept. 2003 Neck nodes _______ T-DM1(3) ______ 8 yrs 4 months and counting
Sherryg683 __________________________________ Dec 2005 Lungs ___________________________ 6 yrs and counting
SoCalGal (Flori) _________________ (1996; 2002) March 2007 Lung Sternum 2008 NED in Brain _4 yrs 10 months and counting
StephN ___________________________ (Sept 2000) Jan 2002 Liver ____________________________ 10 yrs and counting (NED since 2005)
Survivor2be (Andrea) _________triple – (Sept 2010) 9/2011 Her2+ brain ______________________ 4 months and counting (4 weeks NED)
SuThorn _______________ Er+ Pr- Her2+ Sept. 2007 Liver ____________________________________ 4yrs 4 months and counting (NED since 1-2008)
tammymarie1971(30) ____ Er+ (Dec 2001) 2004 liver 2005 Spine/Hip ________________________ 7 yrs 10 months and counting
@Tiquer505 _____________ Er- Pr- Her2+ (1997) Four recurrences so far ______________________ 5 yrs and counting
Tonya ___________________________ Aug 2006 Liver ________________________________________ 5 years 5 months and counting
TriciaK ________________ Er+ (1985) 1990 spine, 2004, 2010 lung ___________________________ 21 years and counting
Unregistered _____________________ Jan. 2007 ____________________________________________ 5 yrs and counting
Unregistered (8-25-2011 #106) __________________________________________________ ________ 9 years and counting
Vicky ____________________________ March 2011 Liver Spine ________T-DM1 ________________ 10 months and counting
Vivienne [Mom of]_________________March 2011 Liver_____________________________________ 10 months and counting
@Waterdreamer ___________________ June 2008 Nov Lungs and bones ________ T-DM1________ 3 yrs 7 months and counting
Yankeebikachic ___________ (April 2006 IIIC) July 2008 Nodes in sup. clav.___________________ 3 yrs 6 months and counting (NED)

[LizDT]

Reading your posts, every one of them, gives me hope and faith. I am Liz T, Mary Ann D's sister of the heart and friend forever. She would have derived great joy in reading these posts, she loved you all... I am not (and pray I will never be) stage 4, I was dxed in May, 1999, had 19 positive nodes and was told by first surgeon "you have 18 months to live". Yesterday I was informed by onc that I am still NED, Praise the Lord!!!... I discovered, through sisters like all of you and my dear Mary Ann , that bc is not a death sentence. There is life after dx. So sisters, thank you for telling your stories... Bless you all, this is a tough journey, but, we are not alone. So many shoulders to lean on, so many voices raised in prayer, and so many survivors saying NO to the beast and YES to life.

[KsGal]

Jackie, I just want you to know how much your work on this thread has been appreciated. I came to this site thinking I had something like 9-18 months to live, end of story. This thread and the statistics have given me so much hope. It used to be that the thought "I am dying" when through my head several times a day. It doesn't happen like that anymore.
Im still just a baby in the stage IV game, having an initial BC diagnosis in October, and getting a stage IV diagnosis in December with mets to liver. I have a long road ahead of me, but I have hope and faith after reading all of your stories, and I want to be someone who can inspire others some years down the road. Im on taxotere, carboplatin and herceptin right now, and Im doing pretty well after my second treatment. Hoping beyond all hope that Herceptin works for me. Big hugs to you all, I appreciate you so much.

[Lettik]

Hello all, I am relatively new to this site, but I was diagosed with Stage IV er-/pr- Her2+ grade3 in November 2009.

I was in shock and didn't have a personal computer at the time, so I read everything, and I mean everything I could. Sometimes, I was sorry I did because I didn't know what to think about treatment, survival, doctors, and advice, so I went into overload. Since we are all different, what worked for one may not work for another.

Then there were times, when I was very discouraged and so, I wrote. I wrote about all of it. I wrote when I was angry, when I didn't understand what was going on with my body. I wrote when I was depressed and I wrote trying to change my attitude. Then, I just stopped!?

I made an appontment to see a therapist, but she was 20 or more years younger than I was, and wanted to know what I was hoping to get out of the sessions.
What? See you later.

Then it was going to the breast cancer support group, but they really didn't want someone who was Stage IV and facing "no cure" as they called it.

In Octobger, 2011, my older brother sent me a laptop as a surprise gift. I was also thankful, grateful, and blessed, not only to him, but because I found this site.

Even though I didn't post, I read most everything on this site. When I found this thread, I could not believe the heartfelt stories and how much, some of you have been through. It has been my motivation, inspiration, and comfort, on those days when I just cannot stop the mind from thinking about cancer. I would like to get to the day when "cancer" it is not on my mind, when I wake in the morning and when I go to bed at night.

Thanks to this site, and all of you, I believe I will get there.

Healing energy to all,
Lettik