 |
08-15-2013, 10:54 PM
|
#1
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Utah
Posts: 124
|
Finished - Now What?
I had my last Herceptin treatment today! I've had a lot of mixed emotions floating around in my head. I am happy to finally be here - it's been a tough year. But now what? I feel at a loss - isn't that weird? This past year I have focused so much on cancer and chemo, side effects and doctor's visits that it feels a little out of sync now not to plan for much. I do have an appointment in 3 weeks with my doctor. Is that the norm? I'm not explaining myself very well. Has anyone else felt this way (a little vulnerable) when their treatment ended??
__________________
Diagnosed 16Dec1993 ITP (auto immune disease - low platelets)
Splenectomy 11Nov2009
Rituxen May2011
ITP playing nice
Diagnosed 3Jul2012 BC
2 cm - Grade 2 - Stage IIB
HER2+++
ER+/PR+
bilateral mastectomy 20Jul2012
Metastasized cancer found 1 lymph node
expanders placed during surgery
TCH chemo "cocktail" started 24Aug2012
every 3 weeks - 6 treatments
Herceptin - 18 treatments
LAST treatment Taxotere & Carboplatin 7Dec2012 -yay!
Continue with Herceptin 26Dec2012
Started Arimidex 01Jan2013 (for 5 years)
Surgery to remove expanders/reconstruction 18Jan2013
Infection in left breast from reconstruction/infection in most nails - SO many meds! 22Feb2013
Left implant not playing nice.... might need to remove and try again - blah! 04Apr2013
3Jul2013 - one year since diagnosis - booo cancer!
15Aug2013 LAST chemo infusion!! YIPPPEEE!!!
13Sep2013 2nd reconstructive surgery.. the FOOBs are looking good!
|
|
|
|
08-16-2013, 07:26 AM
|
#2
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: El Paso ,Tx
Posts: 436
|
Re: Finished - Now What?
I felt the same way. You get use to all the appointments and attention, I was angry at first at how invassive this whole proceedure was to my life, then you get used to it, then its over. I didn't know what to do with all my extra time that was focused on appointments. I felt scared not to have that umbrella of doctors looking over me. It all settles in after a while and your somewhat normal life comes back. Staying busy with your work, hobbies etc. helps fill that void. Congrats on making it through.
Suzanne
__________________
 dx: DCIS 6/8/10, HER 2+ 7/26/10; Stage I Age 41
Double mast w reconstruction
6 TCH w 1yr herceptin
Tamox.
25 radiation tx
Removal of expander on L due to infection. Tried to save it had 3 bouts of antibiotics and went to see plastic surgeon 2-3x wk to get drained. Saving it was my idea not his. But lost it anyway.
Reconstruction set for December 21st,2011
Finished chemo 12/2010
Finished Herceptin 8/26/11
Reconstruction 12/21/11
Expanders exchanged for silicon 3/19/12
Nipple reconstruction 5/18/12
Nipple tatooing- 7/9/12- All done yay!
11/22/12-Went back to get scar tissue stretched to even the outside of breast, didn't work due to it being radiated skin.
|
|
|
|
|
08-16-2013, 08:55 AM
|
#3
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 271
|
Re: Finished - Now What?
Congrats on getting through a year of hell ( I am not fond of the term journey, I consider it hell on earth, a journey to me is traveling to Europe or some great place!)
I had that exact same emotion. I felt protected while being treated...and then I felt "cut loose" The only advice I can give you is as time passes it gets easier and your busy life takes over again. A breast cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment is all consuming...and as time marches on I think about breast cancer less and less.
__________________
DX November 2010
Brain MRI, CT of lung, liver, bone, all clear
Double Mastectomy w/expanders December 1, 2010
ER- PR- Her2+++, grade 3, 12 positive nodes out of 15
Stage IIIc
Started TCH/Chemo December 31, 2010
6 rounds TCH
Herceptin every 3 weeks for a year
33 rounds of TomoTube radiation, to chest wall, neck, skin and lymph area
September, 2011, MRI to lower spine, hips, DX bulging disk, L4 & L5, pain not from cancer
Expanders removed, implants in Dec 1, 2011
Finished Herceptin, December 21, 2011
August 2012, CT of chest and abdomen, all ok
Enrolled in MC1136 Phase I Peptide Vaccine Trial at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
March 2013, First Vaccine
April 2013, 2nd Vaccine
May 2013, 3rd Vaccine
June 2013, 4th Vaccine
July 2013, 5th Vaccine
August 2013, 6th Vaccine Done!
September 2013, Mayo visit, Echo results 68, vaccine did not effect my heart! Blood work normal.
January 31, 2013, Mayo visit, Echo normal
February 23, 2014, Numb lips on right side, Brain MRI, normal!
June, 2015, Finished the trial at Mayo Clinic. Feels good!
|
|
|
|
|
08-16-2013, 12:18 PM
|
#4
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Stockton, NJ
Posts: 4,179
|
Re: Finished - Now What?
This is normal. I felt this way too and it was worse as Herceptin wasn't available to me and then it was. So about 6 weeks after radiation (and 8 rounds of chemo), I went back and got my year+ of Herceptin so I felt I lived there for 2 whole years and then - every 3 months. It is a vulnerable feeling but completely normal in the process. It will greatly improve with time - promise!
__________________
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"
|
|
|
|
|
08-16-2013, 02:58 PM
|
#5
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Ireland
Posts: 3,463
|
Re: Finished - Now What?
Huge congrats and yes, its very normal to have these feelings at this time and I did too, its like once the physical treatments were finished my body then allowed my emotions to come to the surface so I then had to try to deal with them and find a way forward post cancer.
I think more studies are being done now on offering people emotional help through this as well as treating the body which I think is badly needed. It does get easier the longer out you are and you will gain confidence but its tough in the early days and looking back I think chemo was the easy part!
__________________
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!
|
|
|
|
|
08-16-2013, 04:21 PM
|
#6
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Sunny San Diego
Posts: 2,214
|
Re: Finished - Now What?
I was in full Herceptin withdrawal mode . . . and was happy to qualify for a vaccine trial.
Receiving the trastuzumab infusions sure makes us Her2 3+s feel protected.
|
|
|
|
|
08-17-2013, 05:25 PM
|
#7
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: TN
Posts: 175
|
Re: Finished - Now What?
Star--Even this old geezer had the same lost feelings as you are experiencing after completing the year of combat with the cancer that invaded the body and took over life in such a dramatic way. It was no way to start enjoying retirement in my case. Anyway, I found that keeping abreast (no pun intended) with all the latest Her2 research under way and discussed so well by this support group helped me feel less lost and vulnerable. I now have been able to assemble plans for the future should the cancer come back. I hope you will continue to find solace here and that you never have to put into action further treatments as bad as what you've just completed. Whatever happens, I believe you will find whatever you need here at Her2Support. Best of luck to you--bird
__________________
Male Breast Cancer, DX 5/15/09, IDC, STAGE 1, 1.7 cm, HER2+++, ER+(95%)/PR+(75%), Ki67 40%, grade 3, 0/5 nodes, TX: mastectomy, TCH finished 7/19/10, radiation 6 wks., Tamoxifen on going, bisphosphonate 24 mos.
|
|
|
|
|
08-17-2013, 07:11 PM
|
#8
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: "Love never fails."
Posts: 5,808
|
Re: Finished - Now What?
Congratulations!
__________________
Jackie07
http://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2011/06/doctors-letter-patient-newly-diagnosed-cancer.html
http://www.asco.org/ASCOv2/MultiMedi...=114&trackID=2
NICU 4.4 LB
Erythema Nodosum 85
Life-long Central Neurocytoma 4x5x6.5 cm 23 hrs 62090 semi-coma 10 d PT OT ST 30 d
3 Infertility tmts 99 > 3 u. fibroids > Pills
CN 3 GKRS 52301
IDC 1.2 cm Her2 +++ ER 5% R. Lmptmy SLNB+1 71703 6 FEC 33 R Tamoxifen
Recc IIB 2.5 cm Bi-L Mast 61407 2/9 nds PET
6 TCH Cellulitis - Lymphedema - compression sleeve & glove
H w x 4 MUGA 51 D, J 49 M
Diastasis recti
Tamoxifen B. scan
Irrtbl bowel 1'09
Colonoscopy 313
BRCA1 V1247I
hptc hemangioma
Vertigo
GI - > yogurt
hysterectomy/oophorectomy 011410
Exemestane 25 mg tab 102912 ~ 101016 stopped due to r. hip/l.thigh pain after long walk
DEXA 1/13
1-2016 lesions in liver largest 9mm & 1.3 cm onco. says not cancer.
3-11 Appendectomy - visually O.K., a lot of puss. Final path result - not cancer.
Start Vitamin D3 and Calcium supplement （600mg x2)
10-10 Stopped Exemestane due to r. hip/l.thigh pain OKed by Onco 11-08-2016
7-23-2018 9 mm groundglass nodule within the right lower lobe with indolent behavior. Due to possible adenocarcinoma, Recommend annual surveilence.
7-10-2019 CT to check lung nodule.
1-10-2020 8mm stable nodule on R Lung, two 6mm new ones on L Lung, a possible lymph node involvement in inter fissule.
"I WANT TO BE AN OUTRAGEOUS OLD WOMAN WHO NEVER GETS CALLED AN OLD LADY. I WANT TO GET SHARP EDGED & EARTH COLORED, TILL I FADE AWAY FROM PURE JOY." Irene from Tampa
Advocacy is a passion .. not a pastime - Joe
|
|
|
|
|
08-18-2013, 05:45 AM
|
#9
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 129
|
Re: Finished - Now What?
Congratulations!! Muddle through...it's what we do! I had my last herceptin in april, and dont work summers, so could focus on our garden, flower beds, etc. it becomes hard to see past the moment. Bless you as you continue on your healthy journey.
__________________
Age 54, married farm wife/school nurse/mom of 5 adult children...March 2012- found 2.5cm hard, non-painful mass on bse. It was not there, and then it was. Yikes.
Biopsy- DCIS, IDC, er-/pr-/her2+++, grade3. 1 node suspicious on us. Biopsy +.
Plan was for Neoadjuvant TCH x6, Herceptin q3w x a year.
May1- first chemo.
May 5- I could no longer feel the mass. Really. Neither could my oncologist.
July 2- 4th TCH- Oncologist cancels last 2 tx due to "complete response"
August6- lumpectomy with axillary node dissection. No disease present in breast. 1 out of 14 nodes + (4mm)
MUGA #2- 72%
Finished 30 rads Oct '12. Mild lymphedema noticed when I had 2 rads left.
Continue Herceptin q3w until next May
April '13- first mammo since surgery- calcium deposits that are " not concerning." Well, they are concerning to ME! Turned loose from surgeon for 6 months! One more Vit H, will make plans then for port removal.
Oct '13- no change in calcium deposits. "See ya in 6 months!" Keeping port for now.
March '14- oncologist says return in 6 mo.
April '14- mammo unchanged. Surgeon will see me in 6 months but no mammo for a year unless something changes. Its getting easier, but oh, boydo i hate that scanxiety! Keeping port until 2 year anniversary of last Herceptin.
Sept'14- bloodwork good, return to onco in 8 months.
Oct'14- surgeon will see me in April '15. Moving on.
May '15- mammo unchanged, keeping same schedule. Tumor markers soon and if all is well port comes out.
July '15-tumor markers normal. See onco in a year. Appt. for port end of month. First grandchild born July 1st- for today, life is good.
|
|
|
|
|
08-22-2013, 07:56 AM
|
#10
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Attica, IN
Posts: 371
|
Re: Finished - Now What?
YAY, we are both done with HERCEPTIN!! I had mine 8/20, and I am thrilled its over!! My forearms have the usual rash, my hands are tingly/burning/feeling like an arthritis attack. BUT once it is out of my system to feel healthy again I just want to sit and cry about that!
I have my reconstruction surgery next week, August 28th, and I am not the least bit worried about the pain of surgery because I am done with treatment.
I never appreciated my health before and this year AS BEEN HELL ON EARTH! Now, I mean today, I am planning a trip with my sister and niece to Chicago to see a play, ride a Segway and walk Navy Pier!!! I cried it seem daily the first quarter, then maybe weekly and if I did really good bi-weekly. Now, I want to cry because I am DONE, and I can plan and do something fun!!
I don't want to live in fear, and I have twinges of it, but I cannot control my future. I am ready to live again and do things on the spur of the moment without this garbage....I know the stuff that saves lives (but I still don't like how it makes me feel).
Anyway, you and me Starwishin we made it!!!
__________________
myleftlump.wordpress.com - started blogging my
IDC breast cancer
7/2012 diagnosed with multiple solid lesions
7/20/12 biopsy done. ER+ 30 PR -, HER+++,k167 80% Grade 2
9/2012 biopsy on lymph node - showed malignant
9/2012 Pre-adjunctive TCH chemo.
12/6/12 MRI after Pre-adj.
Results: Modest Decrease in size of left breast malignancy As well as the associated satellite lesions and auxiliary Adenopathy compared to prior study. Doctors hoped for better but good response it didn't grow.
12/18/2012 left masectomy with axillary nodes
Size 3.2 CM, Nottingham score 9/9
Grade 3, no evidence of in situ carcinoma
Areas of angiolymphatic are identified
Carcinoma is 0.5 cm from inked deep
Margin of excision
Attached axillary lymph nodes: metastatic
Carcinoma in 6 of 8 nodes.
Size of largest node 1.5 cm
Extracapsular
ER + 73%, PR+2%, HER2+
2/27/13 6 weeks of IMRT radiation finished
2/2013 Started on Tamoxifan 5 years.
8/2013 will take last Herceptin, 17 treatments total every 3 weeks.
BRCA1 & BRAC2 - Negative
August 28, 2013 DIEP flap on the left breast.
February 2014 Nip & Tuck
March 14, 2014 nipple reconstruction and removed port.
August 14, 2014 lump in lymph nodes under arm and above clavicle. Stage IV
August 28, 2014 herceptin And projeta starting and port put back in.
3/18/15 stopped arimidex.
3/18/15 progression....Tdm1
|
|
|
|
|
08-22-2013, 03:42 PM
|
#11
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Philly Suburbs
Posts: 1,709
|
Re: Finished - Now What?
Congratulations!
|
|
|
|
|
08-23-2013, 08:13 AM
|
#12
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Katonah,New York
Posts: 228
|
Re: Finished - Now What?
Im not even near finished, but I can imagine that there would be an adjustment period as this disease/ treatment sure can be all encompassing! Try to enjoy your new found free time! Be well :-)
__________________
3/11/13- normal mammo and US
4/30/13 Found pea sized lump while showering
5/10/13 core bx
5/15/13 dx IDC 1CM,
5/20/13 BRAC 1&2 neg
5/28/13 lumpectomy and SNB, ER/PR/Her-2+, Nodes neg,positive margins
6/13/13 revision of margins . Now clear
6/26/13 first TCH
Chemo Ninja~kutaki Zika Zukuchiri
10/18/13-Bx of calcification-neg whew
11/7/13 Started Radiation.
01/2014- Started Tamoxifen
06/09/14-Steriotactic BX left breast calcification-Benign
06/18/2014-completed one year of Herceptin!
|
|
|
|
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 10:09 AM.
|
Linear Mode
