 |
|
06-02-2007, 01:04 PM
|
#1
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Misty woods of WA State
Posts: 4,128
|
Sandy H - Remain dear in our hearts
I shall not pass this way again. Any good I can do or any kindness that I can show let me not defer or neglect it for I shall not pass this way again.
Dear Group -
With a breaking heart I have to pass on to you all that Sandy's hourglass of life ran out early yesterday morning (Friday, June 1). Main thing her husband wanted to pass on is that she was not in pain and when her time came she passed quickly and without suffering. Time was 5 am - so those that prayed last evening, the prayers were answered already.
Her husband was at her side holding her hand. Francis was with her through the night and asked the nurses to keep him awake as they knew her time was near. He says their little pug dog Yoda is being a wonderful buddy to him in these difficult days. Her hubby even took the dog to the hospital to lick Sandy's foot. That got a response from her!
There will be a service at her church in Maine on Tuesday. Her wishes are to be cremated. Her husband and son will place her ashes appropriately.
She also asked for no flowers and for all donations in her memory to be made to the HER2SUPPORT group or to her church.
She wrote her own obit and I tried to find it in their paper on line, but it only came out today so maybe is not up yet.
The quote at the top of this message is how Sandy ended her posts. I think this is a worthwhile way to remember her - she would do anything for a person in need.
P.S. Some of you do not know that Sandy and I shared a hotel room at two San Antonio symposiums. That was a great way to get to know her and we had a good time together. Two "ghosts" haunting the convention very much alive and well! (Meaning we had by far outlived our prognoses!)
__________________
"When I hear music, I fear no danger. I am invulnerable. I see no foe. I am related to the earliest times, and to the latest." H.D. Thoreau
Live in the moment.
MY STORY SO FAR ~~~~
Found suspicious lump 9/2000
Lumpectomy, then node dissection and port placement
Stage IIB, 8 pos nodes of 18, Grade 3, ER & PR -
Adriamycin 12 weekly, taxotere 4 rounds
36 rads - very little burning
3 mos after rads liver full of tumors, Stage IV Jan 2002, one spot on sternum
Weekly Taxol, Navelbine, Herceptin for 27 rounds to NED!
2003 & 2004 no active disease - 3 weekly Herceptin + Zometa
Jan 2005 two mets to brain - Gamma Knife on Jan 18
All clear until treated cerebellum spot showing activity on Jan 2006 brain MRI & brain PET
Brain surgery on Feb 9, 2006 - no cancer, 100% radiation necrosis - tumor was still dying
Continue as NED while on Herceptin & quarterly Zometa
Fall-2006 - off Zometa - watching one small brain spot (scar?)
2007 - spot/scar in brain stable - finished anticoagulation therapy for clot along my port-a-catheter - 3 angioplasties to unblock vena cava
2008 - Brain and body still NED! Port removed and scans in Dec.
Dec 2008 - stop Herceptin - Vaccine Trial at U of W begun in Oct. of 2011
STILL NED everywhere in Feb 2014 - on wing & prayer
7/14 - Started twice yearly Zometa for my bones
Jan. 2015 checkup still shows NED
2015 Neuropathy in feet - otherwise all OK - still NED.
Same news for 2016 and all of 2017.
Nov of 2017 - had small skin cancer removed from my face. Will have Zometa end of Jan. 2018.
|
|
|
|
06-02-2007, 01:11 PM
|
#2
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Lumberton, Mississippi
Posts: 118
|
Sandy and Family
My heart is broken for you. I pray that our Lord will give you peace during this time. I only knew Sandy through this group. She answered several questions for me. She was such a blessing to many on this list.
Sandy, I know you are singing with the angels in heaven, and wearing your green shoes.
Linda
S. Mississipi
__________________
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."
|
|
|
|
|
06-02-2007, 01:20 PM
|
#3
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Sheboygan, WI
Posts: 2,582
|
I type this with tears in my eyes and a sad heart. I will miss "seeing" Sandy at her2support as will all of us.
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
|
|
|
|
|
06-02-2007, 01:29 PM
|
#4
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 138
|
I am so very sad... I know Sandy is in a better place but I will deary miss her beautiful spirit.
Hugs, prayers and strength to her husband and son.
Karen
|
|
|
|
|
06-02-2007, 01:43 PM
|
#5
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Southern, CA
Posts: 2,511
|
This is just the type of news I did not want to hear. I've had Sandy on my mind since we heard she was in the hospital and was praying for a positive turn around. I sit here with tears running down my face...this news breaks my heart. There are some really terrific and special people...and Sandy was one of them. She always went beyond the call of duty. When I could NOT have radiation I was SO SCARED. She wrote me some private messages and told me how she had dealt with skin mets and explained how IF that happened...I would be alright and she would be there for me any time. She gave me her home phone number. She gave me JUST what I needed at that time. I was a mess until she talked to me. She did NOT have to reach out to me but she did. There are so many people that could, and should but don't. But Sandy went all the way for EVERYONE. She GAVE so much of herself. She will be so missed. This absolutely breaks my heart. The *quote* she used at the end of her posts says it all about her.
Since Sandy did not want flowers I would love to donate money to the her2 board to honor her memory. My sincere sympathies to Sandy's family and friends. My heart goes out to you all. God bless you Sandy...you will be dearly missed...I will never forget you.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
06-02-2007, 01:55 PM
|
#6
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Ireland
Posts: 3,463
|
How sad
I've been reading Sandys posts since I first came to this board and can't believe she's gone. She had such a wonderful positive attitude to everything it was addictive. I'll miss seeing her posts here and also on the IBC board and will keep her family in my prayers.
__________________
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!
|
|
|
|
|
06-02-2007, 02:01 PM
|
#7
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Acworth, GA
Posts: 2,104
|
Deepest Sympathy
My heart is saddened to hear that Sandy passed away. I always enjoyed her posts. She was such a positive, up-beat woman who always was there to offer encouragement. She will be sorely missed. My sympathy to her family.
__________________
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
|
|
|
|
|
06-02-2007, 02:07 PM
|
#8
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 823
|
So Sad
I am very sad to hear the news of Sandy's passing.
Her family will be in my prayers during this most difficult time.
__________________
Vicki
Texas
Biopsy Dx'd 3-23-05 Age 48
MRM 4-5-05 w/ 2 tumor's 5cm, and 6 cm (right side)
IDC (poorly differentiated infiltrating ductual carcinoma)
5+/16 nodes
Stage III A
Grade 3
ER/PR-, Her2/neu ++
Ki67 78%
Begin Chemo 5-2-05 4XAC Dose Dense , 4X Abraxane Dose Dense (ended August 05)
28 Rad's ended October 13 2005
Started Herceptin Weekly August 2005 for one year
Had a Simple mastectomy left side after Mamo showed incresed micro-calcifications. Jan. 17 2006.
Brain MRI Feb.2006--All Clear
August 28, 2006 Last Weekly Herceptin.
October 2006--Colonoscopy, 6 Polyp's removed--all B9
PET Scan July 2007
Abdominal MRI Oct. 2007---2 Right Kidney Cysts
Core Biopsy-- Lump on Scar Line 1-10-08---B9
Brain MRI 6-2008--All Clear
PET/CT Scan 6-2008
Sept. 8 2008, 4CM area removed from mastectomy scar line. Proved to be B9.
PET/CT Scan-- July 2009 --All clear
August 17,2009 ---Had Port Removed
6 Years NED -- April 5,2011
DX'd with Melanoma left arm 10-10-2011
|
|
|
|
|
06-02-2007, 02:48 PM
|
#9
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
Posts: 144
|
Sandy and Family
My deepest condolences. I joined the board in January soon after diagnosis, and Sandy has been such a bright and positive presence the whole time that I have clicked in and out. I know her warm spirit has been an inspiration to many many women like me. This is such sad news. Belinda
__________________
Belinda
- Diagnosed 3 Jan 2007, Stage IIb, Mastectomy and axillary clearance 10 Jan 07, 6 of 19 nodes affected, multi-focal cancer, HER2 positive. Second mastectomy (prophylactic). Chemo - AC 3 months, Taxol 3 months - then radiation 5 weeks.
- Aug 2011 - Diagnosed with Stage IV mets to lung, sternum and 12 or so thoracic nodes - Rads to Sternum, then weekly abraxane and herceptin for 12 weeks.
- May 2012- good scans - all nodes still about normal size, hole in sternum repairing, lung tumour 'obliterated'.
Ongoing herceptin every 3 weeks. Bloods still all good! Life good!
- March 2013 - recurrence - tumours in lungs and mediastinum (coughing up blood) - immediate radiation treatment to right lung and mediastinum, still on Herceptin, and 3 months of Vinoralbine - stable for a little while!
- Coughing and breathlessness started again September 2013, treated as radiation-induced fibrosis (which can be seen on scans - albeit stable). ie puffers, steroids
- January 2014 - cough becomes bloody again, scans show big mediastinal tumour wrapped around and choking the life out of my right main bronchus, radiation deemed off limits as my lungs are hypersensitive to radiation (measured by existing damage from 2013) .....................- ie I am in the 5% of people likely to suffer severe radiation damage to the lungs that they warn you about before starting treatment! (so special! :) )
- Started chemo Feb 2014 - continuing Herceptin (continuous since Aug 2011), with Carboplatin and Gemcitabine. Discontinued Gemcitabine because of se's. Starting cycle 5 Herc/Carbo 5 May 2014.
- Meantime.....coughing and breathlessness increased to SCARY levels with racing heartbeat that won't slow down, breath that won't come back, even just walking to the bathroom or up 3 or 4 steps.
- ICU from May 5 2014, collapsed right lung due to tumour, small pulmonary embolism (left), tumours growing in mediastinum left and right, dvt lower right leg
- Plan seems to be bronchoscope next week to see if tumour can be lasered and stent inserted in right bronchus to reopen air access to lower parts of right lung. If that is successful might be able to have brachytherapy to worst tumour, otherwise no more options for external radiotherapy.
|
|
|
|
|
06-02-2007, 02:58 PM
|
#10
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: TAMPA, FL
Posts: 568
|
I am so sad today
as we lost a wonderful person last night. I will never stop seeing her beautiful smile in my mind.
My heartfelt sympathy to her family and loved ones.
I see you my friend, clicking those green shoes in heaven and that twinkle in your eyes that was so soothing to so many of us.
Thank you and rest in peace my friend.
__________________
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."
|
|
|
|
|
06-02-2007, 03:00 PM
|
#11
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 37
|
Dear Sandie
I'm so saddened to hear of Sandie's passing. I haven't been here very long but loved to read her posts. She was such an upbeat person and gave so much to everyone here. Prayers to her husband and son.
Love, Kacey
__________________
dx 9-13-05 MRM (lt)on 9-19-05
IDC stage llb grade 2 3/24 nodes+
ER/PR- Her2+++
Groshong placed 10-13-05 and chemo started
TCH x6 and continue Herceptin for one year every 3 wks
Rads x 33 (at the end of chemo) finished 4-01-06
20 months NED
|
|
|
|
|
06-02-2007, 03:09 PM
|
#12
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 215
|
Dear Sandy
It is with a heavy heart that I write this. I know you are in Heaven Sandy and will be watching over all of us sisters in this fight. Rest in Peace friend, my thoughts are with your family at this time, Blessings to you all,Jeanette
|
|
|
|
|
06-02-2007, 03:10 PM
|
#13
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: San Antonio, TX
Posts: 2,357
|
Without Sandy it will feel like a car with 3 wheels or a beach with no sand. How many times did I read her wisdom and kindness and courage. So glad God took her in the gentlest of ways. But it won't be the same without her. Her footprint was so mighty on this board. Love to her family and all those that benefitted from her love on this board. ma
__________________
MA in TX.
Grateful for each and every day....
Diag. 12/05 at age 60
Stage II, Grade 3, 4.5 cm primary tumor
ER/PR- Her2 +3 strongly positive
Her2 by FISH 7.7 amplified
vascular invasion
Ki67 20% borderline
Jan - March '06 Taxotere/Adriamycin X 3 to try to shrink tumor - it grew
April '06 Rt Modified Radical Mas, 7 of 9 nodes positive
April - Aug. '06 Herceptin/Taxol/Carboplatin X 8 (dose dense)
Sept - Dec. '06 Navelbine/Herceptin x 8 (dose dense)
Radiation & Herceptin Jan. 22 - March 1, 2007
Finished Herceptin Dec. 10 '08! One extra year.
Port removed August, 2012.
8 1/2 years since diagnosis! 5 1/2 Years NED!
|
|
|
|
|
06-02-2007, 03:52 PM
|
#14
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: London, England
Posts: 96
|
Sandy
I have only been coming to this group for a little while, but Sandy's lovely cheery, twinkly smile in her photo always made me smile back at her, and she wrote me some warm and sensible messages which helped take a lot of the fear away. I will miss her very much, and feel so saddened today. My love and thoughts are with her family and friends. Caroline
__________________
Caroline
Diag. March 10th 2006, aged 46.
Invasive ductal carcinoma, 2cm + multifocal. Stage 2, Grade 3
HER2+++, ER+/PR+
Right mast. May 2006. 6 of 20 nodes positive
FEC x 4, taxotere x 4; port implanted after 6 cycles
Rads x 25
1 year of Herceptin ended Nov 07.
Arimidex 5 years
Considering reconstruction, maybe soon...
|
|
|
|
|
06-02-2007, 03:57 PM
|
#15
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 492
|
I am sorry to hear we have a new angel. I am glad her last moments were peaceful. I will miss you Sandy!
__________________
Are we there yet?
Dx 10/05 IDC, multi-focal, triple +, 5 nodes+
MRM, 4 DD A/C, 12 weekly taxol + herceptin
rads concurrent with taxol/herceptin
finished herceptin 01/08
ooph, Arimidex, bilateral DIEP reconstruction
NED
Univ. of WA, Seattle vaccine trial '07
|
|
|
|
|
06-02-2007, 04:43 PM
|
#16
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Posts: 1,516
|
I'm numb...
I have no words, only tears.
Rhonda
__________________
Rhonda
Dx 2/1/05, Stage 1, 0 nodes, Grade 3, ER/PR-, HER2+ (3.16 Fish)
2/7/05, Partial Mastectomy
5/18/05 Finished 6 rounds of dose dense TEC (Taxotere, Epirubicin and Cytoxan)
8/1/05 Finished 33 rads
8/18/05 Started Herceptin, every 3 weeks for a year (last one 8/10/06)
2/1/13...8 year Cancerversary and I am "perfect" (at least where cancer is concerned;)
" And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years."- Abraham Lincoln
|
|
|
|
|
06-02-2007, 04:48 PM
|
#17
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: melbourne, australia
Posts: 267
|
i haven't been online much so was unaware of Sandy's situation. I am also sitting here with tears in my eyes as i read the news. Condolences to her family and friends.
Christine
__________________
Christine
DX Sept 03 age 40 Stage 2B Grade 3 mastectomy (after 2 prior breast conserving surgeries)
"at least" 2.3 cm 3/12 nodes ER+/PR+ Her2+++
8 FEC. Tamoxifen then Arimidex. Ovaries out.
"late" Herceptin for 2 years (18months after chemo) on HERA trial. finished Herceptin Nov 2007.
Multiple bone mets May 2012 and now liver August 2012.
Abraxne, Herceptin and Zometa.
June 2013 Tykerb, Xeloda and Xgeva
|
|
|
|
|
06-02-2007, 05:33 PM
|
#18
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: indianapolis, indiana
Posts: 1,544
|
I have tears in my eyes while writing this. I signed on today just to see how Sandy was or if there was any news. My heart goes out to her family, and my prayers as well.
__________________
dxd 9-04, lumpectomy,
st 1, gr 3, er,pr-, her2 +,
2 tac,33 rads,6 cmf
1 yr herceptin,
|
|
|
|
|
06-02-2007, 05:41 PM
|
#19
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: .
Posts: 211
|
I am so shocked by this. I was praying so hard for Sandy as she did for everyone in need. We were so alike in our diagnosis and progression. This is so unfair.Her family must be missing her terribly she was so supportive and nurturing.
love to you Sandy
|
|
|
|
|
06-02-2007, 06:07 PM
|
#20
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 274
|
Sandy, an angel on earth
Stephanie,
Thank you for letting us know the sad news about Sandy. I didn't realize you had roomed together. I am sorry as I know you must have had a special bond with her. Her smile would light up a room and as others have said she was always so positive. I will continue to pray for her and her family and I am sure she will be praying for all of us.
With sincere sympathy,
Liz J.
|
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
All times are GMT -7. The time now is 03:11 PM.
|
Linear Mode
