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Well, I've been lurking around for a few weeks and replying here and there. I guess it's time for me to formally introduce myself. My name is Maryann, and I am 41 years old. I am a single mother of two teens (daughter/13 & son/15). I live on Long Island - the breast cancer capitol. I was diagnosed with stage IV Inflammatory Breast Cancer five years ago this month. I did four treatments of Adrio/Cytoxin and four Taxol every two weeks. Then came the MRM with tram flap reconstruction (which later herniated twice). I did Tamoxifen and 28 treatments of radiation (bad burns to new skin). I recouped, then went back to school because I could no longer do my old job (printing). VESID paid my tuition/books, and I earned my Associates in paralegal Studies (with honers/very proud of myself). I got a job with a great law firm and went on with my life. I did blood test every six weeks and got check ups regularly. There was no reason to think I had a relapse. In June 2004, I got a double ear infection with a cough. In July, the PC said it was bronchial distress. In August, I was told it was pnemonia. Before I had a chance to get scans, I checked myself in to emergency. My lungs had filled up, and the pressure was unbearable. I was drowning. They drained my lungs and sent me home. Within the month, I couldn't breath and my lungs had filled up again. We scheduled a biopsy and drained/sealed my lungs. October 5, 2004 it was official. I now had mets to the lung, liver and far right nodes under my arm. I am Her2+ so herceptin along with Taxatier and Cabroplaten (three weeks on, one week off) was the decided treatment. I am also on Femera daily. It's been three months, and I still have hair (thinner, but still holding on). I just got CAT results back, and the lesion on my liver is half the size!!!! I am still waiting results from the PET and have a bone and Muga scheduled. I am being treated at North Shore Hemotology Oncology Associates which is very close to home. One of the founders wrote a book called "Common Bonds, Reflections of a Cancer Doctor." This place is a god send! I went to Sloane for my second and was told I am receiving the best of care (I already knew that). The glam shot was taken the day I cut my hair short just days after being diagnosed the first time. You can't tell, but my eyes were red from cying through the whole thing. I had family pics taken with my kids then went and cut my hair off. My hair grew back (just as long), and this time when I cut it, I was able to donate it to "locks for Love." So - hello and thank you for all your wisdom, encouragment and love. Maryann
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