taking a break

[Patty H]

I was suppose to start abraxane yesterday (the 29th). I had just had a scan this week and it showed my lung met hadn't grown in 4 months. It hasn't shrank either, is still 3 1/2 cm. In those 4 months I have taken gemzar and xeloda and I have been off chemo sine early June and still no growth. So the Dr. is letting me take a couple more months off chemo. I feel so good right now, being off chemo the last month. I will continue to have herceptin and zometa and we will scan again in around 8 weeks.
Patty H

[*_Sandy H._*]

Patty that is wonderful to get 2 months off from chemo. It gives us that boost to really enjoy life to the fullest. Good news. Enjoy! Enjoy! hugs, Sandy

[Lolly]

Yeah! You've definitely earned it. Thanks for letting us all know, because it is tangible proof for those of us with systemic disease that more and more this is a manageable condition, and we shouldn't be afraid to take a break when we're stable, as our bodies and spirits need the rest. ENJOY!

<3,
Lolly

[jessica]

What great news! Taking a break from chemo is always good news, but even better is that the spot in your lung hasn't grown in 4 months! Any chance it's scar tissue?
Regardless, I'm so happy for you Patty. Celebrate! You deserve it!

[Lisa]

Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!

I've been thinking lately about this continuous chemo that I'm on. I just wonder at what point does it start to do harm? Or does it?

Wondering too about the quarterly PET scans. I just read in CURE magazine that a CT to the Abdomen is comparable to natural background radiation for 3 years. The same with CT to the body and again to the chest.

But I suppose we have no choice really if we want to keep fighting this disease. I know that in 10 years, people will look back and wonder that we did this to ourselves. But that is then, and this is now.

Love and light,

Lisa

[Hope]

Patty, that is wonderful news. You give me great hope in maybe the same will happen to me. I am due for scans next months. But I am taking Abraxane. I'll continue to pray for you that you continue to receive good news!