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Unregistered
10-20-2005, 08:10 AM
Hi there,
I posted the message on the 5th about my sister and that I was traveling accross the country for this turning point appointment with her doctors. I didn't realize until I flew into Tampa and saw all these women in pink jumpsuits walking around that it was also the 3day walk in Tampa! I also didn't realize how close to tears I was with nervous anticipation, cuz those really bad jumpsuits started the flow! My sister was really nervous and had been since her last session. I think she had been told that she was getting the scans and ever since, she's been down. The fourth treatment was bad, she was much more fatigued than before and having fevers, sores, etc....Her first round with BC 3 yrs ago she only did 4 sessions, now it was indefinate.
Well, the doctor told us that the mets in her lungs, and thoratic lymph nodes were shrinking and spine mets were changing and there is new bone growth! I couldn't catch my breath, I couldn't cry as load as I wanted being in the hospital.....but it just was the best moment I could have had in a very long time and I was so grateful to see my sisters face and hug her hard. She is on Taxotere and Herceptin. She pouring olive oil on EVERYTHING, taking the omegas, she is on a pain patch. She is tired and has thrush, she is scheduled to take 8 chemo sessions and then be on Herceptin regiment. As one of my friends said, at least she can feel like all she's going through is actually worth it. I don't think people really get that statement, unless you have been there done that or are really close to someone going through it. That very same weekend our friend Wendy walked in Tampa, for her mom, and for my sister. Her group raised 60k.....that was one of the best phone calls we made....Wendy and group called my sister, we told them the good news and the screams, cheers and tears flew through the phone....such an incredible vibe. They got the good news from us after their first day walking and I'm sure it sustained them for the next two days!
I want to thank all of you who responded the last time. It was very nice to get support and information. I have to say that anytime you get the chance and feel comfortable doing it, bring a friend to a chemo session. Everyone should be made to do it. This was my first time and it really touched me. The gravity of cancer sinks in when you're in a room full of people with cancer and every single one of them is fighting right before your eyes. There is power in numbers and I was overwhelmed with so many thoughts.
Everyone should read an article on msn....http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9753394/.
Cure is a word that shouldn't get tossed about, but they did in this article!
All my best,
Stacy

Lolly
10-20-2005, 09:46 AM
Stacy, so glad to hear your sister's incredibly good news! This is the reason we keep on keepin' on. NEVER give up, NEVER give in!
And your friend's group...WOW! That's a great effort on their part, and how wonderful that you and your sister were able to give them such a boost as they were doing their walk.
Keep us posted, and all my best to your sister.

<3,
Lolly

sherri
10-20-2005, 10:27 AM
I'm so happy for your sister. You made my day. I know Taxotere is a tough drug, for my last 2 cycles I had a very difficult time, but it will finish soon, and she will forget it all, then Herceptin alone is like a brise. "Cure" is what we need and we will see happpening in our time. We are the "End of Breast Cancer".

StephN
10-20-2005, 11:54 AM
Hi Stacy -
Many of us here KNOW the feelings you are writing about! Me included, as I also had a very bad case of mets to conquer. When you get news that something GOOD is happening, it is just hard to describe how you feel - such a blend of emotions!

SUCH fantastic news about your sister's good response to her treatment. With all the strong support she has going for her, I feel she will make it through. Some of us STage IV types have immediate response and other plod along, but there is not much choice, so we really rejoice when things take a positive turn early on.

About the article on Herceptin at MSN, I saw that yesterday. Too bad they don't mention all of us Stage IV survivors who paved the way for the adjuvent trials! I actualy don't mind being a "living guinea pig!"

Please post again and give all our best well wishes to your sister. Maybe she will feel well enough to join us here and put up messages of hope and support for others just entering a situation similar to hers.

TriciaK
10-20-2005, 12:51 PM
Dear Stacey, It took me a minute to be able to add my post because of the tears of joy for you and your sister. My tears, too, are for my little sister, who died of breast cancer 20 years ago, the same year I was first diagnosed. She had fought it for 7 years, but of course they didn't have the meds we have now. Besides she had a bad doctor (not an oncologist) that let her go for 11 months ignoring the lump she kept telling him about until it was too late. (She lived in ALaska. She finally called me and asked me if I had a good doctor she could fly out to see. That's the first time I knew of her cancer.) Every time I read stories such as yours I rejoice, and cry too for my sister, who didn't have the opportunities we have now. We are so very blessed! Your whole post is wonderful! I am so happy for you! Keep fighting the good fight. And about seeing a chemo lab for the first time: it was really a new experience for me,too. It was sad, those rows of recliners with people "hooked up" to infusions. And yet I continue to be amazed at how upbeat everyone is, patients and nurses alike. Everyone reaches out to everyone else, kind of like this website! Hugs, Tricia

Unregistered
10-20-2005, 07:58 PM
Thank you for all your good thoughts, wishes, comments. I'm glad I can come her and read what you have to say. Now your in my heart and prayers!
-stacy

mamacze
10-20-2005, 08:03 PM
Dear Stacy!
I have been thinking and thinking about you and your sister; I am so glad you took the time to post the news of your sisters knock-your-socks off improvement! How heartened you all must feel! Thank you for sharing; keep up your ferocious fight and maybe soon if we are lucky, your sister will feel good enough to log on and join our chats!
Love Kim from CT