I can't believe it!! A break ...

[StephN]

Well, group -
The news for me was ALL good.
I had a PET/CT scan last week and had markers including HER2 serum drawn the week before when I got my 3-week Herceptin dose.

Her2 serum was down from the last one of 8.9 to 7.3. Other markers steady in low normal range.

Scan showed NED.

With that news I requested an Herceptin BREAK of 3-4 months. I have been taking the drug now for over 5 years. It has been a Godsend to me (I have already thanked Dr. Slamon and his associate in person!). My oncologist has agreed to my request with a marker check at 6 weeks when I have my port flush.

So, I am not completely unchained from the cancer center, but have a newfound sense of getting a little of my life back after being stage IV for over 5 years.

Since starting Herceptin (with Taxol and Navelbine weekly till NED) over 5 years ago, I have never had a new tumor with the exception of the two in my brain. So, I can say that however my cells are configured, it was with Herceptin in mind!

I am still tired and need a lot of sleep after all my head surgeries last year, but I will know what (if any) side effects I get from the Herceptin, which has been pretty easy on me.

Also, onc said NO MUGA for now, since I am off Herceptin and my last one was good.

So, for many of you who are ending their Herceptin round, I am sure you will have a cancer-free future, as this drug can work wonders! Even in the likes of ME - who was given a poor chance of surviving my onslaught of mets.

[Mary Jo]

Oh Steph,

I couldn't be happier for you. What a joyous day in your life AND what an inspiration to us all.

God's continued blessings to you,

Mary Jo

[tricia keegan]

Congratulations Steph I'm really pleased for you,especially getting through five years!

I'm terrified of a recurrance and am having a bone scan this Friday for back pain but your message gave me hope that even if and when I get bad news there is still hope of surviving this.
Thanks for sharing and enjoy the feeling:)
Tricia

[lexigirl]

Yay!! Such great news!! Enjoy your break from herceptin!! You deserve it! I am enjoying my break, too!!

Hugs and Prayers,
Lexi

[KellyA]

Steph,

I am SO happy that you received such good news - You really do have a lot to be proud of. Herceptin does work wonders, but it takes a very strong person to "fight the fight" and do so well. Congratulations and thank you for sharing your news with us!!!

Love, Kelly

[Leslie's sister]

Steph:
It is so encouraging to read posts such as yours. Thank you for sharing the good news.

[MCS]

Steph,


GOGOGOGOGOGOGO GIRL!!!!

I'm so very happy for you. I wish I had a camera- because I'm smiling for you

XOXOXO

MCS ( maria)

[Mary Anne in TX]

Cheers to you and best wishes for an outrageous break!!!

[tousled1]

Steph,

What wonderful news! Congratulations! I know you must be lookng forward to no chemo in your life after such a long haul. You are an inspiration.

[AlaskaAngel]

Darn tootin, StephN -- take a good break -- from the Herceptin! And get out there and get every bit of sunshine and make up for the northern clouds:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/hottopics/sunshine/benefits.shtml

One of the most interesting things about sunshine is that it works on the pineal gland to produce the tryptamines, like melatonin, which in itself seems to offer some protections against cancers...

Take everything off, go soak up the sun, and enjoy being alive!

Naturally,

AlaskaAngel

[rinaina]

Steph, I am so happy for you, you deserve this break. You are a shining example of how we have to hang in there and percivere. Keep up the good news and good results.

[mslinda]

Congratulations Steph. I am so happy for you. Ejoy the next few months.


Linda

[Adriana Mangus]

Stephanie: I'm so glad to hear such good news! It provides so much hope for all of us who are battling cancer. I hope I can one day say I"ll be off Herceptin-indefinitely,- that will be the day. Wonderful news, wonderful......

[sally]

I'm happy for you Steph. Your posts have always been such an inspiration to me. I have learned alot from you. Enjoy your time away from Herceptin. I hope everything goes your way from here on out. Sally

[Barbara H.]

Hi Steph,
This is such great news. I'm glad that oncologists are beginning to give some thought to having a a break from Herceptin when a patient is NED for a significant period of time.
Keep us informed and I hope you have the opportunity to get away or take a trip.
Best wishes,
Barbara

[chrisy]

WOW! That's terrific news - and you certainly deserve a break! You are always an inspiration to me, and now you've raised the bar again! Enjoy your Herceptin holiday!



chris

[jhandley]

Great news. You have been fighting a long time and deserve a break. I just had my first her 2 serum blood test (while I was visiting my sister in London) and it was 7.6; this was 4 weeks after a dose of herceptin. I have stretched out my herceptin to 4 and 6 weeks occasionally but just had to have a reloading dose since I had a break of 7 weeks while overseas. I want to have a 3 month break soon. I have been on herceptin for 17 months and have been NED for most of that.

Cheers
jackie (down under)

[Andi]

Great news Steph! You are an inspiration. Enjoy your herceptin holiday!

[Karen Weixel]

This news makes my heart sing. Congratulations!!!

Karen

[Margerie]

Yeah!! I have been waiting for your PET post- great news!! Congratulations- it couldn't have happened to a nicer gal!

[Sherryg683]

That is so AWESOME! You deserve a break..I am so glad herceptin has worked so well for you. I pray we all are so lucky...:) ...sherryg683

[Barbara2]

What wonderful news, Steph! I know you will enjoy every minute of this break...Thank God for this time of peace and renewal!

[janet/FL]

Great news Steph, now don't forget to post in three months all of the changes you have noticed after you quit! LOL
Hugs

[Lolly]

WOW!!! How wonderful, Steph :) I know you'll really enjoy this break, and here's a toast to it being extended again, and again, and again........

<3 Lolly

[Bev]

Steph, Keep up the good work. BB

[Johanna Johannsdottir]

Congratilations Stephanie. This is fantastic news and enjoy the break. You are a role model for me.

Best regards
Jóhanna

[SusanV]

Steph,


Congrats, and enjoy your break from it all !!!! I am so happy for you !

[Vi Schorpp]

That's the best news I've heard in a long time. Congratulations!

[Kim in CA]

Just wanted to join the others in saying "Congratulations and a Big High Five to You!" That is just awesome news Steph.

Kim in CA

[Jean]

Great News so very Happy for you. Wishing you continued success.


Hugs,
jean

[kareneg]

Way to go!!!!!!!!!!!1 I am so happy for you enjoy every single second of your break!!!!!!!!!

[Sheila]

Steph

You are sooooooo lucky, a break from all of this. I would welcome that, but it doesn't seem to be here yet....enjoy being unhooked from the "IV rope"....you deserve it!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so jealous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[RobinP]

Thanks for updating us and for giving many here hope!

[RobinP]

Thanks for up-dating us and for giving many here hope! There is light at the end of the tunnel...good for you and congratulations.

[Vanessa]

Congratulations on your great news. I hope you have a very long and wonderful holiday!!!!

[Chelee]

Steph, That is just wonderful news. What a nice change that will be...your going to feel like your forgetting to do something. But I am sure you will get over real fast. http://www.her2support.org/vbulletin/images/smilies/smile.gif This sure is a well needed and deserved break. What will you do with yourself? lol

That is just awesome news...I am so happy for you. Enjoy your time off...as I am sure you will. Way to go Steph! Wooo Hooo...

Chelee

[Joy]

of good wishes for your break and excitement for your continued great news!!! It would be great to continue to hear from you during your break, but, boy, I'd get it if you just want to be free of all of this! have fun!

[StephN]

A break from Herceptin does not mean I am away from this board.

There are too many great people here that I like to know how they are doing and especially that things are OK. So, when I read good news (even "stable" news) from others it gives me a lift too.

For those who are just beginning to battle or are having to go another round, I hope to help answer any queries or problems when I can.

Otherwise, my poor hubby has been down for a few days with the worst cold he has had in years. So, I have been trying to help him feel better while avoiding the bloody thing myself. He felt so bad we did not even keep discussing our immediate plans for upgrading the house or travel!

Then there is my DAD to worry about. He is having some heart problems and waited before going to his doctors. We noticed his problem at Christmas and he promptly went to his docs and is now undergoing a battery of tests to see what is the best action from here. So, as much as I want to travel right now, I feel like I need to stick close to my parents until there is more information.

Wish I could have IT ALL, but that is not in the cards right now ...

[Vicki]

Hi Steph,

This is wonderful news for you and a great way to enjoy 2007!! Happy Valentine's Day...go enjoy.

Love and warm hugs from CA.,

Vicki

P.S. Love your new photo, too!

[Esther]

Steph great to hear your goog news. I'll be interested to hear how things go for you off of Herceptin. I know we've talked about how I'm a year behind you in duplicating your footsteps, and a herceptin break is something I have wondered about.

Enjoy your break.

[Diane H]

So happy for you Steph, how wonderful to get a break and you so deserve it! May it be a long and lasting break, Hugs, Diane