Update

[Vanessa]

I have never felt so blessed than to see all of your posts with concerns and prayers for me. Thank you so much. I do not have good news to report as far as the test results. I do have several small mets to the brain. I spent all day starting at my doctor's office this morning and then to visit the radiology department and have a consult with their doctor. I start wbr tomorrow for 10 days. When I am through with that, my oncologist will start me on tykerb and zeloda. I still have a petscan scheduled for the 17th of this month to see if the mets in my lymph nodes are completely gone. My tumour markers did shrink from 34 to 8.8, so not all the news was bad. I cannot drive for 2 weeks or keep my grandchildren by myself. My family has also really pulled through for me, by chipping in to drive me to radiation, to my classes and to stay with me on MWF to help me sit with my granddaughter. I am feeling really loved right now. I cannot reiterate enough how wonderful it felt to see all of your posts. I will be joining a few of you in the tykerb tiger club and will be a diarrhea diva. Thanks for being so wonderful. The reason I did not post any sooner, is because I had class tonight, my daughter picked me and then her husband brought over dinner and we all ate together. It was nice.

[Faith in Him]

Vanessa,

So good to hear from you. I'm sure they will have those brain mets under control in no time. What a wonderful family you have.

Sending you more hugs and prayers.

[SusanC]

Vanessa,
I thought about you all day today. I am sorry to hear about your mets. You sound like you are so well loved and cared for. Keep us posted on how you do the next 10 days.
Susan C

[tammymarie1971]

Vanessa, I have been thinking of you as well today, CRAP...well it does feel good to have a treatment plan in place though and it looks like you with your docs are going to give these mets little chance of sticking around. I am sorry that you have to go through this...Glad to hear that the family is rallying around you!
Take care,
Tammy

[KellyA]

Vanessa,

Thank you for letting us all know how you are. I am sorry that you got bad news, but it sounds like there is a definite plan of action, and I think you will be feeling better in no time. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I am so glad that you have such a supportive family and are getting so much help. Hang in there.

Love, Kelly

[Mary Anne in TX]

Well, Vanessa, I'm going to believe that the next 10 days will be hell for those mets and a blessing to you. May you continue to feel the love from all of us as you do your "zapping" of brain mets with the support of your family. You have some mighty smart, courageous warriors here who have "walked the walk" to help you through day by day! I'll sure be praying for you and believing in only the Best Results for you! Lots of love, mary anne

[Toril]

Dear Vanessa!
I am sorry to hear your news, but I am very glad to learn about the support you have from your family.
I had WBR for my brainmets spring 2006. I am feeling very well now.

Wish you good luck!
Love, Toril

[RhondaH]

Sorry to hear your news, but it sounds like they are working pretty straight forward on it. Will continue to keep you (and all) in prayers. Take care and God bless.

Rhonda

[newgg]

OK...now is the time....got the A Team, got the Plan, got that wonderful Family.....got power from all here.....go get 'em ! ZAP away at the beasties! Positive image.....the beasties are fried!! Many prayers coming your way.
Hugs, Bonnie

[Sheila]

Vanessa
Not the news any of us wanted to hear, but sounds like the attack plan is already in gear...hope all this resolves quickly and life with the grandchildren will get back to normal....you are in my prayers dear Vanessa.

[MJo]

Hit 'em with everything you got, honey. I know your doctors will destroy the brain mets and you'll feel healthy again. God bless.

[PinkGirl]

just bumping this up.......

[tousled1]

Vanessa,

I'm sorry to hear the news that you have brain mets. At least your doctor has a treatment plan in place and it sounds like your family is being extremely supportive. I hope the 10 days of WBR go by quickly and with minimal side effects. Soon you'll be back to your normal routine. You are in my prayers.

[lilyecuadorian]

Vanessa ..I'm more relief just to find out that you got all that good beat attitude , strengh so glad that the tumors markets are low ..that is great ..only apply some magic radiation on your brain ....and keep it up

[Andrea Barnett Budin]

You are positively amazing, Vanessa! I am struck my your Spirit.

You had a day from hell yesterday, onc, radiol, and all, and then went to class? And posted to all us who kept checking the board ALL DAY LONG for word from you, in the midst of yet another bc ordeal!! How incredibly compassionate you are. How steadfast and strong you are. How sweet you are. We love you.

Anyone remember where Joe tucked all those INITIALS AND THEIR MEANINGS. Where are they when you need them...? WBR. Sorry. I knew. Oh -- brain just kicked in. Whole brain radiation! Dear God. You seem to be taking this in your stride with amazing grace, Vanessa. Good for you! You are a role model for every one of us! I'm blown away by you, and so many of the lovely ladies I've come to know on this board!
Truly!

I still want to know where the INITIALS AND THEIR MEANINGS are, for future reference.

I honed right in on your TMs! Yes, more than a shred of good news to hold to.

I feel confident you will get through this crappy and undeserved bump or blip on the screen and will be good to go, to enjoy your life and be well and healthy!
Andi

Thanks so very much, Vanessa for sharing w/us.

[PinkGirl]

Andi,
The list is on the Newcomers/Welcome board. It is right above the first thread. I use it all the time :)

[karen raines hunt]

Dear Vanessa,

With so much going on your life, thanks for posting the update. We were (are) all deeply concerned. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. I am a native Texan, are you?

Karen

[Mary Jo]

Dear Vanessa,

Such a wonderful team you have working with you. And when I say "team" I mean your medical team AND your family. I'm happy they are so supportive and loving toward's you as well. It makes life easier, doesn't it? Love covers a multitude of things in our life.

Anyway, I pray as I type that the WBR will be a success. I ask it in Jesus' Name. I also ask Him to give you His peace.

Love you Vanessa,

Mary Jo

[Brenda_D]

Vanessa you are in my thoughts and prayers.

I am also amazed that you could attend a class after visiting your Onc yesterday.
Sometimes the strength that BC survivors have is just beyond amazing.
I think that after dealing with BC for awhile, most of us take news like that in stride (even if we are falling apart inside) and go forward to the next step in treatment.
What choice do we really have?
I wish the best for you and your family.

[KRISS]

Vanessa, You are very blessed to have an amazing family by your side. Make sure to let them continue to help you as you start this new treatment plan. It sucks that you have to deal with yet another thing but like you said some good news came out of it so hold on to that for the moment and push forward. We are all thinking of you and praying.

[Jeanette]

Wow, what a day you had. So happy you have a good plan of action though, sounds like you have a really good team behind you. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers, Jeanette

[Carolyns]

Dear Vanessa,

You remain in my thoughts and prayers.

The Tykerb Tigers will be ready when you are!

Love, Hope, and Peace,

Carolyn

[JEANB]

Damn the cancer...it pisses me off.

[StephN]

Dear Vanessa -

Are you getting the drug from Allos that is supposed to make the radiation more effective?? I know your are already starting with the WBR today, but I was wondering if you have had a chance to look into the "radiosensitizer" options??

A little hunkering down in a safe environment with family was "just what the doctor ordered." We need a place to unwind and process the whirlwind that is a day of new diagnosis. You don't seem like the Pity Party type - just get down to biz and do what needs to be done. That is a good attitude to have when going on a new attack.

Goodbye mets!

[Barbara H.]

Hi Vanessa,
I was amazed by your upbeat post after all that you went through yesterday. It's very helpful that you have so much support from your family. You certainly do not need this bump in the road, but you sound as if you have the determination to get though it. As you know, many of us here have been down this road. I have not had WBR, but did have brain surgery three years ago for a three cm tumor, and later two times for radiation necrosis.
My thoughts will be with you during the next two weeks.
Best wishes,
Barbara

[JerseyGirl]

Vanessa, I was so happy to see your smiling face again; sounds like the onc has a great plan, as well as your family. I'll certainly keep you in my prayers during the WBR; you can do this!!
((hugs))
Julie

[Chelee]

Vanessa, I just posted on the *other* thread...I'm so glad I found this one. I'm so sorry to hear you have to deal with this. It sounds like you have a great onc that stays on top of things and is quick to respond...that's a major plus...although I still wish things were different for you. But with an onc like that...I'm sure their plan will kick these mets into the twilight zone.

I am so glad you have such great family support during this time. Its so nice they are all there rallying around to help in anyway they can. That is so important. You hang in there. I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

Chelee

[caya]

Vanessa.

You are one amazing woman - and I know you will face this challenge with all the courage and determination there is to wipe those mets out.

Good luck with your treatment, I will be praying for you.

all the best
caya

[Jean]

Vanessa,
I am keeping you in my prayers for each and everyday during your wbr
that all those small mets are going going gone!

Your blessed with family - you are deeply loved

Stay strong and please rest!
Hugs,
Jean

[lexigirl]

Vanessa,

Not the news any of us were certainly hoping for, but you are in great hands. I am hoping and praying that the txs wil be succesful and you will be NED again very soon.

Hugs and Prayers,
Lexi

[rinaina]

Sorry to hear your update and I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Hoping all goes well and you are up and out quickly. Stay strong and confident.

[dhealey]

Vanessa, Thank you for letting us know how you made out with the scans.
Sorry to hear the results. I will be saying extra prayers for you. Sounds like you have a good onc and strong family support. Now kick that cancer in the butt!!!

[dhealey]

Vanessa, Thank you for letting us know how you made out with the scans.
Sorry to hear the results. I will be saying extra prayers for you. Sounds like you have a good onc and strong family support. Now kick that cancer in the butt!!!

[chrisy]

Vanessa, thank you for the update. Yes, we were all thinking of you all day yesterday. Sorry this was not news you wanted to hear, but I'm so impressed that you are moving forward so decisively with nipping these nasties in the bud. Warm positive thoughts continue for you and your family

Much love
Chris

[Becky]

My heart is with you Vanessa. I watched for your update all day yesterday and I was heartbroken this morning when I read your update. I just didn't have it in me to respond then. Now those rads just need to zap those mets right out of there. You have to put on that soldier's uniform one more time to do battle.

I am thinking about you.

[IRENE FROM TAMPA]

but you have a plan, and it is a good one. Tykerb/Xeloda combo is a good one and I just know that you will do well on it Vanessa.

Keep that smile on your face and your positive thinking. My prayers are with you.

[Yorkiegirl]

AHHH Vanessa I am so sorry to read this news, you will remain in my prayers.

[Bev]

Hi Vanessa,

I'm so glad they are going to start right away, rather than letting you wait weeks. I hope the treatment works wonders. Way to go support team! Bev

[hutchibk]

So glad to hear that you and your docs are on top of this! Take care and let us know how you are doing... T/X is the wave of the future for many of us brain metsters. You will do great. Get that crud outta your noggin and keep it out!! LOL

[jones7676]

I was sorry to read your news...but the T/X combo has worked for many people on this board and coupled with the radiation should zap those nasty mets away. I will be thinking of you and hopefully your side effects will be minimal. Stay positive!

[Grace]

Vanessa,

Like Becky, I didn't have the heart to send a message at first. It's so painful for you, and all of us who care about you. But I know in my heart you'll do well. I'll be thinking of you often.

[Vanessa]

I had my first wbr today. It went well. I took a 2 hour nap this afternoon, but now I have somewhat of a headache, which they said might happen. Other than that I am feeling well. Yesterday, my sister took me on a small shopping spree and I bought a new auburn wig, everyone seems to like it, when I get a chance I will post a picture. I also bought some stretch pants at Chico's, so I am feeling a little bit pampered and a lot more comfortable. Thanks again for all of your support, it has meant so much to me. Yes, Karen, I am a native Texas, I am also a native Houstonian. Where are you from in Texas? I love you all and I am praying for all of you nightly.

[caya]

Vanessa,

You go girl!! We are all pulling for you. Did they give you some pain medication for the headache, or is it the usual Tylenol, Advil stuff?
You will do well, and blast those nasty brain mets into oblivion.

all the best
caya

[mslinda]

Hi Vanessa:
Sure hated to hear your news. You are in my prayers. I have been trying to keep up with yours and everyone else's posts. Maybe someday I'll get better at this.

Linda

[SusieQ]

Sending more hugs.....

[rinaina]

and you are in our prayers nightly as well.

[vickie h]

Vanessa,
So sorry to hear about the wbr, not the news we wanted! My thoughts and prayers with you everyday you have treatment...and kiss that wonderful family you have for all their support. Love, Vickie

[hutchibk]

Vanessa and Karen - I'm not a native Texan, but I got here as fast as I could! (20 yrs now and will never ever leave again!)

[Catherine]

Dear Vanessa,

Oh my goodness. I, too, did not want to hear the results you were given. I am happy that you were able to get right with a treatment program. Hug your family and you for me. We are blessed when those around us support us. May the treatments do the good job we expect them to do.

Good job on being so brave. We are right with you.
Hugs and prayers, Catherine

[Sheila]

Vanessa
Glad to read your post and that you are in godd spirits, and #1 WBR is over.....can't wait to see you in your new wig! Sending love and prayers.

[mts]

Vanessa,

Your sparkly eyes say it all ! Looks like you got this early and your on the right track to getting well again.

Best thoughts to you,

maria

[Mary Anne in TX]

Hey Girl!
I can't wait to see you in your new "do" also! I'll bet you'll be a Knock Out with your new red head!!!
I'm still praying for ya and believing all will go smoothly. Those mets better get ready for their last days!
mary anne

[tousled1]

Vanessa,

First treatment done! Sounds like you're handling it very well. Shopping for yourself is always nice. You are in my prayers.

[Lolly]

Vanessa, I hope you continue to be pampered and loved by those close to you, and you know we're all with you in spirit! Keep your chin up, and keep us posted.

<3 Lolly

[Sherryg683]

I am so sorry this has happened. I have been a way for a week or so and came here to catch up and saw your post. I want to tell you now that you are in my prayers. Please keep your spirits up and I am glad to know you have so much support..sherryg

[Vanessa]

Thanks again for all of your prayers and support. Tomorrow I will be halfway finished with wbr. The major side effect has been fatigue. My family has still been extremely gracious to be carting me around and I am grateful. I will also post a picture of my red wig when I get a chance. I am thinking of all of you daily and you all will be in my prayers tonight. Thanks for being a great source of love and support.

[Andrea Barnett Budin]

Vanessa, Thanks so much for keeping us posted, and in the loop. How many tx all together? Half way there... We can all relate to the simple word fatigue and the depth of it (to varying degrees). Please be good to yourself and patient with your inability to do certain things. You are in a phase of getting to wellness, a truly difficult one. We all admire you so for your grace. Stay full of love and gratitude which are so very healing! We love you and have you in our thoughts and prayers...

I am going for my brain MRI on Thursday.
Andi

[Soccermom]

Vanessa, Just wanted to add my voice to the chorus of well wishers! I am amazed by my sisters in treatment...
Marcia

[Mary Jo]

Hi Vanessa,

I'm happy and thankful for you that your treatment of WBR is 1/2 over. Praise God that you are doing so well and fatique is all you are dealing with. I continue to ask the Lord to heal you and cover you with His peace.

Love you "sister"

Mary Jo

[hutchibk]

Keep on rockin' V. The hard part is over (the initial Zap) and from here just keep looking forward to your very long future, without those mean and pesky little buggers in your brain that made you fall down!