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IRENE FROM TAMPA
10-23-2007, 08:01 PM
Hi everyone -

Hope everyone is well. I just returned from the Susan G. Komen 3-day in our area this week-end so have not had much time to read all of the post to see how everyone is doing. Hope to catch up this week-end.

Had and awesome experience again this year at the 3-day. Words can not explain the feeling that you walk away with.
I walked last year but this year due to the side effects I was having from the Xeloda, I could not commit to walking so I worked on the crew at the camp site. My group was on the Food Service crew and we had a blast.
Friday was extremely humid and hot and they had to evacuate the whole camp due to approaching severe weather that evening. They put us up on the 6th floor of a parking garage in downtown St. Petersburg. We all slept on concrete and arose at 3:30 a.m to go back to camp and start serving the walkers starting at 5 a.m. I am very experienced in setting up and taking down tents now, sleeping on concrete floors, getting a few hours of sleep, showering in a huge van, NOT flushing toilets, but at the end of the day - looking at the smiles on so many faces and hearing the thank you's from so many voices made it all so very worth it.

I had a blast and the most important part is that 5 million $$$ was raised Tampa. Hope to be able to repeat this again next year.


Just came from follow up visit with my onc after 3 cycles of Tykerb/Avastin. My tumor markers have gone down-hallelulla
CEA - from 14.5 to 9
27-29 - from 38 to 30

I was very nervous since I was not sure how I would respond to this combo but so far so good. I will have my 4th cycle this Friday. He did have to start me on a blood pressure med. since I have been experiencing higher counts since I began on the Avastin.

He also mentioned to me the approval of the new drug IXABEPILONE (IXEMPRA). We have another drug ladies. This is wonderful and that is why I am so happy that I was able to participate in the 3-day walk again this year.

Well I am falling asleep as I am typing so I had better head to bed.

Everyone stay strong & faithful - there is lots coming our way....

Bev
10-23-2007, 08:49 PM
Wow on the $ and tumor markers. Congrats, Bev

DonnaD
10-23-2007, 09:24 PM
Irene,
Congrats on the new meds working for you with tumor markers going down. We must rejoice in the break throughs we have available to us. I wonder even just a few years ago where I would be with my dx.

Thank you for working so hard for all of us. The $$$ amount raised is amazing. Sleep tight in your own soft bed, with your own private bathroom. :)
Donna

Jean
10-23-2007, 09:53 PM
Irene,
You are one amazing HERO....your post was one big uplift.

Thank You,
jean

hutchibk
10-23-2007, 11:47 PM
Congrats Irene... I love the magic of Tykerb. And Avastin is pretty magical, too, I hear! Keep it up!

Sheila
10-24-2007, 03:51 AM
Irene
Great news on the money raised and the great report from the oncologist....I am so happy the new combo is working...you will just join the hiph B/P club that Chrisy and I have both joined since adding Avastin to the mix. Keep up the fantastic news Irene!!!!!!

dhealey
10-24-2007, 04:21 AM
Irene,
Great news with your treatment and money raised. I walked in the Avon walk for breast cancer in Charlotte, NC last weekend and 2.3 million dollars were raised. As you said it is an awesome experience. With new drugs coming out to help us ladies it is a must to keep these money raising walks going so the research can continue. Thank you for doing your part.

tousled1
10-24-2007, 04:36 AM
Irene,

Glad to hear the Tykerb/Avastin is working wonders for you. That's great news! Also congratulations to you for working the walk. We certainly do need more research into breast cancer. Thank you.

Believe51
10-24-2007, 05:05 AM
Excellant!!! Was waiting for this update and want to thank you for sharing the news with us. And the walk.....well words cannot describe the feeling you have when your friend tells the story. BRAVO!!!!>>Believe51

Mary Jo
10-24-2007, 05:15 AM
Good Morning Irene,

I'm happy you had a happy weekend all the way around. The walk and your onc. appointment. God is good....................................!!!!!!

I did the Komen walk this year too. It was the first time for me and I totally know what you mean about the "feeling." It is something you have to experience as it's too hard to describe. "Sisterhood" comes to mind - "a connection" also. You do "feel" the love - "feel" the comraderie. It's special.

Thanks for helping raise money for a cure.

God Bless you Irene,

Mary Jo

Julie2
10-24-2007, 08:49 AM
Great news Irene. You are an amazing person . Keep up the good work.

Julie

doh2pa
10-24-2007, 11:01 AM
Wow, you all raised $5 mill - how awesome. I am so grateful for your efforts!

And great news about the markers - keep up the good work Irene!

chrisy
10-24-2007, 12:26 PM
Irene - that is fantastic news, I know you were a little nervous about the lack of "chemo". Thanks for the update - and get some rest!

Esther
10-24-2007, 03:28 PM
Great to hear that you are doing so well on that combination. I have heard about IXABEPILONE, it has just recently been approved by the FDA, and I believe it is an IV chemo.

It's always good to get another option!