From Flori to God - BTW I'M NOT DONE!

[SoCalGal]

I did not have good news today. My pet scan showed further progression so as of today I am off chemo until I figure out what to do next. Can't say much else right now. Have to gather my paperwork, book second and third opinions, and find someone with something to buy me more LIFE-time. Honestly, I feel like the healthiest sick person. Sigh.
--Flori

[Andrea Barnett Budin]

Flori, I think that's your Inner Voice telling you -- you are not done. You are going to find the magic bullet with YOUR NAME on it and survive and thrive in true Flori style, w/humor and laughter and grit and a growl. KNOW that that is so! KNOWing it means you OWN it. So go and claim it. It is yours. The future is yours, Floria. I LOVE YOU. And I am sticking my your side, no matter what. You can't get rid of me. I'm a big Flori fan after all...
Andi

[SoCalGal]

Thanks for the speedy reply - I am still numb from this news...changed my picture - decided I don't give a flying "Flori" if people find me online. I would welcome a crazy person brave enough to harass ME right now:) Andi - try and get some rest...xoxo
PS - you are a gem of an online friend!
Love, Flori

[hutchibk]

Alright, it's time for us to get on the train to solutionville!

Where are the mets showing up? Lungs? And when you say sternum, is it in the lymph nodes in the sternum area or in the sternum bone?

When I had lung and media stinal lymph node mets, we knocked them out with Taxol/Carbo/Herceptin. Have you already had too much Carbo?

[StephN]

Dear Flori -
No - you would NOT be floored with this news. You would just get mad and then get busy. Game on.

I am wondering if you can get a biopsy of one of those stubborn tumors so that a new path report can be done. Maybe with some new information a better match with one of the other new treatments can be tried.

Me too - know what it is like to be a "feeling healthy sick person." Very strange and makes the news seem like it is for someone else.

[Andrea Barnett Budin]

One last word, Flori and then I am going to bed. This is ridiculous! Just wanted to say not only to you feel healthy for a sick person (been there too) -- and you look ravishing, darling! Positively deliciously damn fabulous! How's the cuteness beside you? Lucky guy! Embrace each day, and that hot guy too...

Andi

[hutchibk]

And Julie2's post today shows that she has had great response with 3 months Navalbine/Herceptin for lung and media stinal nodes... I think you still have a long list of options to turn to! We WILL figure this out Flying Flori!! Get some sleep and let us carry some of the weight for you for a few days. Take a xanax and let yourself refill your energy reserves, enjoy the holidays, and then lets go kick some booty...

[KellyA]

Flori,

Just wanted to say that my prayers are with you, and hang in there. Your doc will find the magic combination. You are absolutely beautiful and look just wonderful- and your personality and attitude match.

Many good thoughts sent for you today.

Love,
Kelly

[dhealey]

Get mad Flori and dig deep down and find you fight! Fight you must. From your post you don't sound like your ready to give in. I decided months ago to fight this beast to the very end as I am sure you will. Your right you look healthy and vibrant. Great picture. I will be praying double time that your onc and you find the right combo and to get you to NED! Sending you lots of hugs and prayers.

[Sheila]

Flori
A friend of mine has had very good results with Navelbine and Herceptin for extremely stubborn mets to the nodes and skin.....let your body relax and get ready to fight back once again.....your spirit and smile says it all...you WILL come out on top! We are here for you!

[lilyecuadorian]

Wish.. I can said some ideas but the only thing that I know in fact is that I 'm 100% sure that you will find something to beat this beast ...just take the obligatory brake and said "bring it on " just try to make the right choice like it you being doing

[PinkGirl]

Hi Flori
I'm sorry you didn't get the news you were hoping for. I know you will gather the troops together and go after this with all you've got. I can't imagine cancer or anyone "messing" with you.

I love your new picture - you look so vibrant and healthy, not to mention the handsome guy beside you.........you go girl..........cancer isn't going to be able to handle the wrath of Flori :)

[R.B.]

You are looking great in your photo. AndiBB has said it all.

I checked your post headings and diet did not seem to figure. I posted this link a while back. If you have done the diet thing, and living in LA you probably have, feel free to rant at me. Fats and particularly the omega threes and sixes really are fundamental to body function. There is also suggestion that some may have synergies with treatments. Maybe it could tip the balance. Food for thought and something to discuss with your onc. if of interest.

http://www.her2support.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=23104&highlight=provoking

These relate to it.

http://her2support.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=24410&highlight=greek+diet

http://her2support.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=30984&highlight=cox

[Joy]

I am P.O.ed for you Flori! But use that to find the new strategy. I'm thrilled you are looking into other opinions and I also think there are options and you are in a good location for trials and such. I also think a new biopsy would be a good idea. Test the heck out of those cells so you can get the treatment right.

You do lool great in that photo, as always.

Sending fighting vibes your way!

[tousled1]

Flori,

I'm so sorry to hear that your chemo is not working. I have lung mets and have been on Herceptin/Taxol/Carboplatin since July and my last scan showed some improvement. Also, I've heard very good reports on Navelbine/Herceptin. Don't abandon ship -- there are many combos out there that you can try.

[Jean]

Flori,
Beautiful new photo, love it!
Steph has hit on the nail head. Get those cells checked for your next treatment attack. Your strong fighting attitude, along with your new treatment and all our prayers....will stop that progression in it's tracks.

Blessings,
Jean

[Julie2]

Hi Flori,

I wish you all the best and sending lot of positive energy. I answered your question regarding the Navelbine side effects please see my clear scans thread.

Julie

[fauxgypsy]

Retreat and regroup. I will keep you in my prayers. I don't know if you saw my post on Ixempra or not. I have no idea if it would help but they do mention for stage four that is not responding to other meds.

Leslie

[caya]

Flori -

Sorry to hear this news, but as others have said there are lots of other chemo combos to try ... You will fight this beast like the WARRIOR you are Flori...

I am sending all the positive vibes I can your way.

all the best
caya

[Believe51]

Thoughts of you filter through my mind from time to time along with the advice and posts that fill our days. This post made me sad, but only for a moment. You are a strong, beautiful, determined fighter who in turn will pick up the pieces of this part of your journey and trudge forward with conviction. I am so sorry you had to hear the news and I know how hard your fight has been for you thus far.

I have mentioned to you before that you are one of my heros. Of course you did not get on my list for nothing. At my highest regards you are Darling!! Flori has forever showed my husband and myself how to fight with your soul. You have always enlightened me, lifted my spirits, provided me with the love, honor and support that I so desperately need at times. I can only hope that loving you back and offering my friendship, prayers and positive energy can supply you with atleast some of the comfort you give to me.

So go pick up those pieces Love and continue to be the inspiring Angel Warrior that I know and love. Keep us posted about this new adventure in your journey. And remember, as I too must, that there are other magic bullets out there....we just need to find them. So I toast to you Flori, My Mighty Oak and all others who are searching for the magic recipe to success. May the combination we are looking for recognize it is right for our cancer and beat the living hell out of those ugly, nasty, bad cancer cells!! And may we get the time we are so yearning for. Here's to life!! And here's looking at you Kid!! Much Love and Energy>>Believe51

[chrisy]

Flori - first let me say you are SO beautiful! And feeling healthy is a good thing - and not only because it makes you able to say you're not done yet!

And, it gives you time to get those 2nd and 3rd opinions. I think Steph has a good idea with getting a new biopsy, but I would add to that, you might get it assayed to find which chemos might be more effective. There's a lot of alphabet soup out there, and though I know YOU'D probably rather have chowder or a nice lobster bisque, it's good to know you could also give those tumors a good taste of T/C/H, T/A, N/H, and the rest of the alphabet. Something really nasty (for them!)

I know several folks who have had good success with Navelbine/Herceptin for lung mets, and I know a woman who is on Tarceva (Erlotinib?) + Avastin for years with lung mets. That may be on a clinical trial, but you could get it off label. There are still options out there.

My prayer for you is that you and your doctors are given wisdom to make creative and correct choices.

BTW, we're not finished with YOU yet.

MUCH MUCH love
Chris

[Believe51]

Chrisy said it all. We are not done with YOU yet. Go get 'em Lovey!!>>Believe51

[Soccermom]

Flori,
Its a long shot BUT...have you ever tested for the BRCA mutations? There is a new drug called a PARP inhibitor that is being used in those who are BRCA+ and no longer responding to treatment. SWANKY who posts here found out she was BRCA and went into the trial and is one of many having incredible response!
IF this interest you have a your Onc get a BRCAanalysis kit and do the blood draw. They can fast track it and you can get results in about 10 days,.
If I can help in any way,post a message to me!
Marcia

[Margerie]

Flori,

I hope your insides catch up with your radiant outside soon!

[Andrea Barnett Budin]

YES! Soooo well said, Margerie! This woman is beautiful inside and out... !!! May your insides soon look as magnificent as your outer glow, Flo, I mean sweet Flori, morning glory... Sweet Sister, not a moment goes by all day long that I do not think, and speak, of YOU... LOVE,
Andi http://cdn-cf.aol.com/se/smi/0201e05fca/06

[Vanessa]

I agree that your fighting spirit will beat this. You are an amazing woman and I will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Hoping for a new med combo that will get rid of the mets.

[swanky]

Flori - I am so sorry you got such rotten news. But like other's have pointed out, more things to try and you have such a strong spirit. Take a break and then battle on!
Hugs,
Leea

BTW - your pic is beautiful!

[IRENE FROM TAMPA]

about your recent news but......

know that it is "not" over for you. I know exactly the anger that you feel. I have been there myself too many times to mention and each time I give myself permission to be very angry but I do get over it and go to my next plan. And Flori, there are more options for you out there. On each of my recurrences I always feel that I am at the end of my options but each time something new/different comes along and they will for you, believe me.

I say the same thing. If it wasn't for this DAMN CANCER - I am healthy as a horse, which is a very good/positive place to be and so important for our immune system and that is what keeps us strong.

You are a beautiful woman who seems to have a strong spirit. This road we were given to walk is a very tough one, but I believe there is a reason we were chosen and WE WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

and you are correct, YOU ARE NOT DONE.

[Carolyns]

Flori,

Sorry to hear that you didn't get news that you wanted to hear. It is devastating to say the least. Sometimes we feel that we are doing everything possible and we can't get a break...We pray, meditate, visualize, eat right, laugh, exercise, take the meds...and still we get bad news. It just stinks.

It sounds like you have a great heart and spirit. The suggestions posted above are excellent and I feel that you will find the answer and kick those mets back. I will say extra prayers for you to guide you in your next choices. Please keep us posted.

Love, Hope, and Peace,
Carolyns

[Kim in CA]

Dear Flori,

I'm sorry to hear this news, but the others are sooo right, there are still more options. I see by your signature that you have used Taxotere and that you did get to NED. My doctor told me that because Taxotere was so effective for me that if enough time passed we would consider using it again if I had another recurrence. I have also heard that Abraxane (nab Paclitaxel) is very effective and not as toxic as the other Taxanes.

I'm sending you hugs and encouragement to get back in the ring and fight like hell..... I know you can do it!

Kim

[michka]

Flori, I am sending you a big "virtual hug"! I am SURE you are going to win. Get all the opinions you need. Reach out for us when you need understanding or experience from some of the wonderful women on this site. AND fight for the man next to you on the picture.
MICHKA

[StillHere]

Oh Flori, I am heartsick to hear your news. This SUCKS the BIG ONE! I too hear in your written voice that you are not going to give up without at LEAST one more valiant fight! I wish I had the knowledge base that so many others have on this site to help you. All I can say is if you are not ready to throw in the towel, then rest up while the HER2 A-Team comes up with some plans to talk over w/ your doc's. Also, is that your oncologist w/ you in that picture? If so, I want to change doc's right now! Just kiddin, I really do like my doc. You look too beautiful to really be as sick as they say! Peace to you and your kids. Karen

[kareneg]

Dear Flori,

I am so sorry for your setback you are in my thoughts and prayers. I know you will find another treatment and will kick butt!

[Vanessa]

Hi Flori,

Just wanted to let you know that I am still thinking of you and keeping you in my prayers. I know you and your doctor(s) will come up with the right treatment plan. Hang in there.

[jones7676]

Sending you positive vibes......and by the way you look "mahvelous"!