Tomorrow, May 8, 2008 is my final Herceptin!!

[caya]

Tomorrow is a big day for me - it's # 17 of 17 Herceptin infusions. I am really looking forward to it, needless to say.

When I was first diagnosed with Her2+ BC, I honestly thought I might not make it through. Of course the HERA trials showing the great success of Herceptin came out shortly before I started chemo in Jan. 2007 and I could see that just maybe I would be "okay" after all.
Finding this wonderful website with all pertinent information, the latest meds, treatments etc. for Her2+ has been an incredible part of my journey. I want to thank all the "warriors" who so graciously gave their insights and cheered me on... Our dear Kate The Great was one. I shall miss her terribly, as I know we all will.

So thanks again to everyone here. I am very hopeful of remaining NED for the next 40 years or so.

all the best
caya

[Alyce]

HI Caya-
Congratulations on finishing herceptin. I finished chemo on April 15 and started radiation this week, herceptin every 3 weeks now.
I hope all goes well for you!!!!
Alyce

[PinkGirl]

Congratulations on this milestone Caya!!!
Enjoy your new found freedom. I am very happy for you.

[Brenda S]

Caya,
Congratulations! I begin with my first TCH next Tuesday, May 13. I'm looking forward to posting my last infusion this time next year!
Brenda

[Jean]

Caya,
I am smiling reading your post. Congratulations and
I truly understand how you felt and now feel.

God Bless,
Jean

[lilyecuadorian]

great !!! God Bless you always Love ,Lily

[DonnaD]

Caya,
Congrats!

You will feel strange for a few weeks, but will come to love the freedom.

We went out to a lovely dinner with my brother and sister in law. I hope you celebrate in some special way also. You desire it!

Donna

[CindyE]

Caya,
What a wonderful day for you! I'll be thinking of you as I start my first Herceptin tomorrow. It's kind of ironic that one warrior finishes her journey while another begins hers. Take care,

Cindy

[chrisy]

Caya,

congratulations on putting this phase in the rearview mirror. You will probably miss your infusions and find yourself not knowing what day or week it is...but you'll get over that!!!!!

I agree....time to celebrate

[goops]

Congratulation Caya - I bet it will feel great to finally be done.

[Leslie's sister]

congratulations Caya!

I remember that day for my sister as well. Almost seems surreal to finally reach that milestone. I am celebrating with you.

Lisa

[Mary Anne in TX]

Celebration Time!!!!! You might miss the routine for a few weeks and then you'll just leap and jump for joy!!!! Congratulations!

[Becky]

Congratulations Caya. You will feel a bit out of sorts and alittle weepy but it passes quick. I went to a wine tasting :) You will think about it in 3 weeks when it is time to go for an infusion but you don't have anymore.

Then, it will become a thing of the past.

I will be with you in that infusion room tomorrow. My mom always told me when I was scared or nervous to dream of babies and angels so that is what I am going to tell you to do too.

[Mary Jo]

Hi Caya....Thanks for sharing your special May 8th, final herceptin date. We love to rejoice with our sisters and brothers.

It's a huge day for you......a special finality......and one "finality" that won't take long to adjust too.

Congratulations Caya...........God Bless you..

Mary Jo

[Paty]

Caya,

Good for you! I finished my year of Herceptin two months ago and I know how good it feels. Celebrate!!

[Soccermom]

Mazel Tov,Caya!
Big hugs,Marcia

[sassy]

Big Congrats, Caya.

It will be good to have it behind you!

[Joan M]

Hi Caya,

Congratulations on finishing Herceptin!

Joan

[karen z]

Caya,
I remember both my last chemo day (how could I forget- the nurses put a chemo queen crown on my head and took a picture of me- I'd like to know where in the world that picture landed) and my last herceptin day. After my last herceptin treatment, I just couldn't believe that I did not have to visit the chemo room again- it did feel absolutely surreal. But, like everyone has told you, you will be so happy with your new found freedom!!! I will be thinking of you tomorrow- you should definitely celebrate in some way. Congratulations!
Best,
Karen

[kareneg]

Dear Caya,

I am so happy for you my friend, I pray this will be the end of Herceptin and the begining to a long and healy happy long life!

[Bill]

Hiya Caya! Congrats! I'm so happy for you. Make tomorrow a special day you will always remember. (Chrisy, your comment reminded me of the Pearl Jam song, "Rearview Mirror", that I mentioned here to a friend only one hour ago.)

[caya]

Good morning everyone. It's 5:45 a.m. here, I'm off to the hospital in about an hour for the big finale.

Thanks so much everyone for all your good wishes and thoughts. It really means alot to me.

cindyE- Good luck today to you, as you embark on your first Herceptin. I'll be thinking of you today, and in no time at all, you'll be finishing it up like me.

xoxo
caya

[dhealey]

Congratulations Caya! Go out and celebrate in some big way!
I bought myself a diamond longevity necklace when I finished my herceptin as a symbol of continuing to live a long life. Here's to many years of NED for you.

[kcherub]

Caya,

Congrats! I have my last one tomorrow...

Do something special and just think--three weeks from now, you will NOT be getting an infusion!!! :)

Take care,
Krista

[Believe51]

Thinking of you on this very special day today. You go girl, see where you are by doing baby steps along the way!! I am so happy for you My Dear>>Believe51

[LAURIE]

Oh do I remember that day. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! on my last day I speed up my drip faster without the nurses knowing. I thought I would miss everyone, but NO I don't. I have my life to live and so do all of us. Go celebrate!!!!! Herceptin gave me a cookie basket, maybe they will for you too.

[Vi Schorpp]

Congratulations to you. When I was diagnosed in 2003 I could not get Herceptin at that time. I'm glad you did and also glad that it's ending for you. I've always felt Herceptin was an extra measure of protection and I'm grateful it's so readily available today and when you were diagnosed.

[Sheila]

Caya
You must do something to celebrate.....how wonderful to finally be done....you will wonder what to do with that time at first, then before you know it, life will return more to normal.
Congratulations !!!!!

[janieR]

Just to say I know how you feel. It felt odd to not have to go in every three weeks to the chemo unit with the lovely "extended family", and a bit apprehensive without the herceptin . 7 months on I feel good and am enjoying the summer here in England.

I send my love and hope everything goes well for you.

Janie

[MJo]

Hurray! No more needles. Hurray!

[caya]

Dear Her2+family,

Thanks so much for all your support and kind wishes. It was a big day for me in the chemo room - I sent in lunch for my onc. and the nurses and they were so appreciative. I don't have to go back for 3 months, I wonder how I'm going to feel 3 Thursdays from now when I don't have to go down for the infusion - Ha, probably great.

I had my Mom and DD with me today - we went out for a nice lunch afterwards, but I will do something bigger this weekend.
Dhealey - yeah the diamond necklace idea sounds fabulous - I could use some new jewels...and I certainly deserve it after everything I've been through.

Krista - congrats to you on tomorrow. Enjoy it.

all the best
caya

[swimangel72]

Congratulations Caya!! I'm so happy for you!

[lexigirl]

Caya,

Congratulations!! I am very happy for you!! While I felt a little insecure at finishing the herceptin txs, I felt such joy to not be making so many trips to the hospital!! It sounds like you had a nice day with your family. I hope you do continue your celebration into the weekend, too!!

Hugs,
Lexi

[Jackie07]

Congratulations to both Caya and Krista (tomorrow).

[SoCalGal]

Caya-

In 1997 I finished my treatment for breast cancer. I remember calling my best friend in Denver- telling her I was officially released from chemo-hell. I wanted to go to school and pick up my kids and go celebrate. She said "go to the jewelry store and buy yourself something". I still wear that diamond and gold heart necklace today.

It was strange being released from cancer-world but I've got to say I lived my life as if I was cured and just didn't worry. I guess in my heart of hearts I felt cured and I believed I was so I lived that way. I did my follow up appointments with the surgeon and the oncologist and the radiologist so I was seen several times each year. I did the mammograms and self exams but I just knew I was fine. I really lived as if I was cured and I hope that you will do the same. I did not have an online community but did have a UCLA support group which I stopped attending once I was done with treatment. There will be some times when the worry sneaks up on you but I hope you will stay strong and enjoy being past cancer-world. By the way - when I was first diagnosed it was the olden days - no herceptin so I think you really are cured! Congratulations and xxoo
--Flori

[Vanessa]

Congratulations on finishing your Herceptin treatment. I have been on Herceptin for 2 years on June 15th. When I finished my taxotere initially, I felt much better. Even Herceptin by itself is not so bad. Good luck on your new journey. I will still be praying for you.