Herceptin and Stage IV 5 year mark!!!!

[Sheila]

As I see the many posts on this board, I am constantly reminded of how far treatment has advanced in 5 years....this month marks 5 years for me as a stage IV BC survivor......and more important, 5 years of Herceptin, which has truly given me this 5 years. When I was diagnosed almost 7 years ago, the only way to receive Herceptin was as a Stage IV metastatic Breast Cancer Patient....How times have changed for the better!!!! Although it seems that I need other agents to be added to maintain this disease, I am thankful that there is something new around the corner. I found out yesterday that the Trastuzamab/DM1 trial will be at my hospital in Chicago within the next 4-6 weeks....I am excited as I see how well others are responding.

[Jackie07]

That's wonderful! I am excited for you. Please keep us posted.

[Rich66]

Congrats!
And let it be said you are a very generous and considerate survivor.

[Mary Anne in TX]

What a good reminder to all of us. It's so easy to let our mind wander to the what ifs rather than cling to the hopes of what's new and possible! Thanks for sharing your story! ma

[tricia keegan]

Many congratulations on your fifth year, what an achievement:) I think so many of us can give thanks to herceptin!
I hope you get the chance to celebrate this milestone and will be watching for your updates on the trial drug.
I'm sipping a nice chilled very dry white wine as I type this and toasting your good health my friend:)
Slainte!

[chrisy]

sheilacongratulations on yet another milestone! proof again that canser may be tough, but you are tougher.sounds like we may be run dmc sisters soon. this could be a great option for you since you have responded so well to herceptin. hope this works out for you. its not completely benign but much easier than the stuff you've been on lately.keep us posted!

[WomanofSteel]

Sheila glad to hear you hit the 5 year mark, may you have many, many more. It would be great if you could get in on the trial when it comes near you. I will keep my fingers crossed.

[LAURIE]

what great celebrations we have been having. Yahoo to you and us for having you a a part of this board.

['lizbeth]

Sheila,

I'm happy that you are able to celebrate such a great milestone. Wishing you many years in the future of good health!

'lizbeth

[micheleu]

CONGRATS!!!! Wow, stage 4 and 5 years, that's quite amazing! We should somehow get a researcher to check me and yours tumor's to see if there is something in common that is keeping us going!! I truly believe there is a missing protein they haven't found yet.

[Joan M]

Sheila,

Congratulations on your 5-year mark! You are an inspiration.

Joan

[StephN]

Dear Sheila -
Welcome to the 5-year club, whether it be as stage IV or for using Herceptin. http://her2support.org/vbulletin/images/icons/icon7.gif

It is sort of a strangly euphoric feeling to know that we have been kicking the "beast's" shins for this long. There is a sort of wave of power when we think about that.

I really hope you can qualify for that DM1 "super Herceptin" trial! And I know you are getting with the program now ...

Now go get that CHOCOLATE drink of your choice and hoist it high!

[Mary Jo]

So much to be thankful for Sheila.....I'm rejoicing with my sister Harley momma!http://her2support.org/vbulletin/images/icons/icon7.gif

Love and many blessings,

Mary Jo

[Gerri]

Shelia,

You truly are an amazing warrior and an inspiration to us all. You are always there to cheer others on - it is our turn to cheer for you!

Bravo!!!

[DonnaD]

Sheila,
We should have celebrated on Sunday. I am so excited that Rush will soon be having Trastuzamab/DM1. And I know who will be ready and the first one to sign up.

Congrats on your 5 year mark. You are such and inspriation and support to me and all on this site. Thank you dear friend.
Donna

[PinkGirl]

Thanks for that reminder Sheila - there are always new things for
us to try and now, right when you need it, the DM1 is opening in
Chicago. Perfect timing!

Congrats to you SheilaGirl. You are so kind and helpful to all of us
while you are fighting your own battle. If we get any more good
news this week, Tricia in Ireland will need another bottle of white
wine!

[hutchibk]

Congrats my friend! Quite simply, you rock!

[Faith in Him]

Congrats, Shelia. I admire your courage.

Hugs,
Tonya

[mimiflower07]

hi Sheila
You are another of my great hero's. It sometimes is so hard to believe that herceptin can be taken this long and continue to work its magic. I hope it continues for a very long time....You are always so positive and encouraging. I think of you often hoping that the next DM trial will be easier on you.
all my love.Congrat...5 five!!!
Suzanne

[jones7676]

Congratulations Sheila! Please send me an email when it gets to Chicago. I'm hoping Northwestern will have it and they could possibly help me too.

[Patb]

Congratulations Shelia and best of luck with the
study. Take care and I will be thinking of you and
wishing you the best.
patb