Palliative Care... this time 'numerous' brain metastases...

[hermiracles]

Hello my Sisters and Brothers.... I'm home again from another stay in Palliative Care... which again has been good for me. It's just unfortunate that the first time I was there they found 'numerous' lung metastases and this time 'multiple' cerebral metastases! Not much 'good' news but the care is very good!

I'm still getting around with my wheely walker and enjoying spending time with hubby and our beautifull bub-bubs.

On the 3rd October I am booked to go to Brisbane for raditation therapy to my (whole) brain. We may be there about 2 weeks and then home hopefully to commence on Tykerb/Xeloda -- thats the plan actually - we'll see what else the Higher Power has planned for us! ;-)

I've looked a little bit into the difference between whole brain vs (is it?) cyberknife... the Docs reckon there is some reason why whole brain would be better for me and besides the wait for cyberknife is a lot longer and I dont know if I have that much longer??? One day at a time :-)

I read here everyday when I can - dont get much chance to post - but I really appreciate everyone's courage and knowledge and humour!

Have had an interesting time processing some (extended) family dramas - coming out the other side - it helps spending time with old friends and listening to my bubbas laugh as the wind blows on their faces.

Blessings all
Hermiracles

PS Im still trying to figure out how to set up a photo album here, for myself - if anyone has any quicktips that would be great! LUVYAS!

[Mary Jo]

Sending you my love and care. Thank you for taking the time to post. You are so special.

Hugs and love,

Mary Jo

[Mary Anne in TX]

What a precious blessing you are, mother to miracle bubbas! I miss your frequent notes and questions and comments because you are such a terrific YOU! Sometimes I think of you with those little guys and wonder at how lucky they are to have you for their mom. I can invision the twinkle in your eyes as you watch their antics throughout the day. I keep you in my prayers and thoughts as you continue to be a brave, determined warrior. Much love and wishes for smooth sailing. ma

[hermiracles]

Well thank you sisters for taking the time to reply! ~ life sure can get hectic sometimes eh? 'specially when you are trying to relax!


I think I made myself an album - i'm not too sure?? - but Im going to try and post an image from it about our breast cancer awareness day - see what happens:

http://her2support.org/vbulletin/picture.php?albumid=15&pictureid=43

Oh - my - it looks like it actually worked!! LOL! Just to share Sisters - thanks so much for being here.

Blessings always
Hermiracles

[Sheila]

Hermiracles
And your little bubbas are just that...sending you much love, hope and strength for this next part of your journey...hoping you recover quickly and have more time to enjoy your little miracles! Sending prayers and love.

[WomanofSteel]

Sending you prayers for a successful treatment and a quick recovery. Your bubbas are beautiful enjoy each precious moment with them.

[Yorkiegirl]

Sending lot's of prayers your way, and praying for successful treatment for you.

[tricia keegan]

I really hope this new tx zaps those brain mets asap, we'll all be thinking of you and hoping for positive results.

[hutchibk]

I would agree with what your doc has planned... the sooner the better! Lots of love and best wishes!

[hermiracles]

Thanks Brenda and everyone! Yes I wish I was starting the Tykerb/Xeloda tomorrow - well last week actually! but apparently it can react with the R/T so I have to have that 1st.

Definitely the sooner the better! So grateful you folks are around!

Blessings all
Hermiracles

[Becca]

Thinking of you dear sister with my prayers and love. Thanks for keeping us posted, your life with the babies is interesting to so many of us, and we are supporting you with lots of hope and concern. Becca

[sassy]

Wishing you much joy and happiness with your little miracles and much success on your next treatment journey.

Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

[Patb]

Sending healing thoughts down to you. I hope the
treatment comes sooner than later and much success
with it. Your babies are beautiful. Take care.
patb

[Jean]

Good to hear from you and see those photos of your beautiful babies...sending you huge hugs and much love with prayers....

Regards,
Jean

[Bill]

Hermiracles, we've been thinking about you and praying for you! It's always a bright spot in my day to see a picture of your bubba's. You are truly blessed.

[eric]

Hermiracles, my thoughts are with you for a successful and easy kill of those nasty little cancer cells. I agree, your bubba's are adorable! Eric

[Gerri]

Hermiracles,

Those beautiful babies must bring you such joy. I hope this new combo is the answer to your prayers.

Take good care,

[Tom]

Dear Hermiracles,

It sure sounds like you've got your hands full right now. It's time for all out war (a "surge" of sorts) on your pesky HER2. I would suggest you go after it on a systemic level, since you seem to have multiple mets sites. I truly believe that the the most helpful nutritional/alternative therapies I have read about and used are the supplement curcumin to promote apoptosis of abnormal cells, and the powerful ability of EGCG in green tea to downregulate HER2 overexpression.

The absolutely best available curcumin supplement is Life Extension's Super Curcumin. It contains the highest concentration of the active ingredient. Take three capsules daily with food. Life Extension's Mega Green Tea Extract (decaffeinated) also has more EGCG than any other I have seen. Take three capsules daily. These are both available online at www. LEF.org.

Again, drinking as much fresh-brewed green tea is important along with the supplements. You should brew it using decaffeinated tea bags, with the addition of one regular (non-decaffeinated) bag in each batch. The EGCG is reported to work more effectively in the presence of some caffeine. Do not add lemon.

Please note that there is scientific evidence to suggest that curcumin may radio-sensitize malignant cells, making them more susceptible to destruction by radiation therapy. Many physicians dispute this point, and suggest that you not use it during R/T as it is a powerful anti-oxidant. This is between you and your radiation oncologist, but perhaps you can ask them to do the research before they make a recommendation. The green tea and green tea extracts are also anti-oxidants, but I say drink it now, and drink it often.

My only other advice is that you follow the diets offered on this site by R.B. and others that focus on foods. Olive oil and other foods that contain Omega-9 fatty acid are very effective in downregulation of HER2.

Keep up your great spirit. We are all praying for you.


Sincerely,
Tom

[Catherine]

Hermiracles,

Thinking of you and your cute little bubs. Hoping that your treatments will help kick the you know what out of the bad bugs. Power to you and your family. Lots of love and hugs sailing on the winds south to you.

Catherine

[juanita]

lots of hugs and prayers coming your way!

[Joan M]

Hermiracles,

Sorry that I missed this post.

I'm glad to hear that you'll be getting treated for your brain mets and will also be starting Tykerb and Xeloda.

The palliative care seems to work well for you and hopefully you will not need it soon.

Sending you lots of good vibes and prayers.

Joan

[jones7676]

I hope the treatment goes smoothly without too many problems and that it is highly successful....sending you "positive health vibes".

[hermiracles]

Hello my friends ~ thanks so much for your lovely replies and support. It really makes a difference to me.

Im off to Palliative Care and then Radiation Oncology and will keep talking with Docs - I think at this stage I will continue with this latest plan - WBR (over 10 days) followed by Tykerb/Xeloda.

Im taking in so much that you have shared with me and will post again in group when I get myself set up in the next hospital! LOL!

Blessings all
Hermiracles (Marilyn ;-))
So blessed to be a member of this group. So grateful I found yous.

[Mary Anne in TX]

Marilyn, I'll keep praying for ya! They'd better treat you really good! Tell them we all said you are one very special lady! Tons of love and hope sent to you down under, ma

[lexigirl]

I am hopeful that you are going to do well with your tx. I am happy that they are taking good care of you. Enjoy your beautiful babies. I love to see their smiling little faces.

Hugs,
Lexi

[BonnieR]

Dear Marilyn (I've wondered what your name was!), thank you for sharing the images from the Breast Cancer Awareness Day project. It looks to be an active support group you have there.
I hope you will soon be posting updates from your latest treatment.
Keep the faith.

[janieR]

Dear Marilyn

I am also thinking of you and also sending you good health vibes.

You certainly are one special lady.

Janie