Thanks

[jones7676]

I just wanted to thank all of you for the opinions that just because one doctor is out of ideas etc. does not mean I have to give up. It was what I needed to hear.

My brain surgeon called me yesterday as I had not recieved the info from him directly nor seen the report and he was wonderful. He even suggested that I check into another program he knows about and I am calling back to his office today to ensure my look-up was right! He also viewed me as a "fighter" and seemed surprized at the attitude of my doctor toward my treatment.

He confirmed the met surgically removed was clear and that the swelling symptoms I was experiencing were normal. The met that has grown slightly that is close to it is the bugger that made me feel like it is growing again as it has swelling. The little one on the right has grown a bit more tho...it seems like the right side of me (brain and lung met) is after me the hardest for whatever reason.

I'd be lying if I didn't tell you that I'm scared etc. But, I just don't want to give up hope. I am researching and studying etc.

Once again I just want to tell all of you that I appreciate all your assistance, information and any reading my posts....sorry I am not sure whether or not it is time to give up? I don't feel like it is but I can't help but wonder if I'm just being unrealistic and can't face it.

It means a lot for me.....just help me keep hoping for the best and I'll post as I find out info.

Thanks for caring!

[Sheila]

Barb
You ARE a fighter.....your history shows it....sending prayers that the right combo will be found so you can relax and spend your time enjoying life instead of researching....
Sending love and a big hug!

[StephN]

Hi Barb -
Very glad to hear that at least ONE of your doctors contacted you with some encouragement. Keep your appt at Northwestern, especially now that you have a clearer explanation of your scan report.

Or, have you been to Mayo? Seems that you did, but not sure.

From personal experience I KNOW that they really have a hard time discerning the difference between inflammation and tumor growth. My brain surgeon learned something from me when what he thought was regrowth in same area turned out to be 100% necrosis.
I am praying the same for you and the swelling will decrease soon.

[Carolyns]

Barb,

We are here for you and it sounds like your brain surgeon thinks you have options. You are a fighter and you do have hope so hold on to it and keep moving forward.

Most of the metsters are living in uncharted territory. We must make our own way often and it is more scary than anyone can imagine.

I pray that you continue to find the strength and wisdom to pick the path that is best for you.

Love, Hope, Peace,
Carolyn

[CourtneyL]

Sending you love and hugs! You are a fighter and I pray for you to have strength to keep going. You will win!

[jones7676]

Thanks Steph,

I have considered Mayo clinic as well....I just can feel that I don't have too long to wait or it will be growing wildly - I can feel it literally.

And to continue,

I went online today and checked on RFA, IMRT etc. for the lung part as well as some of the info from the San Antonio Breast Center Symposium etc.

I'm leaving a copy with my current onc as they have at least agreed to give me my Herceptin this Thursday to possibly help me while I'm away. I'm also hoping my Dr. in Chicago will also be willing to address them with me.

Heck, to be honest I have more fear right now than I had before brain surgery - I just feel like enough hasn't been done to get those darn lung mets under control. I'm pretty sure that they will not do Gamma Knife unless they are behaving.

I'm just coming on here and posting feelings and info as I experience them...thank goodness for all of you putting up with me.

[Jackie07]

Barb,

We are here for each other. You have helped many by being youself and revealing to us your Her-2 story and sharing with us your feelings.

Just remember what Churchill had said during WWII - "Never, never, never give up..."