I'm losing Caryn :(

[eric]

My heart is breaking as I'm writing this but Caryn is not doing well at all. Her liver has not recovered as hoped and since she hasn't been able to have any treatment the cancer has now taken the problem to a whole new level. She's been in the hospital since Tuesday so they could manage the pain and horrible bloating. She's disoriented from the drugs and her liver failure and I'm having a hard time not continuing the fight. I know her liver can't handle any chemo but I wonder if there's another targeted drug that could possibly offer a miracle that we so desperately need. They told me once before that the fight was over but we continued anyway and to their surprise, she's still here four months later.
Honestly, I'm torn...do I look again for a miracle or are we so far gone that I just accept that there is battle is over and lost????
I HATE the idea of losing her. She's the center of my kids universe and for 20+ years she's been my universe.
She's an amazing person and I can't bear the thought of her not being around. This SUCKS!!!!!!!

[Leslie's sister]

Oh Eric, I've no medical advice to offer, (though I have no doubt that someone in this amazing group does), but I will offer up my prayers for Caryn and for you. What a wonderful, supportive husband you are to your precious Caryn.

I'm so sorry but have faith that our God can do anything!

Lisa

[caya]

Eric, I can only offer my prayers and hopes for Caryn, you and your family.

all the best
caya (Caryn)

[Tom]

Hang in there Eric. Remember that no matter what or where the eventual outcome, she needs you now more than ever. You have to continue to be her strength, even when it seems she has none. This is why you have been there all along, and why you must be there now. I am praying for you and Caryn.


Tom

[Patb]

My heart goes out to you and I only hope for a
miracle. Maybe someone knows of a treatment.
My prayers are with you.
patb

[Shobha]

Dear Eric,

I can feel your sadness - it really is so cruel. I am praying as hard as I can for Caryn and wishing hard for another miracle.

Prayers continue.
shobha

[kimber]

Eric - I am at a loss for words. I am so very sorry. I send you both love and prayers.

I ask myself why???? Why can't a cure be found. God bless Eric.

Kim

[Mary Anne in TX]

Oh, Eric, I'm so very sorry that Caryn is doing so badly. My heart breaks for all that you and your family endure right now. It is so frustrating that so many answers are so unclear and so painful. I send my best wishes and prayers for your miracle. ma

[chrisy]

Hang in there Eric. Remember that no matter what or where the eventual outcome, she needs you now more than ever. You have to continue to be her strength, even when it seems she has none. This is why you have been there all along, and why you must be there now. I am praying for you and Caryn.


Tom

Eric, I am so sorry I have no answers. Tom, and you, have said it all. It sucks, and your job is to love and support Caryn while your heart is breaking. I'm praying for you both, too.

Much love
Chris

[Becky]

Eric

I'm thinking and praying for Caryn, your children and you. You have been a gallant fighter for your family throughout this horrible ordeal. My heart aches for you at this difficult time.

[Gerri]

Oh Eric,

I can feel your profound sadness at the thought of losing your precious Caryn. I am saying prayers for strength to get you and your family through this difficult time. Treasure every moment. Stay strong.

Much love,

[Yorkiegirl]

Eric I am so very, very sorry that read that Caryn is declining more and more. I can offer prayers during this most difficult time.

[lexigirl]

Dear Eric,

I am so very sorry to read that your dear Caryn is not doing well. Please know that I am sure right now, that you and the children are her best medicine. You are an awesome husband. I am still praying that Caryn may turn around and regain normal liver function.

Please send her gentle hugs and prayers,
Lexi

[ElaineM]

Eric,
I am so sorry to read your e-mail. There must be a cancer/liver specialist somewhere who knows about cancer medicines that do not affect the liver. There are cancer medicines that do not affect the liver. None of the cancer medicines I took affected my liver, but then again that might be because I have taken milk thistle daily which protects the liver for over 10 years. I never had liver mets either. Are there any integrative medicine docs (docs who practice conventional and complementary medicine) in your area who might be able to suggest something.
In the meantime I am sending positive vibes and saying a prayer for you and Caryn and your family. Hang in there Eric. You are Caryn's strength when she doesn't seem to have any.

[tricia keegan]

Eric, I wish had some words or advice to give comfort but I can only keep you both in my thoughts and prayer's..stay strong.

[BonnieR]

Eric, I feel your anguish and the sense of powerlessness. I have no medical suggestions but I will add my prayers. God bless.

[Faith in Him]

Eric,

My heart hurts for you and your family. I will continue to pray for a miracle.

Tonya

[jml]

Praying for you & your children, but most of all for Caryn.
What a horribly frightening time for all of you. I so hope that
you are able to find some intervention that brings peace & comfort.
Stay strong for Caryn, Ed.
And when you can't, lean hard.
We are all here to support you.

Keep the Faith~

Jessica

[Pam P]

Eric I am so pained to read your message about Caryn. I pray for a miracle and more time and for strength and peace for you all.

[Mary Jo]

Oh dear sweet Eric...my heart is hurting so badly for you now and I type this with tears in my eyes. I so wish I could do something or say something to make the pain all go away.

I can and will pray for you and Caryn all day......asking for that miracle.......and then leaving it with the One who knows our tomorrows and promises to never leave us or forsake us.

Gentle hugs to you Eric.....my prayers surround you and Caryn.

Peace

Mary Jo

[Barbara H.]

Hi Eric,
You have fought so hard for Caryn and I have been so impressed with your posts and how they reflected your loving care for her and your children. My heart goes out to you and your family. Please know that all of you are continually in my thoughts.
Barbara H.

[AbbyDawg]

Dear Eric ~

Your battle certainly has not been lost. You and Caryn have fought with the dignity and grace of legends past. Cancer didn't win, the battle isn't lost -- but perhaps it is time for Caryn to move on to her life of peace and wait for you.

Her pain ends but her peace begins. Your pain becomes deeper but your life has been richer for the loving and the fighting together.

[WomanofSteel]

Eric, I echo the words of Abbydawg. I have no miracle cure or great words of wisdom. I just offer my prayers to you and your family and Caryn. You are truly a blessing to her.

[Les]

Thinking and praying for you and Caryn, I am so sorry that you have to go through this. It does suck!!!!!!!!

[charlotte]

Please add my prayers to the list.. Please , also take care of yourself..Charlotte

[sassy]

Eric,

I am holding Caryn, you and your family in my heart and prayers. May God give you comfort, strength, peace and understanding.

[StephN]

Dear Eric -

I know how hard you have fought to hold Caryn up and help her keep going. She has done so much already, but the cancer inches forward anyway.

If it were my case, I would leave it up to Caryn whether there is anything more she wants to try. If she is in the hospital, it seems that no study drug could be adminstered there, unless it is actually a cancer center.

My prayers are fervent that she is comfortable and comforted. That goes for you and the children. Words just can't describe the heartache you all have, and the sorrow we feel is only a penny's worth.

[Ceesun]

I am thinking of you and yours. Ceesun

[Tom]

Eric,

I saw Joe's mention of a new drug called neratinib on this thread, and I found an article about it online. Wyeth is a drug company here in PA. It looked promising in it's trials so far. It seems that it acts on intracellular end of the receptors of the HER2 cell, whereas Herceptin acts on the extracellular end. I don't know if Caryn would qualify for their upcoming Phase III trial. Here's the link:

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/152211.php (http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/152211.php)

Tom

[RhondaH]

no medical advise, but LOTS of prayers:( Take care and God bless.

['lizbeth]

Eric,

Your love for Caryn is an incredible gift. We all share your pain in this terribly difficult time. I will add my prayers to the rest for a miracle for your family. That God will send the right person with the expertise to give your Caryn another chance.

'lizbeth

[lkc Gumby]

I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR OF THIS. I pray that Caryn is at peace and comfortable., You are all im my prayers.

[Cal-Gal]

Eric,

A love like the two of you share, transcends all time and space.

I will pray for a miracle for Caryn.

[Paty]

Eric,

I am praying for you both. Hang in there and do not let God´s hand go.

Paty

[mmoons]

Praying for you both, Eric

[Tom]

Eric,

Here is the link and full text of Wyeth's Phase III study that is now enrolling patients all over the country. Make sure to click on the link further down the webpage that says "Show 111 Study Locations", to find the site nearest to you.

http://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT00777101 (http://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT00777101)


Study Evaluating Neratinib vs Lapatinib Plus Capecitabine for ErbB2 Positive Advanced Breast Cancer
This study is currently recruiting participants.
Verified by Wyeth, June 2009
First Received: October 21, 2008 Last Updated: June 16, 2009 History of Changes (http://her2support.org/ct2/archive/NCT00777101)
Sponsored by: Wyeth
Information provided by: WyethClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00777101
http://her2support.org/ct2/html/images/frame/triangle.gif Purpose This is a study of an experimental drug (neratinib) versus a combination of drugs (lapatinib and capecitabine) in women who have erbB-2 (HER-2) positive metastatic or locally advanced breast cancer. The goal of this study is to compare the two regimens in shrinking tumors and extending the lives of women with erbB2 (HER2) positive breast cancer. The study will also compare the safety of the two regimens and to compare quality of life of patients taking the two regimens.


Condition (http://her2support.org/ct2/help/conditions_desc) Intervention (http://her2support.org/ct2/help/interventions_desc) Phase (http://her2support.org/ct2/help/phase_desc) Advanced Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer
Drug: Neratinib
Drug: Lapatinib plus Capecitabine
Phase III


Study Type:InterventionalStudy Design:Treatment, Randomized, Open Label, Parallel Assignment, Safety/Efficacy StudyOfficial Title:A Phase 3 Randomized Open-Label Study of Neratinib Versus Lapatinib Plus Capecitabine for the Treatment of ErbB-2 Positive Locally Advanced or Metastatic Breast Cancer
Resource links provided by NLM:

Genetics Home Reference (http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/) related topics: breast cancer (http://her2support.org/ct2/bye/mQoPWw4lZXcilwpxudhWudNzlXNiZip90dcx5Q1PedcO9BUyzB 1gWBcGuBcHS.)
MedlinePlus (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/) related topics: Breast Cancer (http://her2support.org/ct2/bye/WQoPWw4lZX-i-iSxudhWudNzlXNiZip9m67PvQ7xzwhaLwS9pwNHkw-P0B7x061nuQoPmdt.) Cancer (http://her2support.org/ct2/bye/uQoPWw4lZX-i-iSxudhWudNzlXNiZip9m67PvQ7xzwhaLwS90B7x061nuQoPmdt .)
Drug Information (http://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/drugportal.jsp) available for: Capecitabine (http://her2support.org/ct2/bye/GQoPWw4lZXcPSi7iedN6ZXNxvdDxuQ7Ju6c9cXcPSi7iEd-yWB7EZ6o35Q1yzB-VuQUgEscxkd789VcGE67geihGpQ7xz.) Lapatinib (http://her2support.org/ct2/bye/YQoPWw4lZXcPSi7iedN6ZXNxvdDxuQ7Ju6c9cXcPSi7iEd-yWB7EZ6o35Q1yzB-VuQUgEscxkd789ChGEB1PedNzp.) Lapatinib Ditosylate (http://her2support.org/ct2/bye/gQoPWw4lZXcPSi7iedN6ZXNxvdDxuQ7Ju6c9cXcPSi7iEd-yWB7EZ6o35Q1yzB-VuQUgEscxkd789ChGEB1PedNzpIWPeih9FT7akih8.) HKI-272 (http://her2support.org/ct2/bye/tQoPWw4lZXcPSi7iedN6ZXNxvdDxuQ7Ju6c9cXcPSi7iEd-yWB7EZ6o35Q1yzB-VuQUgEscxkd789DjmyXCn-RJ.)
U.S. FDA Resources (http://her2support.org/ct2/info/fdalinks)


Further study details as provided by Wyeth:


Primary Outcome Measures:

Progression Free Survival [ Time Frame: 16 Week ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]


Secondary Outcome Measures:

Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events [CTCAE] V3 [ Time Frame: Subject's duration on active portion of the study. ] [ Designated as safety issue: Yes ]


Estimated Enrollment:1000Study Start Date:November 2008Estimated Study Completion Date:November 2013Estimated Primary Completion Date:November 2013 (Final data collection date for primary outcome measure)Arms (http://her2support.org/ct2/help/arm_group_desc)Assigned Interventions (http://her2support.org/ct2/help/interventions_desc)A: Experimental Neratinib

Drug: Neratinib B: Active Comparator Lapatinib plus Capecitabine
Drug: Lapatinib plus Capecitabine




http://her2support.org/ct2/html/images/frame/triangle.gif Eligibility

Ages Eligible for Study: 18 Years and olderGenders Eligible for Study: FemaleAccepts Healthy Volunteers: NoCriteria

Potential subjects should have/be:

Stage IIIB, IIIC, or IV erbB2 (HER2) positive breast cancer
Prior use of Herceptin (trastuzumab), an anthracycline, and a taxane
Adequate cardiac and renal function
Potential subjects should not have:

More than 2 prior Herceptin (trastuzumab) regimens or prior use of Xeloda (capecitabine) and / or Tykerb (lapatinib) [Tyverb]
Bone or skin as the only site of disease
Active central nervous system metastases (subjects should be stable and off anticonvulsants and steroids)
Sigificant gastrointestinal disorder with diarrhea as major symptom

[schoolteacher]

Eric,

I am so sorry to hear about Karen. I will be praying for her, you, and your children.

Amelia

[karenann]

Oh Eric... I am so very sorry to hear this news. I will pray for a miracle and for peace and strength.
Karen

[Soccermom]

Praying for you both...
Marcia

[Believe51]

Eric, I cry as I write to you tonight and I feel no words I say could bring you comfort. We too have searched for options as our circumstances greatly resemble the place you are at. We too are in a race against time and all I can say is I feel so deeply for Caryn and your family. I do have recent research but Caryn has been too sick to continue with what treatment she was on.

As a spouse of a breast cancer Warrior myself I can only say this. I will never accept that the battle is over; but I must accept the fact that he is slowly slipping away and when his body cannot withstand treatment anymore....when his quality of life becomes more hindered, painful or unsatisfying.....he has one more time to ask himself if he can continue. Even if he can continue, is there something that can help? It is the sadest and toughest things I have ever had to live through. I have been told by Warriors whom I have since lost, that you know when your body is telling you those things. Even when we know, sometimes we chose not to listen. I have promised I would listen to what he needs and what his body is telling him. How can I not, he knows best what his body is saying and how far he can push it.

In my eyes Eric, Caryn will have never lost her battle. The cancer just became bigger than her! She has been so courageous and fought with grace and dignity. Caryn has taught me so much about living and fighting. Her journey has been that of a true Warrior, a battle that has been difficult, but a battle I will never say she lost.

I pray for a miracle for her, I pray for her comfort. I am speechless as the emotions you are feeling are the same I try to make sense out of myself. From where I sit, I am not so sure there are any right answers. I do know that I trust my heart and when my mind cannot answer these questions, I will look deep into my heart for the answers.

I am thinking about your entire family as I still cry and hurt along with you....as I still know none of my words can express how I feel. I hold your hand Eric for it is all I can do. Lots of love.>>Believe51

[Bill]

As always, you are both in my thoughts and prayers, Eric. You guys hang in there.

[michka]

Dear Eric. I feel so sad. It took me some time to be able to write after reading your post. I share your pain and I send you love and hugs. Caryn fought so much that I hope she can now find some comfort and I still pray for a miracle. Michka

[janieR]

Dear Eric,

It has also taken me sometime to write after reading your post as
I just did not know what to say. I feel so sad for you and your family. I hope Caryn has some comfort and am still praying for a miracle for her.

You are in my thoughts and prayers.


Janie

[Chelee]

Hi Eric, I am at a loss for words...my heart breaks for both of you. I will continue to keep you both in my thoughts and prayers...hang in there.

Chelee

[suzan w]

Eric, I can offer only prayers for you, Caryn and your family. I know that your extended 'family' here cries with you.

[Andrea Barnett Budin]

Dear Eric,

I am broken hearted to read your post. You and Caryn have put up such an admirable fight all this time. Your love is radiant. We can all see it and feel it. It is palpable. And beautiful. You have been her rock and I know you will continue to be till the very end. You are quite a man. It is an honor to know you.

I remain full of prayers for Caryn and for you, and of course for your children. I wish I could find the words to express what is in my heart, but they are unspeakable.

I wish comfort for Caryn's pain, and am still open to a passing miracle. Just can't ever give up. It's in my DNA I think. If only I had a suggestion, but loving prayers are all I have to offer. So sorry. I would like to put my arms around you and hold you close, so you might know how deeply I want to be there for you. I am with you, for what that is worth. Many hearts are with you I know...

[Lori R]

Dear Eric,
My heart aches for you and your family. These are certainly difficult times.

Caryn is so fortunate to have a husband that feels she meant the world to him. I am sure you've told Caryn this but you'd be surprised how often us women love to hear such beautiful thoughts again, and again, and again.

Have you walked through a list of all the wonderful things the two have you have accomplished together? Beautiful children, funny moments, sad moments where you were there for each other, adventures you took together.

While pursuing the latest in treatments is important...reminding ourselves of our good works can also be good medicine.

Just a thought along with other positive thoughts coming your way.....Love, Lori

[Diane H]

Am so so sorry Eric, wishing comfort and peace, strength for both of you. This is a hard road to walk.
Sending prayers through the tears,
Diane

[hermiracles]

Prayers of love and comfort for all of you Eric.
Blessings
Hermiracles

[Jackie07]

Eric,

Chinese believe that husband and wife meet each other based on the encounters in their previous life. The ending of life does not end the relationship since it could continue into the next life.

The love you've shared with Caryn will never 'die'. It will stay with you, with your children, and with all of us who have witnessed it in the past years.

Thank you for being strong for her and for all of us.

[Andrea Barnett Budin]

Yes, yes! The Soul lives on. It passes on, to the Spiritual Realm. It is eternal. Even the death of a one's body does not mean a person is gone. Their story goes on, on a different plane. And one day, you will be together again. The end is not the end. It is a pause (brief in the scheme of Time).

I find that comforting. And I believe it with all my heart.

Eric, you will never lose Caryn. I know you carry her with you wherever you go now, and you will continue to do that, no matter what...

With my love,

ANDI

[CindyE]

Eric,
I lift up prayers of peace and comfort to you and Caryn. May God hear our prayers and give you the strength to endure. I am so proud of Caryn. I am so proud of you as a wonderful supportive husband during this battle. Please take comfort in all our support of you both.

[Rendi69CA]

I will pray for you and your family.

[Terri B]

Eric,

Prayers for your strength, and for Caryn's comfort as you go through this.

I will speak for the dozens of lurkers who have read this and are praying for you as well. I know they are there, I feel them!

[MJo]

I agree with Lori. A good husband is a blessing for a women...sometimes even a miracle. God's the one in charge here. Take good care of yourself. You don't want to get sick. I'm sending up a prayer for you and your family.

[CLTann]

It is hard to express my sorrow after learning the bad news. Hope both of you, in some way, find peace and tranquility. I am praying for both of you.

[Sheila]

Eric
I am so sad to read your post, but never give up....you have both been blessed with each other, and we all have you in our hearts and in our prayers right now....I wish you both love and peace at this time.

[vickie h]

My dear Eric and family,
Your love for each other has been and will continue to be your refuge, your strength and your hope. I am broken-hearted to learn of this news, though I know Caryn will always be there with you..she will never leave you, not even for an instant. I write this through tears as I cry out for a miracle for your family.
I am there beside you, along with everyone here, holding your hand and whispering prayers for Caryn's comfort.
Your love has carried you through many journeys and it will carry you through this one.
I pray for a miracle today.
Love,
vickie

[Joan M]

Eric,

My heart goes out to you, Caryn and your children. I'm praying for a miracle for Caryn. She is giving it a good fight.

Joan

[Barbara2]

Praying for God's strength and comfort for both of you. With God all good is possible.

[Catherine]

Dear Eric,

Hugs and love to you and Caryn and your children. We all want peace and comfort for you and your family. What a wonderful husband you are, I am sure that Caryn feels your presence and your love. Keep up the good work, but get a little rest if you can so that you can keep going. We will all keep praying and sending our love to you and Caryn.

Catherine

[Joe]

Eric,

Sorry to take so long to reply to your post.

Caryn will be in our prayers daily.

Hugs, Love and Light,

Christine and joe

[Jean]

Dear Eric,
I am heartbroken to hear this news. It is difficult to accept. You, Caryn and you're family have been so
strong and brave. Please know my prayers are with
for continued strength and yes a powerful miracle.

Jean

[Faith in Him]

Renewed prayers for a miracle for Caryn.

[Kavy]

Eric,
I am so sorry. Sending special prayers for peace, comfort, and strength for Caryn, for you and for your children. I am also praying for a miracle.
A big hug.
KarlaV.

[flynny]

I am praying for you both. Please stay strong and know that we are here for you!

[Cannon]

You and Caryn are both tremendous fighters. You are lucky to have found each other, and your love will endure. Sending love to you and your family,
Rebecca