Stage 1V NED for good after one treatment?

[dawny]

Hi all
I was just wondering if any Stage 1V's became NED after their first treatments, and then stayed NED forever. Or am I being too too hopeful, and Stage 1V means it WILL come back? (does this make sense?)

Always hopeful
Dawn

[Mtngrl]

Dear Dawn,

Technically, Stage IV is incurable, but some 2 to 3% of people in Stage IV go into permanent remission. Barbara Bradfield, one of the first women to get Herceptin, is still alive and NED after almost 20 years. She was Stage IV in 1992 when she joined the clinical trial. (She was portrayed by Bernadette Peters in the movie "Living Proof," which is about the development of Herceptin.)

http://her2support.org/community/member-stories/216-barbaras-10th-anniversary-page (http://her2support.org/vbulletin/../community/member-stories/216-barbaras-10th-anniversary-page)

Maybe that will be true for you. There's no reason to think otherwise, given your awesome response so far. You won't know unless and until you live to be 112 and die from something else. But you've certainly gotten a good start. Good for you!

All the best,
Amy

[KDR]

Hi, Dawny,
I was NED after six months on my first regimen of Taxol/Herceptin. Shortly thereafter, I had some progression in the liver. The other areas, though, are still gone, inactive, whatever. That means that after six months, the cancer was deactivated in the breast and lymph, but some spots (none new) showed progression. Mtngrl is right, right now, there is no "cure" for Stage IV, but I believe it is around the corner. A little birdie told me! On to the next treatment (Xeloda/Tykerb and Herceptin), which by the way is far better than the first regimen for me.
Yes, you can stay NED for a long while, maybe even forever. It's what we are all striving for. I hope it's true for you.
Karen

[fullofbeans]

Yes some do. But what you need to do now is to look after yourself eat well ect.. but also ask for a PET scan every year so if something is developing you can get it early (ablation or whatever else).

I did not get one here in the UK and this would have possibly saved my life..

good luck!

[Laurel]

We have many stage IVs who have been NED for years. Your journey may very well be the same. Why not? Believe, it takes no more effort to be positive.

[dawny]

Thank you ladies, your hope and honesty is just what I need!

Have a great day
Dawn

[Rich66]

It certainly happens. But at least two "Nedders" I can think of here continued with Herceptin for quite a while as a safeguard...like you. Cheers!

[Lien]

I know at least two women who have been NED for more than 14 years after a stage IV diagnosis. They no longer take Herceptin or any other tx.

Jacqueline

[CoolBreeze]

I just had half my liver removed - which means I am now NED since it was only in my liver. And, I intend to stay married to Ned forever. But, he can have a long-term affair with you too, I don't mind. :)

[Mtngrl]

Married to Ned forever! I like that.

[dawny]

He he, I picture him dressed like Zorro, zipping from house to house! (country to country) It would be great if all of us here could have a piece of him!

Have a great day

Dawn xx