Could use some prayers...I so need a break

[Sheila]

Seriously, I felt radiation would be a big help, and it did releive the pain in the brachial plexis area of the shoulder/neck, but while doing the 30 treatments, and being off chemo, I now have new lumps and bumps appearing in the back of my neck, the opposite side and even in the front....

I was to start on Taxotere this week, but was unable to get treatment due to still having a small area of radiation burn that has not healed.

My CT scan I had 1 week ago showed another NEW area of concern in the axillary on the opposite site, and then of course I will have yet another scan to get an actual on all these new areas in the neck....was just hoping that while having the radiation, the other areas would have not grown....

Anxious to start the Taxotere and see if the Malignant Neoplasms of the skin and tissues (as the onc. calls these areas) can be controlled once again....I am truly running out of options and am NOT ready to let this disease win! I just dont understand why locol regional disease that is not what they consider systemic is so hard to control.

As always, when I feel frustrated or lost, I come here to all of you who understand...I would appreciate a few prayers and positive vibes right now.....I could sure use them.

[Lien]

It must be very frustrating when these pesky cancer cells keep popping up. Have you discussed other options with your onc? Have you talked about revisiting other chemo's that worked before? Are there any trials you might qualify for?

As long as those cancer cells are not in your internal organs, that's still good news.

It has been a long struggle and you deserve a break. I am sending a message to your cancer cells to stop being such a nuisance or else!

Hugs to you, dear Sheila

Love

Jacqueline

[caya]

Dearest Sheila,

I can understand your frustration, you certainly deserve a break! But being the Warrior Woman you are, I know you will keep fighting!!

Sending you big warm hugs from Canada!

all the best
caya

[AlaskaAngel]

Sheila,

Your continuing determination is remarkable to say the least, after all you have been through. I think you would find walking over hot coals a stroll in the park in comparison.

I know nothing to recommend scientifically to you. Yet I wonder if some kind of major or complete suppression of inflammation would help.

Also, because I personally find Dr. Lisanti's work worth considering, I also just "wish" that using something like metformin would trigger massive (or even partial!) cancer cell death for you -- especially since it seems to be thought that metformin may offer the advantage of cell death for those pesky stem cells that chemotherapy seems not to be effective for.

Wishing isn't scientific. But I do wonder why metformin wouldn't at least help, along with some kind of anti-inflammatory, whether or not they would provide a huge benefit while waiting to restart your chosen treatment.

A.A.

[Shobha]

Dear Sheila,

Sending lots of prayers for a breakthrough that will give you good results. You have to been brave and resilient through out this battle and such an inspiration to me!

God bless you! Lots of good vibes and hugs.

-shobha

[chrisy]

Sheila, you know you are ALWAYS in my prayers. I was wondering about the "new" scan.
Hang in there sister.
Much much love,

Chris

[ElaineM]

Of course Sheila you got it. I will say a prayer for you.
I think Metformin mentioned by one of the other members is worth checking into. Good things have been written about it. You may also want to ask your doctor about a Tykerb/chemo combination beyond Tykerb and Xeloda. I have heard that some use Tykerb and Taxol or Abraxane or Tykerb and Ixempra or Tykerb and Navelbine. You may also want to go to www.clinicaltrials.gov (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov) and do a search on breast cancer skin and chest wall mets or breast cancer positive nodes. There may be other options available to you that both you and your doctor are not aware of at this time.
Hugs !! Take good care of yourself, keep putting one foot in front of the other and by all means try to stay positive.

[NEDenise]

Sheila,
Radiation burns suck...but when they postpone your chemo too...that just doesn't seem fair! You are in my prayers EVERY day, but rest assured that I'll be "chatting up" your need for a break today!

Just imagine the Lord saying, "Denise, sweetheart, I get it...Sheila needs a break...stop nagging! Remember, I love her waaaay more than you do! I'm on it!"

(I'm not sure if Jesus answers other people's prayers that way, but I think he must get tired of hearing me sometimes...so I think that's close to what he'd say :) )

Someone told me once that God loves us even more than our parents do...even more than we love our own children. If that's true (and I suspect it is) that's a LOT of lovin'! I know it's easier said than done, but if you try to remember that you're in His hands...and relax a little until your next chemo can start...I'm sure it would help your overall well-being. Try to let all of us who love you, and are inspired by you, support you for a while.

Sending hugs to you!
Denise

PS - love the new avatar photo!

[jml]

Oh Sheila:(
Sending you not only a few, but lots & lots of love, light & prayers.
I know you must be so frustrated and frightened right now. I hope they get you back on a treatment that will knock back that disease again.
Hang in there for Pertuzumab- hopefully only a month away.

Lean on us here to help ease your burden in any way we can~

Keep the Faith

Jessica

[schoolteacher]

Shelia,

You are in my prayers.

Amelia

[chekmark]

You got it, lots of prayers. I am at a loss for words but will definitely be praying. God Bless. Darlene

[Sandra in GA]

Shelia,
Prayers for you are being sent up.
Lots of hugs,
Sandra

[Becky]

Dear Sweet Friend

I am always thinking and praying for you. What a frustration this is for you - you deserve a break. Relax and heal. Maybe next week you can start the Taxotere and that will keep things in control for now. I love you Sheila.

[sassy]

Sheila,

Wish I could bop those lumps and bumps for you and give you the break you deserve. Got you in my prayers--praying for healing of burns, starting of treatment and zapping of mets.

Stay the strong woman you are and know we are all hear for you.

[Joan M]

Sheila,

I'm praying hard for you as always. That you'll start getting Taxotere soon. And also that the weeks will fly by for FDA approval of pertuzumab (or whatever they'll end up calling it). Hang in there. Hoping to see you again at one of the conferences.

Joan

[dawny]

Sheila, I really hope you do get that break, sending you good vibes
Dawn

[Laurel]

You got 'em, dear warrior woman! You really do deserve a break and I hope and will pray earnestly that you get that long over due respite. We aren't ready to let cancer win either!

[Patty F]

Sheila, Praying for you.

[Mary Anne in TX]

Love and prayers to you, Sheila.

[chrisy]

By the way, I forgot to mention, I love you. But you knew that.

Hang in there.

[Mary Jo]

Prayers said for you Sheila. Love and hugs!

[Gerri]

Shelia,

You have so many people sending you positive thoughts and prayers; I know you can feel the love that surrounds you. I have to believe that the break you are waiting for is just around the corner. Don't lose hope, your time is coming.

Love and prayers,

Gerri

[Joanna J]

Sheila,Bless Your Heart,So Sorry That You Have met up w/more Bumps in The Road,I Will Certainly Pray For You, My Her2 Sister,Joanna J

[michka]

Oh Sheila! You sure deserve a break. I am sending strength and love. You are in my thoughts. Although I don't like the idea of you going back on Taxotere I really hope you can start soon. Michka

[Redwolf8812]

Prayers going up for you, Sheila, and for all of us....

- Penny

[Barbara H.]

Hi Sheila,
You have my thoughts and prayers. I can hear your frustration, and you certainly have a right to be upset. There are new drugs in the pipeline, and as you know, the focus is on targeted therapy that is easier on us. My wish is that you will receive the right combination soon. You are working so hard for remission. I could never have driven back and forth for radiation the way you did. You absolutely amaze me.
You are so caring and so loved.
Barbara H.

[Lori R]

Sheila,
You certainly have been the long distance cancer fighting athlete. I completely understand the frustration associated with changing course, gearing up for another uphill mile.

Breath deep, refocus. We are all behind you, giving you that extra boost to get to the crest of this latest hill.

I am such a champion of Abraxane. It looks like taxol worked for your earlier and the Abraxane is relatively manageable. While it isn't a cure it is bearable to go on it for 6 months and then get a bit of a break. A woman at my center does a low dose, 2 weeks on and 1 week off. She's been doing this for over 2 years now. There are still options.

Enough of the armchair quarterbacking....sending you the strongest healing vibes possible.

Love, Lori

[Emelie B]

Dear Sheila,
Prayers and positive vibes coming your way. I hope you will get the break you are seeking very, very soon.
Take care,
Emelie

[Ceesun]

Sheila, I am saying special prayers for you. Love, Ceesun

[Mtngrl]

Dear Sheila,

I was just thinking about you the other day. When I read your post I said a prayer for you right then and there.

You are a beacon, a guiding light, a sister and friend. I've never met you, but I love you anyway. I completely agree that you need a break. May it be so.

Love,

[Jean]

Sheila,
You are my hero as you always manage to rise above all the fences. This is another fence which I know you will climb....heal and soon enough get on the taxotere.

You will have all my prayers....hugs and lots of love being sent to you also.

Jean

[rhondalea]

I send you healing thoughts every day, but I'll think 'em harder and stronger and send 'em faster...starting right now.

I'm so sorry you're going through this, but you've beaten the beast senseless before, so I know you can do it again. And in the darker moments, if you feel yourself losing faith, just come back and read this thread and know that we're all keeping faith for you.

You will do this. No doubt.

[yanyan]

Sending you prayers and that you will sail through this treatment with great results!

[KsGal]

Sheila...Big cyberhugs to you. You are truly an example and an inspiration to myself and many others. I send you all the positive energy I can muster, and certainly prayers. I hope you can start that taxotere asap.

[pibikay]

Sheila We will be praying for some relief for you

[Margerie]

I am wishing you a beautiful day, full of sun and flowers and good times :) I hope you can spend time letting lose!

Also wishes of relief and comfort and treatment results. I don't think that is too much to ask :)

[Delaney]

Sheila, thinking of you. Am in a similar situation. I was doing ok until I had surgery to my back. Then little bumps began reappearing on my front, near my neck. I started navelbine with herceptin this week, no response yet.a lesion also appeared in my brain, no symptons, I get steriotactic radiation this week for that but the fact that it appeared so quickly (last had one zapped in Dec). I dont hold out much hope. I've been wishing I will die suddenly in my sleep. I'm such a coward, hate to see my family hurting. I will be thinking good thoughts for you, the fact that you have no internal organs affected is indeed a good sign. Best wishes.

[KDR]

Hi, Sheila,
A fighter like you just needs to breathe, you're gonna be alright. Give yourself some time to regroup, and you'll be off and running again.
Love
Karen

[StephN]

Been praying for you since 2004 or 05! Whenever it was we met.

I wish I knew more about local-regional neoplasms, but I am sure there is some good science going on about your problem.

Perhaps there are so few with cancer like yours that good data is hard to get. The Halaven did good things for you - any way to get that drug again? Can't recall if it is approved yet.

Your bumps are like the moles and voles in my gardens. Go after them in one area and they just move to another spot! Dang pesky underground creatures!

[chicagoetc]

Sheila,

Prayers, yes! You need a break. You are incredible, probably my hero.

Melanie

[KristinSchwick]

Shelia,
Lots of prayers coming your way. Hang in there- even from Iowa, I can hear the cancer cells screaming from fear of what's to come their way. Be patient, God's working on it.
Kristin

[JillaryJill]

Sheila,
I think about you often and have added you to my prayer list. Please hang in there. Your fighting spirit is an inspiration. Hugs to you. Jill

[Rich66]

Maybe worth a look:


Cancer Biol Ther. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22526226#) 2012 May 1;13(7). [Epub ahead of print]
Activity of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin in combination with gemcitabine in triple negative breast cancer with skin involvement: Two case reports.

Franchina T (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=%22Franchina%20T%22%5BAuthor%5D), Adamo B (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=%22Adamo%20B%22%5BAuthor%5D), Ricciardi GP (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=%22Ricciardi%20GP%22%5BAuthor%5D), Caristi N (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=%22Caristi%20N%22%5BAuthor%5D), Agostino RM (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=%22Agostino%20RM%22%5BAuthor%5D), Proto C (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=%22Proto%20C%22%5BAuthor%5D), Adamo V (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=%22Adamo%20V%22%5BAuthor%5D).

LINK (http://www.landesbioscience.com/journals/cbt/abstract.php?id=19593)

Source

Unit of Integrated Therapies in Oncology; Department of Human Pathology; University Policlinic; G Martino, Italy.

Abstract

Breast carcinoma (BC) is a heterogeneous disease in terms of histology, therapeutic response, dissemination patterns to distant sites and patient outcomes. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), defined by the lack of protein expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors and the absence of HER2 protein overexpression (ER-/PR-/HER2-) has significant clinical implications due to their poor prognosis and the lack of targeted agents. Skin involvement is one of the most distressing presentations of locally recurrent breast cancer and few studies have identified effective agents in this setting. In fact, the increasing use of anthracycline/taxane-based chemotherapy in the neoadjuvant and/or adjuvant settings has led to investigate new cytotoxic therapies such as the combination of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) with gemcitabine. Here, we report two cases of disseminated TNBC with extensive cutaneous metastases and a remarkable response to PLD in combination with gemcitabine. Further investigations are needed to confirm the efficacy of this regimen in skin involvement and TNBC.

PMID:22526226 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

[karen z]

Coming your way in massive waves.
Hang in there and stay super strong.
Love,
Karen

[fullofbeans]

Sheila,

you are in my prayer, you are such a fighter and I am so sorry to hear your scarry news. hopefullyt treatment can start soon. how about abraxane its like taxotere but slighty kinder on the body.

I know how awful it is to see these f**kers spreading and I send you lots of love

[Soccermom]

My love and prayers too, Sheila.. I know it's a long shot but I recall the name "Miltex" being used in reference to skin mets..
Hope this is helpful,
Gentle hugs, Marcia

[Sheila]

As always, I know where to come when I need a lift....I started Taxotere today....Aloxi and benedryl as premeds, and of course 3 doses of dexamethasone...and now Neulasta, Zyrtek, Nexium and wig shopping...guess I have found a new way to get rid of gray hair!

Again, thank you for all the love and support and prayers...each and every one of you have touched me and helped me heal in a way you may not even know!

Hoping this will be my new miracle, until other options open up!

[karen z]

Thinking of you Sheila. You can do this. Please stay your very strong self!!
Love,
K

[Laurel]

How's it goin', kiddo? You hanging in there?