My oncologist wants to try perjeta

[Redwolf8812]

I see the interventional radiologist after an MRI on February 6th, to see what the ablated area in my liver looks like. In the meantime, I have to get bloodwork to make sure my liver is functioning ok.

The oncologist is going to try to get approval from NJDirect for me to get perjeta, which could take that long anyhow.

At this point, I don't know what to pray/hope for. The last time I fought hard for something (tykerb), the drug almost killed me. So I guess I'll just keep praying for guidance from the Lord for me, my family, and my medical team.

My last chemo treatment was November 21st. While I'm enjoying this nice break and how great I feel, and watching my eyebrows and eyelashes come back, you can imagine how "antsy" I'm feeling.

- Penny

[Joan M]

Penny,

I know from my RFA of the lung that inflammation hangs around for awhile, and I would imagine that that would be the same for the liver. Also, RFAs and cryoablations are known to cause a strong autoimmune reaction in the area of treatment, which can also look like inflammation. The body is directing a lot of killer T cells to that area, which is its normal reaction. That's also why Sloan Kettering is using the drug ipilimumab in one of the arms of their trial of freezing primary breast cancer tumors, rather than removing them surgically. The drug is a monoclonal antibody like Herceptin. It is FDA approved for melanoma and works specifically to enhance the immune system's response. The theory is that the drug helps the body recognize and fight off cancer cells.

You are in my prayers. I pray every morning, particularly to St. Rita. I've been praying to her for over 10 years, long before I had breast cancer, when I just happened to find a prayer book in church. I visited her shrine in Italy several years ago. It was a wonderful experience.

God bless!

Joan

[NEDenise]

Penny,
Sending calm healing energy to you and your troubled spirit.
Praying for a great new plan, and good results for you my friend.
Try to relax - easier said than done, I know.
With love,
Denise