Dr. Dennis Slamon, "our hero"

['lizbeth]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLz_arTegXQ

[linn65]

I enjoyed that video too! Thanks for posting it Ilizebeth and if you find more interesting ones keep posting. Afterall, there is nothing on TV in the summer and this is good stuff!

['lizbeth]

There really is nothing on in the summer, I'll look for more interesting things.

In the Asian 5 element theory you and I are both highly expressed in our earth element. which is why we get on so well and drive others nuts with our accumulation of information and over the top friendliness. I can not learn enough!

[linn65]

Well, now I am going to have to google Asian 5 Element!!!! LOL.

I am a Virgo too does that mean anything?? :)

But for TV I do have The Kardashian's Reality show DVR'd from last night maybe if I quit reading I will enjoy that tonight!! I am thinking of a path to walk if my back doesn't hurt too much after work. My tailbone has been really aching and it feels like a tooth I want to pull it out!! Geesh, always aches and pains.

[linn65]

Interesting:

Earth dams (or muddies or absorbs) Water. Go figure!

[SusanN]

Salutations to "Our Hero!!!" Outstanding, once again, thank you for sharing...

I just sat back and was taken...the expertice of his knowledge, wisdom...what is to become...AMAZING THINGS ON THE HILL!!!
Perfect way to end my last day of chemo...FINALLY moving on to get my targeted Herceptin!!

And, yes, I do have a daughter...she is an RN, used to work in the critical care/burn unit, now in radiology...she is working on her MA...then, most probably on to NP...very intelligent young woman...and...so beautiful, of course I'm her mother!! :)

I had to add her to my "Timeline!!!" :)
Mister Sister...Gotta get you in there, too!!

[Coux92]

Thanks so much for posting that...it is quite encouraging.I will be sure to keep Dr. Slamon in my prayers.
Congratulations SusanN on you last Chemo! What a wonderful day for you😀

[linn65]

Yay, Susan for your last CHEMO!!!! I am sure you are on one happy camper right now knowing this is the last time you have to get this done, the last time you will have harsh SE's!!! That is a GREAT FEELING. Congrats!

And dang if your daughter is going to be a PA she will make some bank...I am sure you are extremely proud I would be!!

['lizbeth]

We have lots of "Her2 Heroes" out there. He's one of the first, and most visible of our heroes. He was determined to get a treatment out for what was a terrible diagnosis at the time.

Thanks to him, and others, we have a treatment option: Herceptin. Prior to this being diagnosed with ER-, PR-, Her2+++ had some grim statistics.

As you will find with more reading the theory behind Herceptin that the original theory was the more highly expressed in receptors, the more effective Herceptin would be. I suspect this is why the cutoff was at Her2+++, and the low expressors were, unfortnately, left out of the original clinical trials.

Many times it difficult to let go of a belief, and the premise that higher expression of her2 was the key to stopping this disease persisted.

But, luckily for us, the discovery of the Her2 receptor was a significant finding that the cancer industry could focus on. When it was discovered that the original theory that focused on overexpression of Her2 being the sole reason for the growth of our cancer was a false premise, money poured into research for us.

Now some things were known, such as the ability of the Her2 receptor to dimerize (connect) with Her1 (EGFR), Her3, and Her4. Her2 was really a social butterfly and could connect up with any of the others. (Her1) EGFR could only hook up with Her1, Her3 to Her3, and Her4 to Her4.

Tykerb was the next targeted therapy with FDA approval for Her2 breast cancer, and I posted recently about how it works.

Perjeta is a recent approval of target therapy, and TDM1 (Kadcyla) is our most recent.

I truly believe TDM1 is a significant step toward better Western medicine treatments in cancer.

Now, as Lani (our unofficial board scientist) points out there have been many pathways discovered that the cancer uses to survive. She used the puppy example. I think we can all related to cancer - if someone is trying to take us out, we are going to do whatever is necessary to survive. So if someone blocks the Her2 pathways, we are simply going to find another path to walk on. Therefore, the enthusiasm and ongoing research to find new treatments to block these paths. I will leave questions in this area to Lani, as it is her expertise.

I, personally, want to see more treatments available and enthusiastically, and maybe a little too bluntly, try and steer everyone to a clinical trial. After being a cancer survivor, and a clincial trial participant, I've learned the system. If you go to most oncologists they can only offer standard of care. This is because of past mishaps, the ability to get approved for a clinical trial at one location is highly regulated. So many of the clinical trials are located at large cancer centers and teaching hospitals who have the experienced staff and the resources in place. Now, this is done by the FDA to protect us, the patient. But it makes it extremely difficult for enrollment into the trial. I had to travel from San Diego to San Antonio to participate in one of my trials.

So, if I come across more information from our Her2 Heroes, I'll post it. So we can know some of the important people who are working to keep us well.

['lizbeth]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsa7oTsYaEE

Dr Dennis Slamon's journey as the pioneer of Herceptin, inspires a movie of his life, LIVING PROOF.

[linn65]

I watched that movie right after I was diagnosed. What was really strange is my nephew in Iraq watched the movie and told me and my sister about it then we ended up watching it!

I remember thinking how sad that he had to turn people away from the trial and how people had to die and if they could have had herceptin they maybe could have lived. I have watched it a couple of times. Harry Connick Jr. plays the character and he is HOT!

['lizbeth]

That is the name that slipped my mind "Harry Connick Jr". Thanks!

LOL, hmmm "HOT!". Shall I find out for you if he's single?

['lizbeth]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Connick,_Jr.

Oh . . . happily married, sorry! Wow, I had no idea of all his accomplishments.

['lizbeth]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Living_Proof_%28film%29

[linn65]

He can play the piano, sing and act!! And you didn't know he was hot??? What the heck?? How could you not know this?? He has been in several movies. You need to watch more movies like I need to read more books. LOL

[linn65]

Dr. Slamon is a handsome man, and I wonder if he can sing and play the piano!! He would have have the HIM+++. Meaning Him have the triple threat! LOL.

['lizbeth]

LMAO, oh I'm so going to adopt the HIM+++ phrase.

I don't know too many of those, most are in the HIM++ category or lower, lol.

I did have one adorable doctor that turned the full force of his masculine charms on me in the hallway. I literally fell off my shoes, then made a hasty exit.

['lizbeth]

Oh, more movies with HOT men, you are soooo funny. I have a wonderful husband who is a jellybean. I try to avoid temptation! I typically do a good job too.

I hear George Clooney is available again, and the nice thing about dating him is his ex's seem to get a boob job. That might just work out really well for you right now.

[linn65]

First of all, oh my, George Clooney is definately my type!! He is Him+++ and me being HER2 aka social butterfly would fit him into my busy schedule for dinner !! Also, don't forget I will be getting a tummy tuck along with my new 20 year old breasts. However, I know with George it would go no further because he only believes in co-habitation, and that is not how I roll. I need more of a committment on my end. Next......

Secondly, your husband is a "Jelly Bean" interesting. Does he have a certain jelly belly flavor??? You typically do a good job??? Does that mean you sometimes do a bad job??? LOL!!!

[SusanN]

GEEZZ, I do believe I JUST got "online" to some great stuff gals!! MUCH NEEDED as I woke up feeling YUCK with the LAST of these awful SE...

Yes, linn...thanks much as to your "Congrats!" Prayerfully and Trusting God, I NEVER want to relive chemo!!!! On to the "targeted" Herceptin...Monday...after having a thorough appt with MO, he said that the SE from Herceptin are 10x less than what I've just been through...something like that...

Just about when he "thought" I was finished addressing my questions...I asked him...as to the BBB not crossing the brain...he then closed the door & we talked for awhile, I felt comfortable in his answer...I CANNOT sit around worrying my life away...got to TRUST IN THE GOOD LORD ABOVE...some days are harder than others...quite the journey...CAN'T WAIT FOR MY LOCKS TO GROW BACK!!!!

As to my reconstruction...another story...we'll discuss it after the Herceptin is over...messed up situation there...he said half of breast reconstuctions have problems...I'm OF COURSE that half!!! Don't know IF I even want to try it again...especially after my expander had to be taken out, due to an infection...my extremely thin skin...and the fact that I hardly have any skin left to expand...and on a good day, I weigh in at about 115...don't really want any more skin cut from here or there...

Okay...enough of "poor pitiful me!!" I'd really like to watch Living Proof as well...was too vulnerable in the beginning, but could handle it now!!

Have an AWESOME day Beautiful Ladies!!! :)

['lizbeth]

Well, I thought since you were a divorcee you might want to live vicariously with George Clooney. So much for stereotypes!

There's nothing more attractive than a man who isn't afraid of commitment.

http://jellybelly.cachefly.net/Jelly-Belly/productImages/standard/9000-KIWI.jpg
He's a Kiwi jelly belly, my favorite flavor!

Hey, I've been good! I do notice the rare HIM+++ genetic profiles, I am just content to admire from afar.

If I come across any undetected HIM+++ in your area of Indiana, I shall be happy to bring this to your awareness.
Then your HER+++ might dimerize with HIM+++.

OMG, I am laughing so hard right now. Who knew that cancer could be so damn funny.

[SusanN]

That is GREAT linn...what's YOUR favorite FLAVOR...do tell!!! :)

['lizbeth]

Susan,

I was wondering how you were faring with the last chemo. I know it made me feel better that it was the final one and I wasn't going to have to suffer anymore of that. Just a few more days and then every day will be a little better, and more better, and really a lot better!

We've degenerated down to the level of teenagers on this thread. Who knew what a sense of humor Linn65 had? Some day we are all going to have to get together and have some good laughs.

[SusanN]

Ohhhh, that would be PERFECT!!! Honestly, I was soooo glad to walk out of there, believing it was my LAST chemo...yet "somewhere" in the back of my mind...this little voice is whispering..."pray the Herceptin works now!!"

I'm stuggling with being Er/Pr-...and KNOW the Her2+++ is me is my Saving Grace...yet have "heard" and read it doesn't "work" for all...I'm worrying for no reason...I've truly got to stop...I've quarantined myself much more than I should through my chemo...however, it's taken a toll on me...everytime I start feeling better, I have about a week, next cycle!

I am planning on "rejoining" the wonderful work out center I used to belong to before all this happened...I loved it...they have an arthritis pool, to include "gentle water yoga"...I also love yoga!! Many nice amenities...!!

I was told not to eat fresh salads...can't wait to plunge my head in one!!!! Oh My Gosh, onward I go...to LIVE...

My SE usually don't come on until the 4th, 5th day after my infusion, so this weekend, I'll take a hit & will be down until about Tues...I'll be UP in no time at all...THANK GOD IT IS OVER...now, just to get through the Herceptin and believe it in...it's just the Er/Pr- I struggle with...

As to my friend who JUST had a recurrence after 2 years who is triple negative...she had a biopsy yesterday & will find out tomorrow the plan of action...I mentioned what you had said...however, doesn't seem like a go...she has had her hormone/status...a couple of times to see if it has changed...nope...will see...SHE IS A FIGHTER!!!

Thanks for for checking in dear friend!!!

['lizbeth]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3626365/

I was reading in this Chinese study Herceptin reduced recurrence by:

In the present study, in multivariate analysis by 3-DFS this study showed a 68.6% reduction in risk of recurrence (hazard ratio, 0.314; 95% confidence interval, 0.159–0.619; P = 0.001) in the HER2-positive patients who received trastuzumab treatment when compared with the HER2-positive patients who did not receive trastuzumab treatment. This finding was consistent with the 30%–50% relative risk reduction of recurrence and death previously found in large randomized clinical trials such as BCIRG 006, HERA.

[SusanN]

MUSH MIND...that I am...are you saying that is the percentage we have of no recurrence...??

Maybe I should just go to bed and put my head back on tomorrow...!!! UGHHH...

['lizbeth]

Oh how quickly we forget the mush mindness of the chemo haze . . . sorry.

In this study, the women who were Her2 and didn't receive Herceptin only had a disease free rate of 2/3s in the first 3 years. When Herceptin was added the number of women who were disease free three years later was 89.6 of 100.

What this means is that 33 women would recur after chemo. Add Herceptin and only 10 of 100 will have a recurrence.

The median duration of follow-up was 36 months (range, 12–111 months). The 3-DFS rates in the HER2-negative group, the HER2-positive group who received trastuzumab treatment, and the HER2-positive group who did not receive trastuzumab treatment were 82.6%, 89.6%, and 67.0%, respectively. The 3-DFS rate for the total study population was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Further analysis indicated a statistically significant difference in 3-DFS between either of the first two groups and the third group (P < 0.01), but the difference between the first two groups was not statistically significant (P = 0.157). Among the three groups, the 3-DFS rates during 2002–2006 did not have a significant difference compared with that during 2007–2010.

I think you might feel there is a larger risk than exists with Er- Pr- Her2+++. The US study showed 50% reduction which means 16 out of 100 would recur in three years, instead of the Chinese study's 10 of 100.

You had a more favorable pathology if I remember - and I would suspect your chance of recurrence is even lower.

Now the better news, with Er- Pr- most recurrences are within the first two years. Which is why I liked being Er- PR-. I didn't find that alarming at all.

So going with the two study numbers - you are most likely to be in the group of 84 to 90 women who remain NED in the first 3 years.

Now, do you feel better?

I think we lost Linn65, she's probably on a date with George Clooney.

PS. My number aren't exact, but should be in the ball park, and anyone feel free to clarify if you understand statistics better.