9 years this week
 

Hi - just checking in to say that it is 9 years this week since I was dx & had my mastectomy. Seems like yesterday/seems like a lifetime ago.

So far the xeloda/tykerb/herceptin/aromasin combo has been pretty easy on me. I'm having some hfs problems and had one really bad split on the side of my foot which has been painful but so far nothing else.

I did try painting my feet with henna one time - don't think it did much to help but I'm sure I need to do it regularly to make a difference. I was surprised that the henna didn't really stain my skin like I thought it would.

Haven't seen any posts from Sheila lately and hope she's doing well. Also wondering about JML - Jessica. She had the novalis and the liver treatment last week and I hope it was successful and she's doing well.

I don't know yet how this combo is working for me. I have scans on July 6 so will know more then. So glad to know the tdm1 is getting closer as an option.

Love this site - love all of your help and support. Pam

Re: 9 years this week
 

Pam...I checked in and what good news to read your post...you are 1/2 year ahead of me...CONGRATS on 9 YEARS!!!!!!!!!!I am still recovering from the aftermath og the surgery...all the cytology reports were neg, but they usually are...doesnt mean the cancer didnt cause the pericardial effusion, or maybe the Avastin....the metronomic chemo is OK...too soon to tell the effects...I do have some nausea, which is a first for me. I am having a problem with swelling on the node involved side of my neck...see the throat surgeon and cardiologist next week. So glad the xeloda combo is working for you and easy on you.....hope I get my pep back soon...I know I am not myself when I dont want to shop!!!!
You will be in my prayers for perfect scans next month...You deserve a break Pam!

Re: 9 years this week
 

Hi Pam
Glad you posted and are coping.I am also pleased that T-DM1 is moving nearer and hopefully some other targeted treatments.
Your bravery and courage is inspiring.
Ellie

Re: 9 years this week
 

Hi Pam,

It's always encouraging to see posts like your's, and I want to send warm hugs and congrats to you on none years!!! :)

I also echo Ellie's thoughts on the T- DM1 getting closer and wish you huge luck for your upcoming scans:)!

Re: 9 years this week
 

I am so glad to see your post Pam. I hope the Herceptin/Tykerb/Xeloda/Aromasin is working for you. In the meantime I am glad the side effects have been manageable so far,except for the hand/foot syndrome.
Keep looking for help for that. In the meantime keep putting a good fragrance free cream on your hands and feet. I wonder if good old petroleum jelly would help?
I read something about olive oil helping dry peeling skin, but I don't know if it works. Take good care of yourself.

Re: 9 years this week
 

Congratulations on nine years and I am glad to
know your new combo is tolerable. Take care.
patb

Re: 9 years this week
 

Congratulations, Pam.

Thank you and other fighters like Sheila who have endured so much and are willing to share your triumphant journeys with others.

Wish you a good scan July 6th! Love your hairdo.

Re: 9 years this week
 

Congrats to you on 9 years! Wishing you the very, very best on your scan.

Re: 9 years this week
 

Bravo, Pam!
9 years of enduring this disease with grace, courage & focus, all while still providing encouragement & compassion to those of us that are on this journey with you. Your support & friendship has meant the world to me.
So glad you're tolerating the meds well, hoping the HFS continue to be manageable, and most importantly, hoping those drugs are doing their job!
I did have the Novalis & chemo-embo to my liver w/adria last week - just 5 days apart. It was pretty intense and I was wiped out for a few days, but now
the pin holes in my head from the head frame are healing nicely, though my scalps is still a bit numb.
2 days after the embo I was having some discomfort from the treatment, but that's subsided now too. I think I can even feel a difference in my liver...
No scans for 4 weeks though. In the meantime, continue with Ixempra.
May TDM1 become a reality for us all very very soon.

Hugs~

Jessica

Re: 9 years this week
 

Pam,

9 years of kicking this beast's butt! Wow! You are my hero!

Re: 9 years this week
 

Pam,

Congratulations! You are an inspiration!

Joan

Re: 9 years this week
 

Pam, Wishing you all the best and keep up the good fight! Ceesun

Re: 9 years this week
 

Hi Pam,

Congrats on being 9 years out- another true Warrior Woman!
Keeping my fingers crossed that the July scans are perfect...

all the best
caya

Re: 9 years this week
 

Pam, keep up the fight - your refusal to surrender to this stupid disease is such an inspiration.

Praying that the current cocktail is turning things in the right direction for you.

Take care
Chris

Re: 9 years this week
 

well done Pam..I am also a 9 year survivor. Hang in there!
jackie (down under)

Re: 9 years this week
 

Re: 9 years this week
 

Congats on your 9 years. I know how you feel when it seems like yesterday--seems like forever. I hope you continue to do well. You'll be in double digits before you know it. Scary though, isn't it. You wonder how long can a human get endless chemo and radiation and scans before it gets the best of us. I don't mean to be negative. I just think of it a lot and it worries me. Well take care and stay strong and enjoy life. Sally

Re: 9 years this week
 

Hey Pam,

Congratulations on the 9years. We will all be hoping for a good results from you scan in July. This site is the best and so are all of you!

Catherine

Re: 9 years this week
 

Pam,

You are an amazing warrior and always offer your support to everyone here no matter what you are going through. Thank you for all you contribute. I look forward to your post 9 years from now.

Re: 9 years this week
 

9 years! What a wonderful, magical, inspiring messagefor the rest of us.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful anniversary with us.
Keep on keeping on!

Re: 9 years this week
 

Re: 9 years this week
 

Hey Pam!

What a tower of strength you have proven to be against this pernicious sneaky disease.

Lovely new photo as well. You look more rested now that you are no longer working. I think it does make a difference to have that energy to channel into your treatment and healing.

Sending lots of hope for good scan results.

Re: 9 years this week
 

Hi Pam,
Congratulations on nine years...you are one tough lady & a true inspriation to us all! With all you have been thur I am always amazed at how you find time to support your Her2 sisters. Your support and kind words of wisdom mean so much to me and the others fighting this battle.

I will be thinking of you on July 6th...I have a PET scan that same day as you--so will be easy to remember. I'll be keeping good thoughts & prayers for both of us. Here's to you having many, many more years ahead.

Chelee

Re: 9 years this week
 

By the way, forgot to mention, I LOVE your new pic!

Re: 9 years this week
 

Hi Pam,

Congratulations on your 9th anniversary. You will enjoy sooo many more.

How do I look up for Jessica. Are you referring to Novalis tx treatment? Did she have this type of radiation treatment to her liver?

I'm looking into this treatment for my recurrence to lung cancer. My doctor is moving rather slowly on this. I switched from wanting to go to the TDM1 trial to this radiation treatment since attending a seminar this past week.

It's amazing what it does for tumors on the body, specizally for someone like me with mets to lung. It also does wonders for people with mets to liver, brain, etc.

No down time, 3-4 treatments of radiation, little fatigue, and the most beautiful thing of all--NO CHEMO!!!...

I appreciate a response. Thank you.

Adriana

Re: 9 years this week
 

Thank you all for your greetings and helping me celebrate this 9 year mark.

Adriana - Jessica is JML on this site. You can search for her posts. The novalis was for a brain met. The liver treatment a targeted chemo to the liver cells. But look it up on her posts for better info.

New wig - new photo. I do have my own hair growing in now too, but it's so thin and still very short. I don't always wear the wig now but the wig looks better than my sparse little wisps. I'm getting my hair trimmed next week to try to get some shape to it. Maybe I'll put up a photo of it then for fun.

Re: 9 years this week
 

Pam,
Wishing you all the best in your new treatment....
and WOW 9 yrs. Major Milestone!

So very happy you.
Hugs,
Jean

Re: 9 years this week
 

Congratulations on your 9 year mark. Let us know how the scans go on the 6th.

Amelia

Re: 9 years this week
 

Hi Pam! I'm impressed with the photo too -- very, very nice! Can I give it a soft yank, just to make sure it really is a wig? I'm sharing your 9 year history with my older sister this week. She was diagnosed with IDC 10 years ago, and then this year with IBC. As you know, there aren't a lot of road signs to go by, and sometimes there isn't even much of a path out there to follow. I always look forward to your posts.

A.A.

Re: 9 years this week
 

9 years, yippeee!! you look awesome!! XO Suzan

Re: 9 years this week
 

That is fantastic, Pam! Very encouraging for all...

Re: 9 years this week
 

Pam,

I know that this past nine years have been anything but easy for you. You amaze me with your strength.

Congratulations on reaching this milestone and wishing you easier times ahead.