New offensive is underway!
 

As I write this I am receiving my first infusion of Trastuzumab-MCC-DM1. And not a moment too soon, since as I have posted before, my January 2 scans showed progression and I have been off all treatment since January 17. January 31 scan showed (more clearly at least) definite progression in my liver and activity in the nodes, which scares me.

I'd sure be scared too, but you're doing something about it! You're in a great trial and I hope it starts to work pronto, so that you can give your mind a rest! Take care of yourself and remember we care bunches about YOU! ma

Hi Chirsy,
I am glad that your back on Vit. H...now that treatment is begun you will
kick those nodes down and out....liver watch out!

Please know I am thinking of you and you are at the top of the prayer list girl! Now relax, lean back and let your treatment begin.

Seind you a huge Hug,
Jean

Chrisy glad to hear you've begun treatments which i think helps us feel better just knowing we're fighting back! I hope you'll have better news on the next scan and have NED beside you soon!

Chrisy,
Sounds like such a postitive step. We are so fortunate to live in a time where trials like this are available.
Good luck and I'll be thinking of you and sending you very positive vibes.
Carol

Chrisy,

Glad you are back in treatment. I am praying for a return to NED ASAP!!

all the best
caya

Hope To Join You
 

hi chrissy, I hope to join you soon on this trial. My scans were today and I talked to my onc. last week who will only let me go on this trial if I have progressed significantly. I have been on tykerb and xeloda since may 07. So I figure this is a win win situation, because if I haven't progressed, thats good and if I have I can get off this xeloda and be done with the hands and feet syndrome. Please keep telling us how it went because I'm sure there are plenty of gals out there looking for a plan.I hope you do amazing on this study. Keep the faith.

YOU TELL your doctor u want this trial.. that the sides effects of the tykerb/xeloda are too much trouble.. ask barb, lily, marsha.. and now chrisy.. this drug works... you have to fight for your treatment..

So glad to hear you started
 

on the trial drug finally Chrisy

Let me know how you do on this (and I am sure it will be good) I was just told that I might be able to get on this trial myself but have to decide if what I am on is working to some degree (HER/AVASTIN/TAXATIER) IF I should stay where I am and see how long it will hold be stable and hold the trial for later. My only concern is that my office will get filled up and then I won't have a spot. I am going to finish this second cycle I am on and go from there.

I pray for you always and know you will do well my friend.

Hi Chrisy,

I know how you feel too being off treatment and knowing you are progressing I am so happy you are on this trial. It looks so promising! Kick butt my friend and keep us posted ok? You have my never ending prayers!

Sending prayers up for you, Chrisy and warm thoughts your way. Try not to worry and fret too much (yeah, I said "fret" again), just stay positive and let the prayers and the new treatment do their jobs. You're in my thoughts and prayers, Love, Bill

Chrisy, There are many treatment options, and I'm very happy for you that the trial is one that you can choose. Joan

Chrisy, you're home resting easy now, hope the first treatment went ok...so glad you're in the trial!

<3 Lolly

Chrisy,

So glad you have begun treatment. I am praying that this gets you back to NED.

Tonya

I hope and pray that --Trastuzumab-MCC-DM1-- ROCKS YOUR WORLD, Chrisy!!

power eating assorted fruit jellies...
 

...and browsing around our site...I was thinking about you Chris and your run dmc trial. I think it's going to be good for you - it makes a lot of sense the stealth delivery of herceptin.

All day today I wrestled with my mind - the fear factor...so hard to contain the worry. My head is healing but my heart is heavy. I am trying trying trying to stay positive and in the happy happy place. So much easier said than done. My ice maker is leaking and Sears didn't show up. And I'm worrying about the fact that my head is still numb in places. No one mentioned that.

I can feel your worry as well. HavaJ too. We all do it - worry and fret and pray and some days it's just so difficult to contain these feelings.

Didn't mean to ramble so much but wanted to say that I am also wishing and hoping and praying for you.

Lots of love-
Flori

Good Luck Chrisy - you are in my thoughts and prayers! Keep us posted!

Love to you,

Donna

Chrissy,

I know exactly how you feel being off treatment for a while. I had to take a break when I had pneumonia and my last scan showed slight progression. I'm back on Taxol. I know that this trial will be great for you. From what those who are in this trial write it seems to be a wonderful combo. I wish you NED!

Back to WATSU!
 

Hey Chris -
Now that you have a new very powerful treatment underway, you need to go back to the Miraval experience.

By that I mean to find a place near you where you can get WATSU treatment! Whatever can help you stay out of the normal rut, and keep your head and heart in a positive, healing place.

I found a couple of places near me and will be booking treatment.

Watsu
 

Steph,
I happened to bump into my "energy healer" (who I haven't seen in a couple of years) last week and was telling her about the watsu - she says there is a place nearby that is the watsu training ground! She'd been there and understood the feeling of flying...

sounds like a good idea!

Watsu
 

is Water Shiatsu. We had it as a spa treatment at Miraval and I wanted it to NEVER end.

Basically, somebody moves your body in a warm swimming pool...but it is hard to describe it really has to be experienced! This is the description from Miraval.

It doesn't mention that lots of people cry afterward, I did! Some combination of feeling really nurtured and loved and total release of emotions.
AQUA ZEN

Spa Description

One of Miraval’s Signature Experiences.
You’ll feel weightless as our Watsu-trained therapists move you through the water, incorporating shiatsu massage techniques that allow you to let go of stress. The freedom of movement the body experiences in Aqua Zen addresses many chronic health issues such as arthritis, back problems, sleep disorders, and pain. This is an opportunity to release and relax in the warm waters of our specially designed outdoor shaded pool.
Other:
Meet your therapist at the Yucca Cabana pool . Swimming ability is not required to enjoy Aqua Zen; the pool is not deep and the therapist will hold you at all times.

Chrisy
 

Chrisy
I have also been out of the loop for a couple weeks....glad to hear you are started on something...the waiting and not doing anything is so hard....just think of the money you'll save on kleenex without all the Avastin nosebleeds! Hope this is the magic your body needs....those little buggers don't stand a chance with you! You are in my thoughts and prayers.

La La La La Whining And Complaining!
 

Hi all,

Well, it's been a bit of a rough week for what is supposed to be an "easier" drug!

As the infusion started it stung like the dickens and although we got it under control by diluting it with saline, now I have a little clotted vein (just like in my old taxol days) which means one less place to get poked. Bummer.

Then that evening and the next day I was feverish and flu-like, which the doctor thinks was a normal reaction to the monoclonal antibody. One of the other run-DMC-ers had exactly the same reaction so that's an even better opinion.

The next day was just headache - oh, yeah, I had forgotten about Herceptin headaches! And in a budget meeting, no less - talk about torture!

That evening was the capper tho! After drinking a large glass of water I got incredible pain/cramps or whatever in the area of, guess what, my liver. So much so it was painful to take a deep breath! Don't know if it was gas, a muscle spasm or what but I think I'll go with "screaming cancer cells dying bad hollywood deaths". I had to sleep in a chair sitting up and eventually it went away.

So TGIF, girls and boys! Feelin' terrific today ( I guess I DID feel it, Marie!) and looking forward to a (sorry, PinkGirl) nice sunny day in the 70's tommorrow!

Sheila, don't worry about your stock in Kleenex, I've been replacing Avastin nose with tears, so BUY kimberly-clark!

DOWN WITH THE ION!!!!

MUCH LOVE TO ALL

Chris

Chrisy,

Glad to hear you are feeling a little better after your first treatment. I'm certain those pains you felt were those nasty cancer cells being obliterated. I remember having similar pains when I was undergoing treatment for my liver mets, so let's think positive and picture those little buggers dying!

Kim

So glad you are feeling better after your first tx and hope that this kicks butt. You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. Best wishes.