3 + years stage IV 2 + years brain mets
 

Just wanted to provide some encouragement for those who are currently battling the C word. My mom was diagnosed at age 61 with stage IV HER2 breast cancer with 2 small mets to liver and several to bones. A year later the mets went to her brain in the cerebellum (balance and motor area). She has had whole brain radiation and 2 gamma knife radiation procedures. She is currently on perjeta/herceptin combo (abt year now), flasodex, and zometa for her bones. She just had a 6 month scan last week and all lesions are stable, no growth. She will turn 65 next week. This forum has provided me with knowledge and comfort during some really hard times. Hang in there. God Bless.

Re: 3 + years stage IV 2 + years brain mets
 

Music to my ears that your mom is stable. Happy birthday to "mom" and many more! Thank you for this inspirational post as we have a loved one newly dx with brain mets. But onc says that my wife can't get herceptin or perjeta now because it's only localized in the brain. We are going to continue to ask for herceptin because won't it help to keep the body clear? Should we go to another onc?

Re: 3 + years stage IV 2 + years brain mets
 

For Her,

If you have any doubts about your medical team, a second opinion would certainly be a viable option.

My experience has been that the most advanced, cutting edge treatment/care is typically found at facilities that engage in research and are connected to a teaching entity.

When I was dx'd, my local onc (not a breast cancer specialist) didn't even test me for HER2. It was not until I elected to go to Wake Forest that I was tested and stepped into the newly released protocol for Herceptin in 2005. I have no doubt that changed the course (and probably length!) of my life.

You and your wife are your own best advocates.

Re: 3 + years stage IV 2 + years brain mets
 

Mom went to Mayo clinic in Rochester MN as soon as she was diagnosed by our local hospital. They dictate her therapy. Hope this helps.

Re: 3 + years stage IV 2 + years brain mets
 

Look through this list, forher, to see if you can find one that's reasonably local:

http://cancercenters.cancer.gov/canc...rs-names4.html

Re: 3 + years stage IV 2 + years brain mets
 

I second the NCI research centers. Their imaging is better and you tend to get cutting edge care.

Re: 3 + years stage IV 2 + years brain mets
 

How are you holding up, catalina?

Re: 3 + years stage IV 2 + years brain mets
 

Ok. We have concerns about her confusion and lack of mobility. This is a pretty scary surgery and we did not understand the recovery needed. The Dr's seem to think things are great. PT/OT might help and that is going on now.