Dear Penny, you have taken a most necessary step in learning how to live after BC, and that's acknowledging the fear and reaching out for support. We each have our own coping strategies, and as time goes by it becomes easier and easier to live you life first, and worry about BC last. One day, you'll realize you've had a whole day go by with not one thought of cancer, and you'll know you've turned the corner. Cancer will always be a part of your life, but it won't rule your every thought and emotion and you will come to be grateful for the insight and compassion you've gained as a result of your fight.
Be strong, take one day at a time, and know that we're just a keystroke away when you need us 
<3 Lolly
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Sept.'99 - Dx.Stage IIIB, IDC ER/PR-, HER2+++ by IHC, confirmed '04 by FISH. Left MRM, AC x's 4, Taxol x's 4, 33 Rads, finishing Tx May 2000. Jan.'01 - local/regional recurrence, Stage IV. Herceptin/Navelbine weekly till NED August 2001, then maintenance Herceptin. Right Mast. April 2002. Local/Regional recurrence April '04, Herceptin plus/minus chemo until May '07. Gemzar added from Feb.'07-April '07; Tykerb/Abraxane until August '07, back on Herceptin plus Taxotere and Xeloda Sept. '07. Stopped T/X Nov. '07, stopped Herceptin Dec. '07, started Avastin/Taxol/Carboplatin Dec. '07. Progression in chest skin, stopped TAC March '03, started radiation.
Herceptin has served as the "Backbone" of my treatment strategy for over 6 years, giving me great quality of life. In 2005, I was privileged to participate in the University of Washington/Seattle HER2 Vaccine Trial.
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