Hi, all,
Wow, I can't believe so many of you STILL remember me!!! I know it has been a while, but from 2005 through last week, I have been working like a maniac and simply could not squeeze in much internet time. Anyway, I finished two contracts recently and actually took an entire WEEK vacation (first one since 2004)...whew! I am new woman.
Anyway, you will ALL be thrilled to know that the her2support.org website information was PROMINENTLY displayed at the very top of one of the Genentech major presentation slides...that I (ahem) in that QUIET retiring way I have about me--not hee hee...was able to call EXTRA attention to, being sure to point out that our website was one of the three closely affiliated with Genentech. It was really neat as the last 3 orgs...carried a clear disclaimer that they were in NO WAY Affiliated with Genentech. So congrats to JOE and CHRISTINE for again always finding ways to get her2support.org into the mainstream of the folks who need the information the most.
The program was well-done--very professional and included many appropriate disclaimers such as HERCEPTIN is not for everyone and for those who do use it, potential side effects, like heart problems, could occur. There were nice light and healthy snacks and the Radisson facility was very elegant, sitting atop a great hill overlooking what looked to be a fabulous golf course. Registration began at 6:30pm and the program started about 10 minutes after 7:00pm--which was a good thing as UNBEARABLE DC to Baltimore traffic made me a bit late, but I got there in plenty of time to hear the Genentech presentation made by a full-time nurse practicioner who goes around the country training hospital/oncology staff and lay people alike. Delightful presenter who really knew her information. I missed her name, but I think I can look it up in my packet.
The Genentech presentation was followed by a "HER STORY" presentation made by Lynda, a 67-year old, her-2 positive ER- PR- breast cancer and LUPUS survivor. She was delightful and gave a very human side look at what it means to be a mother, a professional, a wife, a Christian, a human facing this illness. She worked into her talk a lot of solid wisdom about her determination to "LIVE HER LIFE" even while walking through what clearly was a dark interruption to her otherwise very busy, full, and bright routine. She was vibrant and full of energy with a compassion that overflowed and made folks want to reach out to her. Many talked with her at length following the presentation and I think all in attendence were greatly uplifted.
My only critique of the program (which I wrote down in the survey afterwards) was I wish there had been some sort of question and answer session for BOTH speakers and also, given the intimacy of the room, I think a brief round robin where we could have gone around the room to at least get the person's first name, Date of DX, type of DX or status, would have been very helpful as anyone with her-2 is always naturally curious to learn what others have experienced or to get good ideas for ways to improve treatment. Also, care givers were present and I think it would have been very useful to gain their unique bird's eye view as well.
No matter--overall RAVE reviews. I made several of the staff PROMISE to get me the list of the cities and locations where these events will be held all summer. I heard about one planned for DC in October and I am sure there will be something out California way.
I have started a new contract in Georgetown recently, but school is out and my kitchen remodel is about 98 per cent complete, so HOPEFULLY, I will have time to bother you all with my GINA regimens and crazy theories at some point not too far in the future.
I miss you all and look forward to connecting with more new folks. Thanks to Rhonda for sending Ruth and Terri my way. Always keep in mind that even though I do not check this site as frequently as I used to, anyone who wants is always welcome to contact me at my home website:
GPOPP@COMCAST.net.
Best of wishes to each of you,
Gina