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Andrea Barnett Budin · 07-07-2007, 04:42 PM

Hi Joe!

Metastic bc in Aug '98 -- Taxotere Sept through May '99.
Added Herceptin November '98 and have been on steadily ever since. Keeps me NED I believe.
Did weekly through to Jan '01 when I decided it was safe to switch
to triple the dosage every 3 weeks. Great relief in the plan!
Receive infusion w/500 cc's saline over 1/2 hr, double saline flush
+ helplock.
Given w/chemo nurse in mask and gloves, using betadyne to clean the
area -- through port.

Slightly runny nose.
Very dry eyes.
Thin, splitting nails.
Slight redness to declotee area and inner arms above elbows. Don't know
what this is from, but does NOT itch.
Bruise easily and don't heal quickly. Again don't know what this is from.
Fatigue, but controlled with supplements.
Flagging red blood cell count that responds well to Aranesp. Called
"chemo-induced anemia". Can't really say why. When HGB low for
me, I haven't got the energy to get dressed, but do, then rest.
Then GO...

Am grateful with each day for the opportunity to whine a bit about the above side effects. See each day as a wondrous gift! Am profoundly appreciative for this medicine that is keeping me alive and well for the most part!!

Andrea

07-07-2007, 04:42 PM	#9
Andrea Barnett Budin Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: LAND OF YES! w/home in Boca Raton, Florida Orig from L.I., N.Y. Ever hovering IN THE NOW... Posts: 1,904	Longterm Herceptin Poster Child Hi Joe! Metastic bc in Aug '98 -- Taxotere Sept through May '99. Added Herceptin November '98 and have been on steadily ever since. Keeps me NED I believe. Did weekly through to Jan '01 when I decided it was safe to switch to triple the dosage every 3 weeks. Great relief in the plan! Receive infusion w/500 cc's saline over 1/2 hr, double saline flush + helplock. Given w/chemo nurse in mask and gloves, using betadyne to clean the area -- through port. Slightly runny nose. Very dry eyes. Thin, splitting nails. Slight redness to declotee area and inner arms above elbows. Don't know what this is from, but does NOT itch. Bruise easily and don't heal quickly. Again don't know what this is from. Fatigue, but controlled with supplements. Flagging red blood cell count that responds well to Aranesp. Called "chemo-induced anemia". Can't really say why. When HGB low for me, I haven't got the energy to get dressed, but do, then rest. Then GO... Am grateful with each day for the opportunity to whine a bit about the above side effects. See each day as a wondrous gift! Am profoundly appreciative for this medicine that is keeping me alive and well for the most part!! Andrea __________________ Andi BB '95 post-meno dx Invasive LOBULAR w/9cm tumor! YIKES + 2/21 nodes. Clear mammo 10 mnths earlier. Mastec/tram flap reconst/PORT/8 mnths chemo (4Adria/8CMF). Borderline ER/PR. Tamoxifen 2 yrs. Felt BLESSED. I could walk and talk, feed and bathe myself! I KNEW I would survive... '98 -- multiple mets to liver. HER2+ 80%. ER/PR- Raging, highly aggressive tumors spreading fast. New PORT. 9 mnths Taxotere Fought fire w/fire! Pronounced in cautious remission 5/99. Taxotere weekly for 6 wks, 2 wks off -- for 9 mnths. TALK ABOUT GRUELING! (I believe they've altered that protocol since those days -- sure hope so!!) + good old Vit H wkly for 1st 3 yrs, then triple dosage ev 3 wks for 7 yrs more... The "easy" chemo, right?! Not a walk in the park, but not a freight train coming at 'ya either... Added Herceptin Nov '98 (6 wks after FDA fast-tracked it for met bc). Stayed w/Vit H till July '08! Now I AM FREE! Humbly and eternally grateful for this life-saving drug! NED since '99 and planning on keeping it that way. To hell w/poor prognosis and nasty stats! STOPPED VIT H JULY '08...! REMAIN STABLE... Eternally grateful...Yes is a world & in this world of yes live (skillfully curled) all worlds ... (e e cummings) EVERY DAY I BEAT MY PREVIOUS RECORD FOR # OF CONSECUTIVE DAYS I'VE STAYED ALIVE. Smile KNOWING you too can be a miracle. Up to me and God now...