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Andrea Barnett Budin · 07-15-2007, 04:51 PM

Hi everybody! I'm an old timer in that I've been on Vitamin H since '98, when it first became available, following clinical trials and a lottery system for those in dire need and not in a trial. My fav onc (of 5 that I gathered in the throes of met bc) told me (when it was a wkly protocol) -- you go every wk, no matter what your bld count, etc. That's the recommended protocol. You can go 245 hrs before, or 24 hrs after, but that's it. Since then there must have been studies. Obviously, I switched to the ev 3 wk (triple dosage) plan about a yr after that became available. I was overly cautious, and told my onc that I wanted to discuss in a yr. I was willing to go ev wk until I felt confident w/the new regimen.

And, in '01 I agreed to do it the *easy* way. The efficacy was the same, and there were no addl side effects. So for me, this is a cake walk. It's what I call the EASY chemo. And I note, in my head, that it isn't really *chemo* but a monoclonal antibody, which is like a smart bomb and targets only the defective HER2 gene. Of course its' toxicity could effect the heart, hence the regular ECHO cardiograms to be sure everything is good (EF, etc.). I am due in August. What was my ev 6 mnth ECHO was upgraded to ANNUALLY, in view of the time I've been on this life-saving, anti-metastatic med.

I have a bit of a runny nose and thin, frail, splitting nails. Fatigue (which I have found wonderful supplements to boost me up in response). My red bld cells dip and are noted in my chart as *chemo-induced anemia*. All other bld tests show no problem. Perhaps it is a longterm effect of Taxotere, which messed w/my bone marrow. Again, supplements seem to be helping me hold my own, I am happy to report.

I know women who have skipped a wk, and I admire their courage. I go by the old rules. I haven't had a problem adhering to it, and I remain STABLE which I thank God and the power of my thoughts for every single day. My body has responded to my clear Intent and Expectation and I am forever grateful.

I am sending you all loving, healing energy... BE WELL! ANDI

07-15-2007, 04:51 PM	#5
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	MY 2 cents... Hi everybody! I'm an old timer in that I've been on Vitamin H since '98, when it first became available, following clinical trials and a lottery system for those in dire need and not in a trial. My fav onc (of 5 that I gathered in the throes of met bc) told me (when it was a wkly protocol) -- you go every wk, no matter what your bld count, etc. That's the recommended protocol. You can go 245 hrs before, or 24 hrs after, but that's it. Since then there must have been studies. Obviously, I switched to the ev 3 wk (triple dosage) plan about a yr after that became available. I was overly cautious, and told my onc that I wanted to discuss in a yr. I was willing to go ev wk until I felt confident w/the new regimen. And, in '01 I agreed to do it the easy way. The efficacy was the same, and there were no addl side effects. So for me, this is a cake walk. It's what I call the EASY chemo. And I note, in my head, that it isn't really chemo but a monoclonal antibody, which is like a smart bomb and targets only the defective HER2 gene. Of course its' toxicity could effect the heart, hence the regular ECHO cardiograms to be sure everything is good (EF, etc.). I am due in August. What was my ev 6 mnth ECHO was upgraded to ANNUALLY, in view of the time I've been on this life-saving, anti-metastatic med. I have a bit of a runny nose and thin, frail, splitting nails. Fatigue (which I have found wonderful supplements to boost me up in response). My red bld cells dip and are noted in my chart as chemo-induced anemia. All other bld tests show no problem. Perhaps it is a longterm effect of Taxotere, which messed w/my bone marrow. Again, supplements seem to be helping me hold my own, I am happy to report. I know women who have skipped a wk, and I admire their courage. I go by the old rules. I haven't had a problem adhering to it, and I remain STABLE which I thank God and the power of my thoughts for every single day. My body has responded to my clear Intent and Expectation and I am forever grateful. I am sending you all loving, healing energy... BE WELL! ANDI __________________ 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...