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Andrea Barnett Budin · 01-17-2008, 05:21 PM

Hi Eric, In Aug. of '98 it took only 2 days to get results of my liver biopsy. I was on Long Island and the pathologist in Westchester. Subsequent tests showed rapid growth and I was advised to hurry and get on tx. (I had hoped at the time to qualify for Herceptin trials, but it took too long to get those results and my onc said not to wait. He felt H would be fast-tracked soon and everyone metas could get it. H became available as of 9/28/98.)

I began on Taxotere in Sept. for my multiple tumors throughout my liver. I was able to add Herceptin in Nov of '98, after waiting 8 wks and the first set of CT scans to be sure the T was working. I was NED by May of '99.

I pray Caryn learns soon and moves as swiftly as possible. I understand her apprehension. I surely hope her protocol will save her, as it did me!! Please God! Stay strong and proactive. You're doing a great job. Caryn is lucky to have you advocating for her. Please tell her to focus all her attention on HEALING and bringing serenity into her every fiber of being, *knowing* she is on the right path and calling her desired destiny to her. Don't mean to get all spiritual, but it is my coping mechanism and has served me well...
Andi

01-17-2008, 05:21 PM	#3
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	Liver Biopsy Hi Eric, In Aug. of '98 it took only 2 days to get results of my liver biopsy. I was on Long Island and the pathologist in Westchester. Subsequent tests showed rapid growth and I was advised to hurry and get on tx. (I had hoped at the time to qualify for Herceptin trials, but it took too long to get those results and my onc said not to wait. He felt H would be fast-tracked soon and everyone metas could get it. H became available as of 9/28/98.) I began on Taxotere in Sept. for my multiple tumors throughout my liver. I was able to add Herceptin in Nov of '98, after waiting 8 wks and the first set of CT scans to be sure the T was working. I was NED by May of '99. I pray Caryn learns soon and moves as swiftly as possible. I understand her apprehension. I surely hope her protocol will save her, as it did me!! Please God! Stay strong and proactive. You're doing a great job. Caryn is lucky to have you advocating for her. Please tell her to focus all her attention on HEALING and bringing serenity into her every fiber of being, knowing she is on the right path and calling her desired destiny to her. Don't mean to get all spiritual, but it is my coping mechanism and has served me 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...