[Lori R]

Patrice,
Congrats on making it well down the road to recovery....a few thoughts from someone with a Stage IV point of view.

*Be aggressive with your treatment. Has Herceptin caused you significant side effects that could cause you to need to not go the extra few miles of this journey? You would never want to look back and think that you didn't do everything in your power to prevent a recurrance. My vote...take the extra herceptin.

*Find a Dr. you love. At this stage consistent follow up is critical. If you don't like your Dr. I would bet that you would delay making appointments. The timespan could inadvertently grow longer and longer. Do you have other options? It will be time well spent to find that perfect match.

* Push for the level of testing you are comfortable with. I've had liver mets twice and I've NEVER "felt" a thing...no symptoms...nadda. So please, do not go to a Dr. that uses the approach of all is well until it hurts. Believe me ...I know first hand.

I fully understand that you want to be FREE...never having to think about cancer again. But...the best thing you can do for yourself is receive adequte follow up and celebrate each and every time you pass your tests.

Carolyn suggests purchasing a new Coach bag...sounds like a good idea to me. And of course, there is the fall back of chocolate and lots of it.

DEMAND what is best for you.....Lori