[vlcarr]

Hi Bonita,

I can tell you about the trial I was in. In my case, the trial had to be done before any other "standard" treatment. This is how they are able to tell if the trial drug works.

I did the herceptin/tykerb trial. I took 4 tykerb daily and got weekly herceptin treatment for 3 months to see if this would shrink my tumor. One of the benefits of the trial I was on, was being able to have a lumpectomy vs mastectomy if the tumor reduced in size during the trial. However, they told me in the very beginning that I would not qualify for this because I had 2 tumors and together they were just too big to do a lumpectomy.

Most trials are done before surgery, however, there are some trials such as the vaccine that can be done after treatment is completed. I'm sure you will hear from other folks who've participated in other trials post treatment. In your case, the type of trail I did would not be for you because you are NED and there is nothing to measure success. However, there could be other types of trails that you qualify for. I just wanted to share my experience.

You can't assume you don't qualify for any trials just because you are NED. I would research what trials are available that your doctor may not be aware of.

I understand your feeling of helplessness, but that will get better in time. I completed radiation in May and my anxiety has decreased about the cancer returning although I know it will always be in the back of my mind. I haven't had my 3 month follow yet so I totally understand where you are.

It took me some time to realize that I just have to life my life the best I can, and all these feelings will now be a part of being a survivor. As you will hear it's part of my new normal but I've very thankful to still be here.

I did not have mets but I'm sure that adds to your anxiety as well. There are so many on our board who've been living a long and full life even with mets.

Sending positive thoughts your way.