[chrisy]

Michka and Karen,

Michka, it's ok to cry - this diagnosis is overwhelming for sure. It is also useful to get as much information as you can regarding various treatment options to help you choose your path.

For me, it was not particularly useful to get hung up on statistics. First, most statistics particularly in that area are either old, not particularly Her2 specific, or small studies. Second and most important, statistics are just that. They are not predictive about how a particular individual will do.

I'm not trying to gloss over the seriousness of the issue - it's a deadly disease. But if even a small % can beat it or survive long term I say "why not me???" Why not us???

There are several long term liver mets survivors on this board. Besides AndiBB, don't forget StephN who is very active here. Others, who are not so actively posting here anymore (because they are doing great!) are Kim in CA who had resection and mamacze who had lung and liver mets resolve with chemo/herceptin. I also have met one of the original Herceptin trial patients who had extensive liver mets and has been in remission like forever.

You just need to get the best advice possible, choose what you think is the most promising treatment option, and see how it goes. Expect to live. People often warn about having "false hope". But there's also "false despair". Do not lose heart.
Chris