Re: Are we Her2 pos lucky with Herceptin?
Gift
I do sometimes get demoralised and sick of the treatment but I am actually very fortunate to have a really supportive family. My husband, young adult and teenage daughters, sisters,brother, (90 yr old) father, nieces and friends all do whatever they can to make the journey easier. I live in a safe and peaceful country with a relatively well funded medical system (I have my complaints but on the whole it is responsive and affordable). So even though my cancer is problematic I am blessed in other ways and so far the cancer has had suprisingly little impact on my quality of life.
It would be a lot harder if I had a young baby and had to face the challenges you have. I can tell ,though, from your extraordinarily good English and your grasp of the cancer-related issues that you are intelligent and well educated. They will be your strongest assets. I hope you also have family and social supports to help you.
I remain hopeful that I will manage and survive this cancer but I am realistic so my motto is to "Hope for the best but plan for the worst". I like to mentally explore the worst case scenario and have a plan to manage that. I then revert to hopeful mode. It is a lot easier when your youngest is 14 not an infant though.So don't be down on yourself if you have dark days but do keep doing what you are to give yourself and your baby the best possible chance of a good life. I think of you often and hope things get easier for you. I really do admire you.
Trish
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5/2004 (R) 30mm bre gr3 infiltrating ductal ca 16/18nodes er (2+) pr (3+) HER2 (3+)
6/2004 6 cycles(FEC), Oct 40 rads, Tamoxifen
5/2006 oopherectomy, Arimedex
12/2006 liver mets largest 9cm
1/2007 Herceptin,
3/2007 Taxol + Herc
1/2008 Herc alone
4/2008 Multiple bone mets,Zometa
7/2008 Herc + Gemcitabine
8/2008 Herc+Navelbine/vinoralbine
10/2008 Herc+Carboplatin+Taxol
12/2008 Tykerb+Xeloda
2/2010 Herceptin + trial drug
5/2010 Herceptin+Tykerb
8/2010 Tykerb+Abraxane
9/2010 Abraxane
12/2010 Abraxane+Tyk+Herc
4/2011 Tyk+Herc+Femara
6/2011 Liver and bone mets prog.Abraxane continue Herceptin,Tykerb,Femara and Zometa
8/2011 Probable liver progression and increased neuropathy. Xeloda with Tyk+Herc. Zometa 6 weekly.
9/2011 Liver progression,TM +++. Cyclophosphamide and Methotrexate metro Herc Zometa
10/2011 liver mets prog.Herc, 3 Tykerb +2mg decodron daily,Zometa
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