['lizbeth]

Linn65,

Much research is being done on determining the effectiveness of cancer treatments.

However, currently, the medical industry relies on scans to determine progression of disease. I would describe your condition after neoadjuvant treatment as stable disease.

Other patients might have had a complete response or a partial response measured by shrinking tumors.

Standard treatment in any case would be surgery, Herceptin and in most cases - radiation.

You must go on faith that Herceptin is working. You did not experience progression during neoadjuvant treatment. This is very encouraging.

Surgery will get you to "NED" No evidence of disease. Radiation will give you further protection, as well as Herceptin.

I highly encourage you to exercise as much as possible, eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, and make sure you have a strong support group in friends, family and fellow cancer patients. Mindfulness and Meditation, Yoga, Therapeutic Massage all have shown effectiveness in preventing recurrence.

I know you are in a difficult phase of treatment. It is the not knowing that is incredibly painful and stressful. I can only share that I have been there and ask you to have faith and be open to the outcome that you will live healthy and cancer free for a long long life.

Also, I am a huge advocate of joining clinical trials. If the worst happens (disease progression) there are amazing clinical trials with TDM1, Perjeta and other therapies available. Not only can you help yourself, but you can help others in the future.

Better yet, in the case of no progression, you can join a vaccine trial within 3 to 6 months of completing Herceptin. I did the Walter Reed AE37/GP2 clinical trial. There are others such as the Mayo Clinic MUC1 vaccine trial (within 3 months of completing Herceptin).

You have finished a very tough phase of treatment, TCH. A mastectomy is rough but you will be surprised how quickly you heal. Grit your teeth and get through the radiation.

We are all here for you.