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My wife Cyndi, was first dx May 19, 1999 at age 51. Barely stage I, tiny tumor, lumpectomy with clear margins, zero lymph nodes. Four rounds of A/C 30 rads, Supposed to be cancer free. Had a few body scans early-on kept all appointments with onc. Most exams consisted only breast exams two mammograms per year. "Just doin' great."
July 2003 age 55, during routine chest x-ray for unrelated neck surgery spots on both lungs. Scan shows 6 to 8 three quarter inch nodules in each lung, numerous smaller nodes. Suddenly we know about stage IV! Four one third doses of Taxotere plus Herceptin reduced nodules to half size and "less defined" whatever that means.
December Cyndi turned toxic to Taxotere and Herceptin and was moved to Taxol alone. Will try Herceptin again when she stabilizes. Meanwhile I am trying to get Abraxane off trial for her. I believe this could be the best thing since Herceptin!
In 1999 we were not even aware of a drug called Herceptin, and did not realize the potential for metastasis!
ron
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