|
Shannon:
This is my first posting, but I wanted to give my feelings about Herceptin. I understand your feelings about wanting to get back to a normal life. I feel the same way. But I have not had any second thoughts about Herceptin.
I was diagnosed last August. I had 3 tumors in my left breast and had a double mastectomy with reconstruction in September. The pathology report showed three grade 3 IDC tumors, all ER-/PR-, HER2 strongly positive (+++), 3 positive nodes. Surgery was followed by 4 doses AC (every 3 weeks), 12 weekly doses Taxol. At the very beginning, my onc agreed to give me Herceptin, off-label. Last week, I began weekly doses of Herceptin which will continue for 1 year. My feeling about all of the chemo (AC, Taxol & Herceptin) is: give me all you can! Every person is unique, but, for me, the side effects didn't really matter. The only important thing for me is reflected in a sign we have hanging in our family room: "Keep your eye on the prize." That's what I'm trying to do every day. I finished the Taxol 5 weeks ago and remain very very tired, with sores on my hands. But every day is getting better and better. I went to my office every day this week. I haven't done that in months and months. I'm planning my first business trip for late June and am trying to get back to that normal life you mentioned. But I will make time for the Herceptin in that life. I think I've been very aggressive in my treatment since the beginning and don't want to miss out on anything that will increase my chances of survival. I have a wonderful husband, 6 terrific children (3 plus their spouses), 2 grandchildren and another expected in a week. This new grandchild was conceived the weekend we told my daughter of my diagnosis. I want to be around to play with them all.
I wish you the best good fortune and peace of mind as you make your decisions. I believe strongly that the decision that's right for me may not be right for other people. I respect everyone's choices in this situation.
Judy
|