|
Kat,
I was diagnosed Stage IIB 6 years ago. ACT. Herceptin was discussed, but we decided against it at that time. I had a recurrence 6 months ago. Started Navelbine and Herceptin.
My dr. watched me like a hawk during those 5 years. Dr. visits every 3 months with tumor markers tests. Mammogram on the remaining breast every 6 months and scans on a yearly basis.
On a monthly basis, I did self-exams (I found the original tumor). Checking remaining breast and lymph nodes.
Survival rates are very difficult to determine and not very useful (in my opinion). Because Herceptin is so very new, they are really just now learning how to best use it. It is very frustrating that we are just now creating the statistics, but it is wonderful to realize that we have the option to create new statistics.
We are not only helping ourselves, we are also helping those who are coming up behind us.
Your family needs to understand that you need time to heal. I think that this is so hard on our families, that it helps them to minimize our need for healing. Especially when we continue to exercise and trying to carry on normal lives. It's important to try to be normal; but also important to take the time you need.
Hang in there.
Susan
|