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Barbara H. · 06-18-2006, 08:51 AM

Hi Chelee,
I was first diagnosed 8 years ago in 1998. I didn't recur until 6 years later in May, 2004. At that time I became stage 4 with a 3cm tumor to by brain, and cancer throught out my liver, lungs, and nodes throught out my body. After surgery I asked the radiologists that would be doing the sterotactic radiotherapy how long I could possibly have. They said, a few healthy women have made it 5 years, but not longer. At that time I didn't know about this site and went home pretty depressed. In spite of the condition I was in, I wanted more hope. When I saw my oncologist a few weeks later I related the story. His resposnse was, they (meaning the radiologists) are young and haven't seen everything. My oncologist doesn't discuss statistics, because he sees his patients as individuals. He knows that I am informed enough to understand my that my situation is serious, but he has never taken hope away from me at this point in my treatment. Now my scans are clear except for minimal involvement in the bones and I unfortunately have to take Navelbine with Hercepitn. I also need regular scans of my brain because the area still lights up. They think it is necrosis, but they don't know. Therefore you shouldn't lose hope, and you should find a good oncologist who wants the best for you and sees a future for you.
Best wishes,
Barbara H.

06-18-2006, 08:51 AM	#10
Barbara H. Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Newton, MA Posts: 951	Keep hope alive!!! Hi Chelee, I was first diagnosed 8 years ago in 1998. I didn't recur until 6 years later in May, 2004. At that time I became stage 4 with a 3cm tumor to by brain, and cancer throught out my liver, lungs, and nodes throught out my body. After surgery I asked the radiologists that would be doing the sterotactic radiotherapy how long I could possibly have. They said, a few healthy women have made it 5 years, but not longer. At that time I didn't know about this site and went home pretty depressed. In spite of the condition I was in, I wanted more hope. When I saw my oncologist a few weeks later I related the story. His resposnse was, they (meaning the radiologists) are young and haven't seen everything. My oncologist doesn't discuss statistics, because he sees his patients as individuals. He knows that I am informed enough to understand my that my situation is serious, but he has never taken hope away from me at this point in my treatment. Now my scans are clear except for minimal involvement in the bones and I unfortunately have to take Navelbine with Hercepitn. I also need regular scans of my brain because the area still lights up. They think it is necrosis, but they don't know. Therefore you shouldn't lose hope, and you should find a good oncologist who wants the best for you and sees a future for you. Best wishes, Barbara H.