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StephN · 06-18-2006, 07:27 PM

This past week is one of those time I had to just go on Cruise Control and let Mother Nature take Her course. This is not the easiest thing to do, but as a veteran cancer patient, is a skill I have developed for self preservation.

We are told that we have abilities to do things; it is being able to BELIEVE that and act on it that is the hardest part. Learning to relax and find a center is how I have managed to have PATIENCE through all my travels with breast cancer. (I think they misspell "patients.")
Sure, we are anxious to return to what was once our Normal lives, but for us, we have to accept that we have a new life. Make the most of the days you have some energy, and give as much of that energy to those you love.

The main thing I remember every day is that NO active cancer has been detected in me for over 1.5 years - and if it is, I have plenty of new ammo to throw at it. So far Herceptin has NOT let me down, and has been my best friend in my fight. I know I am joined by others such as Christine in this result. Now if I can get her track record after this, I will be most grateful.

06-18-2006, 07:27 PM	#5
StephN Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Misty woods of WA State Posts: 4,128	Break ourselves down and rebuild. This past week is one of those time I had to just go on Cruise Control and let Mother Nature take Her course. This is not the easiest thing to do, but as a veteran cancer patient, is a skill I have developed for self preservation. We are told that we have abilities to do things; it is being able to BELIEVE that and act on it that is the hardest part. Learning to relax and find a center is how I have managed to have PATIENCE through all my travels with breast cancer. (I think they misspell "patients.") Sure, we are anxious to return to what was once our Normal lives, but for us, we have to accept that we have a new life. Make the most of the days you have some energy, and give as much of that energy to those you love. The main thing I remember every day is that NO active cancer has been detected in me for over 1.5 years - and if it is, I have plenty of new ammo to throw at it. So far Herceptin has NOT let me down, and has been my *best* friend in my fight. I know I am joined by others such as Christine in this result. Now if I can get her track record after this, I will be most grateful. __________________ "When I hear music, I fear no danger. I am invulnerable. I see no foe. I am related to the earliest times, and to the latest." H.D. Thoreau Live in the moment. MY STORY SO FAR ~~~~ Found suspicious lump 9/2000 Lumpectomy, then node dissection and port placement Stage IIB, 8 pos nodes of 18, Grade 3, ER & PR - Adriamycin 12 weekly, taxotere 4 rounds 36 rads - very little burning 3 mos after rads liver full of tumors, Stage IV Jan 2002, one spot on sternum Weekly Taxol, Navelbine, Herceptin for 27 rounds to NED! 2003 & 2004 no active disease - 3 weekly Herceptin + Zometa Jan 2005 two mets to brain - Gamma Knife on Jan 18 All clear until treated cerebellum spot showing activity on Jan 2006 brain MRI & brain PET Brain surgery on Feb 9, 2006 - no cancer, 100% radiation necrosis - tumor was still dying Continue as NED while on Herceptin & quarterly Zometa Fall-2006 - off Zometa - watching one small brain spot (scar?) 2007 - spot/scar in brain stable - finished anticoagulation therapy for clot along my port-a-catheter - 3 angioplasties to unblock vena cava 2008 - Brain and body still NED! Port removed and scans in Dec. Dec 2008 - stop Herceptin - Vaccine Trial at U of W begun in Oct. of 2011 STILL NED everywhere in Feb 2014 - on wing & prayer 7/14 - Started twice yearly Zometa for my bones Jan. 2015 checkup still shows NED 2015 Neuropathy in feet - otherwise all OK - still NED. Same news for 2016 and all of 2017. Nov of 2017 - had small skin cancer removed from my face. Will have Zometa end of Jan. 2018.