[IRENE FROM TAMPA]

Hi Esther

Well, the situation has gotten a little more complicated.

Since my last regimen of Taxol/Carbo/Herceptin did not even phase my two tumors, we stopped all together except for taking Herceptin. I have been investigating the Tykerb EAP program in my area and am at waiting on my doctors office to open up (which should be within the next few weeks) Meantime I have already been without any chemo except the Herceptin for 5 weeks. I can't start anything or it will disqualify me for the Tykerb. I have nothing else to take at this point and the tumors are growing. I feel fine now and could travel but our leave date is 8/23 (for one month) and starting on the study will probably interfere with the followups they will probably need to do.

I know that the trip is secondary to my life right now, but am still working on going. I am not giving up that thought yet. So you see, right now I take everything literally one hour at a time waiting on news.

I am very nervous knowing that the tumors are in there growing as we speak but am getting myself in a peaceful place to enable myself to handle the wait.All of us know how terrifying that WAIT is.

So even if I do not get to make my trip, I will enjoy your stories when you return. HAVE A MARVELOUS TIME. The planning is almost as exciting as the trip itself.