to lisa

The Toronto Oncologist recommended that: now that the crisis is over, there is no reason to continue traveling to Toronto every 2 weeks. We agreed and have a follow-up appointment Oct 6. The reason we are keeping the channels open with Toronto is because the options are far greater than where we live, that's if we ever need to pursue other options, i.e., clinical trials, case conferences, etc. As well, the Toronto Onc. has a pipeline to Dr. Kathy Miller from U. of Indianapolis. Linda's recovery was largely due to case conferences between the 3 Onc's and, the support and direction from this site in establishing these contacts.
The MRI: we will request it from our local Onc. when we see him next week when Linda goes for chemo. I'm not as concerned as I was prior to reading the reply postings on "balance issues". That being said, the courage you have shown and the example you have set in dealing with your own, and every other HER2 patient's worst nightmare, has set an example for all of us that we can't ignore. In the past, I may have been inclined to "selectively read and believe" certain information. Not anymore! This battle can only be won through relentless confrontation of the facts and, from listening to others experiences.
Two quotes come to mind: a pilot’s credo: “learn from other peoples’ mistakes as you’ll never live long enough to make them all yourself�; and from my father, “people don’t died from disease, they died from denial�.
The short answer is: yes, we will pursue the Brain mets investigation, but not until we come back from the Bahamas.
Stay strong through your treatments and our thoughts are always with you.
Al and Linda