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11-22-2012, 01:46 PM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 508
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New Battle
Not related to this group, but you have all been so kind as I've asked for support for my dear sis during her HER2 journey.....I was told yesterday that I have a cancerous melanoma in my right eye. I had breast cancer twenty nine years ago, endometrial cancer four years, and now a third one. Not much known yet. I'm waiting over this Thanksgiving holiday for arrangements to be made for The Wills Eye Institute in Philadelphia, to see me. My dear sis and her hubby will go with me and my husband. First prayer is that there are no mets...most obvious places are liver and lungs. If none, then I'm hoping they can use the radioactive plaque to irradiate the bugger. Back to scans and exrays every six months, if I'm lucky and there isn't distant involvement right now. I'd really appreciate your prayers, ladies. Thanks.
Barb A
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11-22-2012, 03:07 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: San Antonio, TX
Posts: 2,357
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Re: New Battle
Barb, you'll have my prayers and good wishes for your trip.
__________________
MA in TX.
Grateful for each and every day....
Diag. 12/05 at age 60
Stage II, Grade 3, 4.5 cm primary tumor
ER/PR- Her2 +3 strongly positive
Her2 by FISH 7.7 amplified
vascular invasion
Ki67 20% borderline
Jan - March '06 Taxotere/Adriamycin X 3 to try to shrink tumor - it grew
April '06 Rt Modified Radical Mas, 7 of 9 nodes positive
April - Aug. '06 Herceptin/Taxol/Carboplatin X 8 (dose dense)
Sept - Dec. '06 Navelbine/Herceptin x 8 (dose dense)
Radiation & Herceptin Jan. 22 - March 1, 2007
Finished Herceptin Dec. 10 '08! One extra year.
Port removed August, 2012.
8 1/2 years since diagnosis! 5 1/2 Years NED!
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11-22-2012, 05:20 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Ireland
Posts: 3,463
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Re: New Battle
Oh Barb I'm so sorry, sending good wishes for you! x
__________________
Tricia
Dx July '05 IDC 1.9cm Triple positive 3/9 nodes positive
A/C X 4 ..Taxol/Herceptin x 12 wks then herceptin 1 yr
Rads x 36 ..oophorectomy August '06
Currently taking Arimidex..
June 2011 osteopenia/ zometa x1 yearly- stopped Zometa 2015 as Dexa show normal bone density.
Stopped Arimidex July 2014- Restarted Arimidex 2015 for a further two years on the advice of my Onc.
2014 Normal Dexa scan
2018 Mammo all clear, still NED!
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11-22-2012, 05:27 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Cordoba, Mexico
Posts: 672
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Re: New Battle
Barb,
Praying for you, hoping this problem is just local and has not metastized. Pls. Keep us posted and do not loose hope, there are always treatments out there.
Love,
Paty
__________________
Dx. June 30th, 2006 at age 43
Lumpectomy rt breast
2.2 cm tumor, 13 nodes all negative
ER-PR+,her2+++
6 FAC
32 Rads
Dx. Lung fibrosis due to radiation
Ended 1 year herceptin in March, 2008
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11-22-2012, 05:32 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 508
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Re: New Battle
Thank you for your well wishes, Paty, Tricia and MA. You all know the awful initial fear.....that's where I am now. Hope to get to Philly soon and not drag out the wait.
Barb A.
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11-22-2012, 06:44 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: "Love never fails."
Posts: 5,808
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Re: New Battle
Barb,
First of all, Happy Thanksgiving!
It's not fun to have multiple cancers. But it happens - especially to those of us who have had certain types of genes (or gene defects!
Hang in there. The plan you've mentioned sounds pretty good. Take good care of yourself and come here for support anytime!
__________________
Jackie07
http://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2011/06/doctors-letter-patient-newly-diagnosed-cancer.html
http://www.asco.org/ASCOv2/MultiMedi...=114&trackID=2
NICU 4.4 LB
Erythema Nodosum 85
Life-long Central Neurocytoma 4x5x6.5 cm 23 hrs 62090 semi-coma 10 d PT OT ST 30 d
3 Infertility tmts 99 > 3 u. fibroids > Pills
CN 3 GKRS 52301
IDC 1.2 cm Her2 +++ ER 5% R. Lmptmy SLNB+1 71703 6 FEC 33 R Tamoxifen
Recc IIB 2.5 cm Bi-L Mast 61407 2/9 nds PET
6 TCH Cellulitis - Lymphedema - compression sleeve & glove
H w x 4 MUGA 51 D, J 49 M
Diastasis recti
Tamoxifen B. scan
Irrtbl bowel 1'09
Colonoscopy 313
BRCA1 V1247I
hptc hemangioma
Vertigo
GI - > yogurt
hysterectomy/oophorectomy 011410
Exemestane 25 mg tab 102912 ~ 101016 stopped due to r. hip/l.thigh pain after long walk
DEXA 1/13
1-2016 lesions in liver largest 9mm & 1.3 cm onco. says not cancer.
3-11 Appendectomy - visually O.K., a lot of puss. Final path result - not cancer.
Start Vitamin D3 and Calcium supplement (600mg x2)
10-10 Stopped Exemestane due to r. hip/l.thigh pain OKed by Onco 11-08-2016
7-23-2018 9 mm groundglass nodule within the right lower lobe with indolent behavior. Due to possible adenocarcinoma, Recommend annual surveilence.
7-10-2019 CT to check lung nodule.
1-10-2020 8mm stable nodule on R Lung, two 6mm new ones on L Lung, a possible lymph node involvement in inter fissule.
"I WANT TO BE AN OUTRAGEOUS OLD WOMAN WHO NEVER GETS CALLED AN OLD LADY. I WANT TO GET SHARP EDGED & EARTH COLORED, TILL I FADE AWAY FROM PURE JOY." Irene from Tampa
Advocacy is a passion .. not a pastime - Joe
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11-22-2012, 11:28 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 3,154
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Re: New Battle
Dear Barb,
I am sorry to hear your news. Of course I will keep you in prayer. It is upsetting to have to wait until after the holiday weekend. Please keep us posted.
Kindest Regards,
jean
__________________
Stage 1, Grade 1, 3/30/05
Lumpectomy 4/15/05 - 6MM IDC
Node Neg. (Sentinel node)
ER+ 90% / PR-, Her2+++ by FISH
Ki-67 40%
Arimidex 5/05
Radiation 32 trt, 5/30/05
Oncotype DX test 4/17/06, 31% high risk
TOPO 11 neg. 4/06
Stopped Arimidex 5/06
TCH 5/06, 6 treatments
Herceptin 5/06 - for 1 yr.
9/06 Completed chemo
Started Femara Sept. 2006
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11-23-2012, 04:29 AM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 954
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Re: New Battle
Dear Barb,
I'm hoping things go very, very well for you.
(((Hugs)))),
Paula
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11-23-2012, 08:48 AM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,526
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Re: New Battle
Hi Barb
Just wanted to share some information with you. A couple of weeks ago a television program featured a young women with a melanoma also in her eye. Apparently it is quite rare however once they had removed it and given her treatment her prognosis was reported to be very good due to the pathological type
In the meantime I am praying for you and hoping you have this type also
Ellie
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11-23-2012, 10:13 AM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 508
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Re: New Battle
Thanks so much for the continued wishes....it is amazing how much comfort comes in the form of warm support from friends. Ellie, I hope my path type is the same as the one you saw on tv. Praying hard for no mets, at the outset. If this tumor isn't too large, they will implant a plaque shield that will deliver radiation over a period of days. Will stay in accommodations arranged by the hospital and then have the plaque removed. The tumor is to continue shrinking over a period of three months. There may be additional treatment if needed. If tumor is too large, the eye will be removed. Not a happy thought, but I'm aiming for life, so what has to happen will happen to give me my best chance. Thank you so much for your love and support. I'm scheduled for a consult at 7:30 at Wills Eye. Hopefully surgery on Thursday. I'll be quaranteened in a motel room for the time the implant is in, so I'll take my computer and hope to be updating.
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11-23-2012, 06:18 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,477
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Re: New Battle
Barb,
Very sorry to hear this news. Please stay strong and keep us posted. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
karen z
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11-23-2012, 10:05 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 4,778
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Re: New Battle
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11-24-2012, 11:27 AM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Philly Suburbs
Posts: 1,709
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Re: New Battle
Barb,
Thinking positive thoughts for you! And, of course, sending prayers too.
Looking forward to reading your post surgery updates!
All the best,
Denise
__________________
1/11-needle biopsy
2/11-Lumpectomy/axillary node dissection - Stage 3c, ER/PR-14/17 nodes
3/11 - Post-op staph infection,cellulitis, lymphedema,seroma,ARRRGH!
4/12/11-A/C x 4, then T/H x 4, H only,Q3 weeks
8/26/11 finished Taxol!!!
10/7/11 mastectomy/DIEP recon
11/11 radiation x28
1/12/12 1st CANCER-VERSARY!
1/12 Low EF/Herceptin "Holiday" :(
2/12 EF up - Back on Herceptin, heart meds
4/2/1212 surgery to repair separated incision from DIEP recon
6/8/12 Return to work :)
6/17/12 Fall, shatter wrist,surgery to repair/insert plate :(
7/10/12 last Herceptin
7/23/12 Brain Mets %$&#! 3cm and 1cm
8/10/12 Gamma knife surgery, LOTS of steroids;start H/Tykerb
8/23/12 Back to work
12/20/12 Injure back-3 weeks in wheel chair
1/12/13 2nd CANCER-VERSARY!
1/14/13 herniate disk in back - surgery to repair
1/27/13 Radiation necrosis - edema in brain - back on steroids - but not back to work - off balance, poor cordination in right arm
5/3/13 Start Avastin to shrink necrosis
5/10/13 begin weaning steroids
6/18/13 Brain MRI - Avastin seems to be working!
6/20/13 quarterly CT - chest, abdomen, pelvis - All Clear!
7/5/13 finally off steroids!!
7/7/13 joined the ranks of the CHEMO NINJAS I am now Tekuto Ki Ariku cancer assassin!
7/13/13 Symptoms return - back on steroids
7/26/13 Back on Avastin - try again!
8/26/13 Not ready to return to classroom yet :( But I CAN walk without holding onto things! :)
9/9/13 Brain MRI - fingers crossed
“ Life is a grindstone, and whether it grinds you down or polishes you up is for you, and you alone, to decide. ” – Cavett Robert
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11-24-2012, 11:30 AM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Sunny San Diego
Posts: 2,214
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Re: New Battle
Thank you Lani - very informative.
Barb - wishing you a very successful treatment and Class 1a melanoma.
__________________
Diagnosed 2007
Stage IIb Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, Pagets, 3 of 15 positive nodes
Traditional Treatment: Mastectomy and Axillary Node Dissection followed by Taxotere, 6 treatments and 1 year of Herceptin, no radiation
Former Chemo Ninja "Takizi Zukuchiri"
Additional treatments:
GP2 vaccine, San Antonio Med Ctr
Prescriptive Exercise for Cancer Patients
ENERGY Study, UCSD La Jolla
Reconstruction: TRAM flap, partial loss, Revision
The content of my posts are meant for informational purposes only. The medical information is intended for general information only and should not be used in any way to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease
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11-24-2012, 12:06 PM
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#15
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,210
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Re: New Battle
Not much to add except ever since I was a child in the Phila suburbs I have heard only wonderful work being done by Wills. Great that you have access.
Keep the faith.
PS. what were your symptoms? I have a nasty thing on my eye right now.....
__________________
Bonnie
Post menopause
May 2007 Core biopsy, Rt breast
ER+, Pr-, HER2 +++, Grade 3
Ki-67: 90%
"suspicious area" left breast
Bilateral mastectomy, (NED on left) May 2007
Sentinel Node Neg
Stage 1, DCIS with microinvasion, 3 mm, mostly removed during the biopsy....
Femara (discontinued 7/07) Resumed 10/07
OncoType score 36 (July 07)
Began THC 7/26/07 (d/c taxol and carboplatin 10/07)
Began Herceptin alone 10/07
Finished Herceptin July /08
D/C Femara 4/10 (joint pain/trigger thumb!)
5/10 mistakenly dx with lung cancer. Middle rt lobe removed!
Aromasin started 5/10
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11-24-2012, 01:18 PM
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#16
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Michigan
Posts: 1,173
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Re: New Battle
Hoping and praying all will go well. Gods blessings to you and your family. I look forward to your future posts. (I pray all are positive.) Your friend, Nancy
__________________
dx 11/12/09 IDCI
Stage 3a
ER 98% PR 80%
Her2 +3
4/12 nodes
6 rounds TCH
Herceptin 12 months 3weeks
Rad. 30 tx
Tamoxifin 6 months stopped
Arimedex stopped 9/12 (side effects)
Aromasin 10/12
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11-24-2012, 02:09 PM
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#17
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 508
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Re: New Battle
Thank you, thank you, thank you, everyone. Bonnie, I had floaters and flashing lights in my eye. Thought it was a detached retina. Saw an opthamologist in the practice that had done my cataract surgery in January and he referred me to a retinal specialist on the same day. That doctor called a world class Wills doctor and they made some very rapid arrangements. We will leave tomorrow so as to find the facility before our 7:30 a.m. appointment on Monday. I am taking some ativan, so I alternate between relative calm and falling apart. Again, thanks for your well wishes...they mean the world to me.
Barb A Prayers gratefully accepted!
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11-24-2012, 02:34 PM
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#18
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Ireland
Posts: 3,463
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Re: New Battle
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers Barb, stay strong! (((((hugs)))))
__________________
Tricia
Dx July '05 IDC 1.9cm Triple positive 3/9 nodes positive
A/C X 4 ..Taxol/Herceptin x 12 wks then herceptin 1 yr
Rads x 36 ..oophorectomy August '06
Currently taking Arimidex..
June 2011 osteopenia/ zometa x1 yearly- stopped Zometa 2015 as Dexa show normal bone density.
Stopped Arimidex July 2014- Restarted Arimidex 2015 for a further two years on the advice of my Onc.
2014 Normal Dexa scan
2018 Mammo all clear, still NED!
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11-24-2012, 06:58 PM
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#19
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 3,154
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Re: New Battle
Barb,
Praying for you, as they say "good things come in small sizes" now let's pray that the tumor is small and you will have those three months for it to shrink.
The last few years there has been a huge leap in eye surgery and treatment. You are in a top notch facility, so with prayers and great treatment we send you healing wishes.
Kindest Regards,
Jean
PS the waiting is the hardest.
__________________
Stage 1, Grade 1, 3/30/05
Lumpectomy 4/15/05 - 6MM IDC
Node Neg. (Sentinel node)
ER+ 90% / PR-, Her2+++ by FISH
Ki-67 40%
Arimidex 5/05
Radiation 32 trt, 5/30/05
Oncotype DX test 4/17/06, 31% high risk
TOPO 11 neg. 4/06
Stopped Arimidex 5/06
TCH 5/06, 6 treatments
Herceptin 5/06 - for 1 yr.
9/06 Completed chemo
Started Femara Sept. 2006
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11-24-2012, 08:18 PM
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#20
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,210
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Re: New Battle
Barb, it is always amazing how the things we share here impact each other. I asked about your symptoms because I have a infection/growth, probably a nasty sty, on my eye. But your reply has given me pause. I have recently developed major floaters in both eyes. One doc called them "impressive'. They have been seen by MDs and deemed to be just bad floaters, but I never would have thought of other ramifications. I am sorry you are having this experience but grateful that we can learn from each other and be vigilant. We are here to hold each other up and share experience, strength and hope.
Keep the faith.
__________________
Bonnie
Post menopause
May 2007 Core biopsy, Rt breast
ER+, Pr-, HER2 +++, Grade 3
Ki-67: 90%
"suspicious area" left breast
Bilateral mastectomy, (NED on left) May 2007
Sentinel Node Neg
Stage 1, DCIS with microinvasion, 3 mm, mostly removed during the biopsy....
Femara (discontinued 7/07) Resumed 10/07
OncoType score 36 (July 07)
Began THC 7/26/07 (d/c taxol and carboplatin 10/07)
Began Herceptin alone 10/07
Finished Herceptin July /08
D/C Femara 4/10 (joint pain/trigger thumb!)
5/10 mistakenly dx with lung cancer. Middle rt lobe removed!
Aromasin started 5/10
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