Latest scans, markers, etc.

StephN · 04-17-2006, 04:40 PM

Well, friends, I got the WORD today that I am "PERFECT!"
Don't take that TOO seriously, but those words from my med onc did mean good news for me. CT of chest/abdoman did not show anything new or worrysome. MUGA was up at 61 and heart function looked good. Tumor markers continue to stay low where they have been.
Only thing that was the slightest bit "off" was my calcium level, but I know what to do about that.
At my next quarterly med onc visit I will have been off chemo, after some fierce mets, for FOUR YEARS. I would never had imagined this four years ago, even though I was showing some good progress against the mets at that time. God has been very good to me.

The next thing is to pass a couple more requirements for the U of W DNA vaccine trial. I am almost "there." My med onc is all for me doing this and I think they are waiting now for a FISH test to be done on my tumor block (I was HER2 plus 3 by IHC). FISH is required by the FDA, even though I have been successfully maintained on Herceptin all this time.

Just wanted to share these happy results with you. The only thing now is to do well on my brain followups next week. But, I feel this will be fine, too.

This message lets those of you out there who are struggling along know that it IS possible to overcome your metastases and live a reasonable life afterwards.

Guess you have to have some of those stubborn ancestors' genes - they always said I got them all! And I think I am just a pussy cat ..

tammymarie1971 · 04-17-2006, 05:10 PM

Yeah!!!! Oh Steph I am so thankful with you that all is well....It really does give the rest of us something to hold on to!!! Thank you very much for posting It was just what I needed today!
Tammy

Becky · 04-17-2006, 05:29 PM

I am so happy for you Steph. You give hope to all of us on the board. I also admire your wisdom and also your pragmatic approach to life. You never freak out (even when it appeared your brain mets returned) and have a steady step that I really like.

If anyone deserves a break, its you and I am thankful for your results.

Warm regards

Becky

Mgarr · 04-17-2006, 05:36 PM

Yahoooo!!!

Cathya · 04-17-2006, 06:38 PM

Steph;

Absolutely fantastic!!! It really is just what I needed to hear as well this evening......there really IS hope and YOU are showing us the way!!!

Cathy

AlaskaAngel · 04-17-2006, 07:15 PM

Congrats, Steph, on finding your own path through the maze successfully in spite of serious odds again and again. Now you can truly enjoy your travels together with joy. Thanks for putting up signposts for others to follow as you go...

DELIGHTED,

AlaskaAngel

michele u · 04-17-2006, 08:42 PM

Congrats Steph, You looked so good when i saw you last month, i knew everything would turn out ok!! Did you hear i get to go to Washington DC next weekend! Wish you were going!!!

sherri · 04-18-2006, 08:44 AM

Dear Stephanie,

I'm so happy for you. This was the best news for all of us. I think you are planning for some trips now! Good for you. I'll go again in June for my Vaccine, I hope I can see you and we can celebrate this wonderful news.
Big hug,

emmasmom · 04-18-2006, 10:26 AM

Congratualtions Steph! I am so happy for you! You are an inspiration to me who is just starting this fight!

Lisa

janet/FL · 04-18-2006, 03:54 PM

I just want to ditto all the congratulations. You really are inspiirng. Thanks for all your posts.
Janet

jhandley · 04-18-2006, 07:09 PM

Way to go Steph....by the way wht supplements do you take?

Cheers
Jackie

kristen · 04-19-2006, 03:51 AM

Steph, I think your perfect! I think that is great news. Congrats. I am so happy for you.

Vi Schorpp · 04-19-2006, 10:28 AM

So very happy for your Steph...I've been reading your posts...have been away awhile...Kudos!

StephN · 04-19-2006, 10:55 AM

Good to hear from some of you who have been away or not posting, so I hope that all is well for you too at this time.

Lisa - No, I did not contact the Oprah show. They should do something just on Herceptin, but that did not seem to be the focus this time as I looked at what they wanted to know. Maybe several of us SHOULD contact them about Herceptin for a more in depth show.

Jackie - Thanks for asking. I am slacking off a little on some of my supplements now as I am stronger and reasonably recovered from my surgery in early Feb. But here are the ones that I stick by:

Barleans Flaxseed oil caps
Emergen-C - multivits with Calcium
A respiratory cleanse pill, but not every day
Vitamin D when there is no sun
CoQ10 in a special absorbancy formula 100mg
For mental clarity - either Neurozyme by New Chapter or Mental Clarity Lion's Mane Mushroom complex (also New Chapter)
A good vit B complex if my allergies are really acting up or have a cold
Olive Leaf - but not all the time

I take Quinine for my leg and foot cramps, but not every day

I still avoid caffeine and drink a lot of herbal teas

I almost forgot to include my weekly ration of organic dark chocolate - either the 75% or 90% cocoa. This is my favorite antioxident.

Chelee · 04-19-2006, 02:04 PM

Wow...big congratulation on the news. That is just fantastic. Its just so wonderful to hear news as yours to continue to give us all some added hope. As some others here already said...but I will say it again, you really are a true inspiration! I am just so happy to hear your news. Warm wishes for continued good health.

Chelee

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Stage IIIA, Her/2Neu 3+++, Er & Pr positive, node positive. Diagnosed 12-05.