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04-23-2009, 05:12 PM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Southern California
Posts: 900
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Mammo then Stereotactic Biopsy - YIKES
Went for my mammogram today; my last one was six months ago, even though I am supposed to get them annually now. I was also getting breast MRIs every six months, but this has changed to once a year now as well. Since I had both done last September, the plan was to repeat my mammo in six months so I could then alternate the MRI and the mammo and therefore get something done every six months. Boy am I glad I did!
I had my mammo and was waiting for the ‘all clear, get dressed’, but instead got, ‘we want more pictures’. DRAT! Sooo, more pictures....and then more pictures - stretching, pulling, squishing, squashing…..Next, the radiologist came in to tell me that he saw some micro calcifications in my left breast (the ‘good’ one) and was recommending a stereotactic biopsy. He had time right then to do it so I gave the thumbs up. The calcifications were so faint that he had a hard time getting enough of a sample from where he went in, so he had to go in a second time from another angle – in essence I had two biopsies and was on that table well over an hour. I was scheduled to see my surgeon after my mammo but that appointment had to be cancelled.
So, here I sit with two packages of frozen peas, strategically placed, to help the healing. My surgeon has already called me (he is the BEST!) and has it on his ‘work list’ to follow my report. He will call me as soon as the results are in, either tomorrow (unlikely) or Monday. Until then I get to play the waiting game.
I’m thinking about getting up and pouring myself a glass of wine - the best idea I've had all day.
__________________
Gerri
Dx: 11/23/05, Lumpectomy 12/12/05
Tumor 2.2 cm, Stage II, Grade 3, Sentinel Node biopsy negative
ER+ (30%) /PR+ (50%), HER2+++
AC X 4 dose dense, Taxol X 4 dose dense
Herceptin started with 2nd Taxol, given weekly until chemo done
then given every 3 weeks for one year ending on March 16, 2007
Radiation 30 treatments
Tamoxifen - 2 yrs (pre-menopausal)
May 2008 - Feb 2012 Femara
Aug 2008 - Feb 2012 Zometa every 6 months
March 2012 - Stop Femara, now Evista for bone strengthening
********** Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things. - Robert Brault
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04-23-2009, 05:28 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Posts: 430
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Gerri,
I can't even imagine what you are going through right now. I hope you have poured yourself that glass of wine. (Perhaps I might pour one for myself in empathy!). I do find some positive things in what you have said. It seems that it is good that they had a hard time finding the calcifications for the biopsy - small is good, right? My prayer is that it will be nothing. When my calcifications were found, they told me 90% of the time they are nothing, but they do the biopsies because of the other 10%. Here is hoping and praying that you are in the 90%! I will keep you in my prayers, and hopefully you will find something out by tomorrow so that you can have a peaceful weekend.
~Alice
__________________
9/15/08 (age 52) - Mammo: calcifications
9/22/08 - Biopsy: DCIS, grade 3. ER,PR status: Pos. in 75-90% of tumor cells.
10/01/08 - Ob/Gyn appt.: found complex, mostly cystic mass on right ovary - 11cmx12cmx 8cm
10/15/08 - Hysterectomy & Oophorectomy, Lumpectomy: Cyst on uterus, not ovary - all was benign. Breast - 5 of 6 bad margins. 2 Sentinel Lymph nodes removed, both negative. Stage 0, Tis, N0
12/11/08 - Mastectomy & DIEP reconstruction: Surprise! 2 cm Invasive DC, grade 2 found. One benign internal mammary lymph node. Stage 1, T1c, N0, all clean margins. ER+ (Proportion Score = 2/5, Intensity Score = 2/3) and PR+(Proportion Score = 3/5, Intensity Score = 2/3)
HER2 score = 3+
1/09/09 - Oncotype DX: Recurrence S/core of 60 !?!?! ER status is NEG!! PR staus is NEG! HER2 score = 12.2 (still positive, greater than 11.5 is positive).
1/20/09 - Started chemo: TCH
5/26/09 - FINISHED CHEMO!
1/05/10 - FINISHED HERCEPTIN!
1/22/10 - Port-a-catheter removed!
3/07/18 - Still NED
9/10/23 - Still NED
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04-23-2009, 05:28 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Stockton, NJ
Posts: 4,179
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Dear Gerri
This is more than just DRAT. Stay calm and have at least one glass of wine. Unfortunately these things have to be waited out and we will wait it out with you.
Thank goodness you did do the every 6 month test (as I just started to do too) - just in case it might be something. I'll be waiting here with you.
Love and a huge hug
__________________
Kind regards
Becky
Found lump via BSE
Diagnosed 8/04 at age 45
1.9cm tumor, ER+PR-, Her2 3+(rt side)
2 micromets to sentinel node
Stage 2A
left 3mm DCIS - low grade ER+PR+Her2 neg
lumpectomies 9/7/04
4DD AC followed by 4 DD taxol
Used Leukine instead of Neulasta
35 rads on right side only
4/05 started Tamoxifen
Started Herceptin 4 months after last Taxol due to
trial results and 2005 ASCO meeting & recommendations
Oophorectomy 8/05
Started Arimidex 9/05
Finished Herceptin (16 months) 9/06
Arimidex Only
Prolia every 6 months for osteopenia
NED 18 years!
Said Christopher Robin to Pooh: "You must remember this: You're braver than you believe and stronger than you seem and smarter than you think"
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04-23-2009, 05:39 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: San Antonio, TX
Posts: 2,357
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You were brilliant and I vote yes on the wine!
I'll be prayin' while you're waitin'!
Much love, ma
__________________
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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04-23-2009, 06:02 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Canada
Posts: 2,193
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Sorri Gerri, bummer. Doesn't sound like you had a terribly fun day.
Frozen peas and wine sound good to me. I'll be keeping all my fingers
and toes crossed for you .... hang in there with the waiting game.... I
know it's not easy.
__________________
PinkGirl
Dx Aug/05 at age 51
2cm. Stage 2A, Grade 3
ER+/PR-
Her2 +++
Sept 7/05 Mastectomy
4 FAC, 4 Taxol, no radiation
1 year of Herceptin
Tamoxifen for approx. 4 months,
Arimidex for 5 years
Prophylactic mastectomy June 22/09
" I yam what I yam." - Popeye
My Photo Album
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04-23-2009, 06:17 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 3,154
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Hi Gerri,
Wise of you to have the every 6 months alternate check ups...for this very reason....you are on top of the situation. If anything (and more than likely it is nothing) you are catching it early. Will keep you in my prayers
the waiting is so hard, but do try to think of the positive
side....of the situation, you are in control by maintaining a breast health schedule.
Keeping you in my prayers
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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04-23-2009, 06:36 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Mountains of Virginia
Posts: 2,267
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Gerri,
Waiting is so tough---just know we're all here for you.
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
__________________
Rhonda (Sassy)
dx age 45
DX 2/15/05 Stage IIb (at surgery)restaged IIIa
Left mast .9cm tumor 5 of 14 nodes
Triple Positive
4 DD A/C
12 Taxol/Herceptin
33Rads
Strange infect mast site one year aft surg, hosp 1 wk
Herceptin for total of 18 months
Lupron Monthly 4 yrs
Neurontin for aches, pains and hot flashes(It works!)
Ovaries removed 11/09 stop Lupron and Neurontin
Arimidex 6 yrs (tried Femara, no SE improvement)
Tried Exemestane-hips got so bad could hardly walk
Back to Arimidex for year seven
Zometa 2X Annual for 7years, Lasix
Stop Arimidex 5/13
Stop Zometa 7/13-Bi-lateral Stress Fractures in Femurs from Zometa
5/14 Start Tamoxifen
3/15 Stem cell transplant to stimulate femur bone growth/healing
5/15 Complete fracture of right femur/Titanium rods both femurs
9/16 Start Evista stopTamoxifen
3/17 Stop Evista--unwelcome side effects!
NED and no meds.......
14YEARS NED!
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04-23-2009, 07:11 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Stayton, Oregon
Posts: 69
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Gerri,
How wonderful the radiologist had time to do the stereotactic biopsy today. At least you didn't have to wait for that appointment. Too bad the pathologists aren't faster too. I agree a glass of wine sounds wonderful and keep those peas on your biopsy site to minimize swelling and bruising.
Hugs, Nana Karen
__________________
Dx 7-21-05
1.7 cm invasive ductal carcinoma
Her2 +3 strongly positive
micromet in sentinel node
Sept.05 Lt.lumpectomy/bilat.reduction
Oct.05 4 rounds of AC/12 rounds of Taxol with Herceptin
Radiation 5 weeks
Herceptin only until Jan.07
Started Femara-stopped
Started Aromisin-stopped
Currently on Arimidex with a great deal of pain
Stopped Arimidex
Taking Tamoxifen
Karen
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04-23-2009, 07:35 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Southern California
Posts: 900
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Thanks everyone for the support. I knew you would all understand.
Pink: If you could cross your eyes too that might add a little something extra.
This was the first place I thought of coming after my adventure. I didn't dare call my husband at work, so I waited until he got home to tell him. He took the news a lot better than I expected (maybe the fact that I downplayed the whole thing helped). I'm really not too worried right now - I thought I would save that for if and when the time comes. I had my glass of wine and it smoothed out the edges a bit.
Thanks again everyone! I'll let you all know when I get the news.
__________________
Gerri
Dx: 11/23/05, Lumpectomy 12/12/05
Tumor 2.2 cm, Stage II, Grade 3, Sentinel Node biopsy negative
ER+ (30%) /PR+ (50%), HER2+++
AC X 4 dose dense, Taxol X 4 dose dense
Herceptin started with 2nd Taxol, given weekly until chemo done
then given every 3 weeks for one year ending on March 16, 2007
Radiation 30 treatments
Tamoxifen - 2 yrs (pre-menopausal)
May 2008 - Feb 2012 Femara
Aug 2008 - Feb 2012 Zometa every 6 months
March 2012 - Stop Femara, now Evista for bone strengthening
********** Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things. - Robert Brault
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04-23-2009, 07:55 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Canada
Posts: 2,193
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For my quiz answering fool friend, I will also cross my eyes.
Consider it done.... ouch!
__________________
PinkGirl
Dx Aug/05 at age 51
2cm. Stage 2A, Grade 3
ER+/PR-
Her2 +++
Sept 7/05 Mastectomy
4 FAC, 4 Taxol, no radiation
1 year of Herceptin
Tamoxifen for approx. 4 months,
Arimidex for 5 years
Prophylactic mastectomy June 22/09
" I yam what I yam." - Popeye
My Photo Album
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04-23-2009, 08:10 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 889
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Hope that glass of wine helps. Meanwhile we are all thinking of you. Hoping that things turn out well.
__________________
dx aug 03 invasive dcis 1 cm
er/pr/her2+
bcs 8/4/03
bcs 8/21/03 0/16 nodes
tx 4x ca 36 rad tam
postmenopausal 06 aromasin
sept 07 biopsy node in neck
muga/pet/cat/bone mets to lungs nodes and liver stage iv
tx hki-272
tx not working switched to taxol herceptin
Taxol not working switched to navelbine
navelbine is causing bad neuropathy
starting gemzar
gemzar quit on me now on Ixempra due to increasing number and size of liver mets
another progression starting tykerb/xeloda
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04-23-2009, 09:00 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 3,142
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Mammo then Stereotactic Biopsy - YIKES
It is good that your docs are on top of things all the time. I hope you get a good report. Take care. You will be less sore in a day or two.
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04-23-2009, 09:14 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Cordoba, Mexico
Posts: 672
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Gerri,
I am also keeping my fingers crossed for you. I will have my three month check up in May and I am already trembling with fear.
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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04-23-2009, 09:31 PM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,851
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Gerri,
I hate the waiting part. At least you're staying on top of it and the micro calcifications will turn out to be benign.
Hugs,
Joan
__________________
Diagnosed stage 2b in July 2003 (2.3 cm, HER2+, ER-/PR-, 7+ nodes). Treated with mastectomy (with immediate DIEP flap reconstruction), AC + T/Herceptin (off label). Cancer advanced to lung in Jan. 2007 (1 cm nodule). Started Herceptin every 3 weeks. Lung wedge resection April 2007. Cancer recurred in lung April 2008. RFA of lung in August 2008. 2nd annual brain MRI in Oct. 2008 discovered 2.6 cm cystic tumor in left frontal lobe. Craniotomy Oct. 2008 (ER-/PR-/HER2-) followed by targeted radiation (IMRT). Coughing up blood Feb. 2009. Thoractomy July 2009 to cut out fungal ball of common soil fungus (aspergillus) that grew in the RFA cavity (most likely inhaled while gardening). No cancer, only fungus. Removal of tiny melanoma from upper left arm, plus sentinel lymph node biopsy in Feb. 2016. Guardant Health liquid biopsy in Feb. 2016 showed mutations in 4 subtypes of TP53. Repeat of Guardant Health biopsy in Jana. 2021 showed 3 TP53 mutations, BRCA1 mutation and CHEK2 mutation. Invitae genetic testing showed negative for all of these. Living with MBC since 2007. Stopped Herceptin Hylecta (injection) treatment in March 2020. Recent 2023 annual CT of chest, abdomen and pelvis and annual brain MRI showed NED. Praying for NED forever!!
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04-24-2009, 07:49 AM
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#15
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Canada
Posts: 2,193
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Hu Gerti .. toduy is anothet day anf miighy calp fur anothyr glasd og
winr ...
__________________
PinkGirl
Dx Aug/05 at age 51
2cm. Stage 2A, Grade 3
ER+/PR-
Her2 +++
Sept 7/05 Mastectomy
4 FAC, 4 Taxol, no radiation
1 year of Herceptin
Tamoxifen for approx. 4 months,
Arimidex for 5 years
Prophylactic mastectomy June 22/09
" I yam what I yam." - Popeye
My Photo Album
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04-24-2009, 08:26 AM
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#16
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Southern California
Posts: 900
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Hey Pink,
Wow, I'm kind of worried.....I think I got the entire message....and all I have had this morning is coffee. How about you????
Feeling fine today. I little sore, but I'm here at work.
Waiting.....
__________________
Gerri
Dx: 11/23/05, Lumpectomy 12/12/05
Tumor 2.2 cm, Stage II, Grade 3, Sentinel Node biopsy negative
ER+ (30%) /PR+ (50%), HER2+++
AC X 4 dose dense, Taxol X 4 dose dense
Herceptin started with 2nd Taxol, given weekly until chemo done
then given every 3 weeks for one year ending on March 16, 2007
Radiation 30 treatments
Tamoxifen - 2 yrs (pre-menopausal)
May 2008 - Feb 2012 Femara
Aug 2008 - Feb 2012 Zometa every 6 months
March 2012 - Stop Femara, now Evista for bone strengthening
********** Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things. - Robert Brault
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04-24-2009, 08:35 AM
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#17
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Bayarea,CA
Posts: 679
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Dear Gerri,
Sending lots of prayers for your clear results. You do seem to have a great team of doctors who are staying on top of things. Stay postive...
hugs,
shobha
__________________
DX: 06-30-2007 - left breast -stage IIIB, Her2/Neu 3+++, ER weakly positive, PR-
Taxol+herceptin weekly for 3 months
FEC+herceptin every 3 weeks for 3 months
BRCA 1 and 2 - Negative
Jan 2008 - Bilateral mastectomy, prophylactic Rt. side.
Radiation for 5 weeks
Completed my yr of herceptin on 07-14-2008
Brain MRI - 3/2/09 Clean
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04-24-2009, 09:28 AM
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#18
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Canada
Posts: 2,193
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Hey GerriGirl
That was me being silly, again. I've only had coffee this morning.
I was typing with my fingers, toes and eyes crossed ... as promised.
__________________
PinkGirl
Dx Aug/05 at age 51
2cm. Stage 2A, Grade 3
ER+/PR-
Her2 +++
Sept 7/05 Mastectomy
4 FAC, 4 Taxol, no radiation
1 year of Herceptin
Tamoxifen for approx. 4 months,
Arimidex for 5 years
Prophylactic mastectomy June 22/09
" I yam what I yam." - Popeye
My Photo Album
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04-24-2009, 09:41 AM
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#19
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Southern California
Posts: 900
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Yep Pink, that occurred to me after I sent my repy. I was just logging on to tell you I "got it" - a little late I see.
__________________
Gerri
Dx: 11/23/05, Lumpectomy 12/12/05
Tumor 2.2 cm, Stage II, Grade 3, Sentinel Node biopsy negative
ER+ (30%) /PR+ (50%), HER2+++
AC X 4 dose dense, Taxol X 4 dose dense
Herceptin started with 2nd Taxol, given weekly until chemo done
then given every 3 weeks for one year ending on March 16, 2007
Radiation 30 treatments
Tamoxifen - 2 yrs (pre-menopausal)
May 2008 - Feb 2012 Femara
Aug 2008 - Feb 2012 Zometa every 6 months
March 2012 - Stop Femara, now Evista for bone strengthening
********** Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things. - Robert Brault
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04-24-2009, 09:58 AM
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#20
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Southern California
Posts: 900
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Thanks again to everyone who have sent good wishes my way. I really appreciate the support.
All my best,
__________________
Gerri
Dx: 11/23/05, Lumpectomy 12/12/05
Tumor 2.2 cm, Stage II, Grade 3, Sentinel Node biopsy negative
ER+ (30%) /PR+ (50%), HER2+++
AC X 4 dose dense, Taxol X 4 dose dense
Herceptin started with 2nd Taxol, given weekly until chemo done
then given every 3 weeks for one year ending on March 16, 2007
Radiation 30 treatments
Tamoxifen - 2 yrs (pre-menopausal)
May 2008 - Feb 2012 Femara
Aug 2008 - Feb 2012 Zometa every 6 months
March 2012 - Stop Femara, now Evista for bone strengthening
********** Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things. - Robert Brault
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