Ned?

[Missyw]

Hi everyone,

I have been "lurking" since my diagnosis in January of 06. I am amazed and comforted by your courage. I am hoping you can provide just a bit more.

I could use your wisdom and insight about my situation. After my initial diagnosis 1/06, I was sent for the usual set of scans. All allegedly came back "clean". Later in trying to qualify for a bone metastasis prevention trial I was sent for another routine abdominal CT. This led to an abdominal MRI in March 06. (I had just finished A/C.) The oncologist explained I had a "spot" on my liver. It was apparently seen on the original CT scan, but no one raised it as an issue. The "spot" was allegedly too small to biopsy. The "spot" remained on a follow-up MRI in May of 06. (I was now three weeks into Herceptin and Taxol) No change was ever seen to the "spot". My oncologist explained it was nothing to worry about as long as it remained and there was no change.

In my August 06 scan the "spot" had disappeared. The oncologist explained I was now stage IV and I would have to be on Herceptin for life. She is sure the "spot" was a metastasis and although I was now NED, my time is limited. I can't seem to get my footing. I am in the U of W vaccine study, but I am feeling very hopeless. Has anyone ever heard of a liver "spot" that wasn't a metastasis? How long will the Herceptin keep my going if it was a metastasis? I draw so much hope from reading positive stories. Is there a story similar to mine with a better outcome? Just hoping.




question that I wanted to share with you, the real cancer experts.