Carla,
I was two yrs, 6 mos. out from Stage IIIb, Invasive with two tumors and Inflammatory when I was dx'd with mets.
First, mediastinal nodes, spot on lung and pelvis. Then two months later, brain mets, 1.5cm and 6mm.
Have remained NED in body since end of '02. Brain mets recurrance twice. First time: 14 in number. Second (and currently): 6-8 in number. Three of these current lesions are at 1cm in size, including one on my pons/brainstem.
These current brain mets have been responding, off and on, to Xeloda/Temodar for just short of three years. We added Tykerb last Oct. but had a bit of progression early spring anyway.
I have not been on Herceptin since tx with Navelbine worked so well back in '02.
I am er+ pr- but have refused the hormonals since bad experience with Tamoxifen early on.
so...... things might have been different if I had done something 'preventative'. But, for many it has made NO difference. To me, it is a personal choice and 'comfort level'.
My goal is quality of life, period. This is easy for me being an old fart.
Very best wishes to you,
pattyz
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