Support.............................

tousled1 · 09-27-2006, 04:30 PM

I think we all get the anxiety thing going at some time or another. Whether it's related to going off or coming near to the end of Herceptin I don't know. Yes, Herceptin is a miracle drug for us HER2 women but it doesn't work for everyone. As for tumor marker tests, MRIs, PET/CT scans my oncologist will order them for me whenever I ask. My last visit I had blood drawn for the Bayer Serum test and hopefully will get the results on Friday. All of us here have the fear of recurrence and have a constant reminder that we are fighting a dreadful disease. We all try and maintain a positive attitude and hope for the best but alas the anxiety just creeps in. All I can say if that when you need support everyone is here for you.

Leslie's sister · 09-28-2006, 02:50 AM

Marejo- You are an awesome, uplifting person. I can not thank you enough for the support and compassion that you have offered my sister Leslie. She speaks of you often and feels a definite bond with you. Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you. You were and continue to be the answer to my prayers for Leslie. Because you have been such a rock for her, it is hard to imagine that you are scared as well. Of course you are. This dreaded disease is awful. I hate it. I still struggle with fear over what lies ahead. But I focus on all the positives now rather than the negatives which drag me down. You caught it early, you were proactive in your decisions regarding surgery and treatment. Herceptin is a miracle drug that wasn't available all that long ago. This support group is incredible. I used to spend countless hours searching the internet looking for information on this awful disease. Now I feel confident that if there is something new out there, this group is going to know about it. I still search the internet but not with the same urgency that I might miss something, something that would help my sister. This group is already all over it. It is easier, I think, to feel like you are doing something during the treatment process- chemo, herceptin, radiation and though we look forward to the end, when it comes it is like ok now what? Sit around and wait for it to come back? No way. I believe that each one of my sister's chemo treatments is killing whatever fragment cells might have been left behind after surgery. I believe that herceptin is the back up and any stragglers don't have a chance. Marejo, you are in my prayers as well. Let our Lord and His amazing love uplift you. "He knows the plans He has for you, plans of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope" Your sister in Christ, Lisa (Leslie's sister)

Mary Jo · 09-28-2006, 04:05 AM

Hi Lisa,

Thank you for the wonderful post. It truly has been a blessing "meeting" your sister Leslie and I thank you for the connection.

Yes, I do get scared as well. (smile) - I don't think I'd be human if I didn't. BUT as you said, the faith and confidence we have in our Lord's plans for our lives is what gets me through day by day. A few of the versus from the Bible have truly inspired and kept me through this journey. Here are a few:

"for I know the plans I have for you says the Lord, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

"all the days ordained for me were written in your book before even one came to pass" Psalm 139:16

"for we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him and were called according to His purpose" Romans 8:28

They all bring me comfort and gently remind me that God is in control. He knows. Nothing comes to us that hasn't passed through Him first. He knows why and we have to trust in that.

Sometimes though, days can be hard. That's typical for all of us - no matter if there is cancer or not - but this cancer can be a nightmare in itself at times.

So thank you Lisa - your encouragement and love means much!

Your sister in Christ Jesus,

Mary Jo