okay someone help me out a little...

IRENE FROM TAMPA · 04-24-2007, 04:42 AM

ToTricia- try not to get too down on your news. You are such a strong fighter with everything you have been through that I just know that this is just another curve in the road that you will overcome and straighten out again.

To George - It is 7:30 am. and I am at work checking out the site and your
letter to your wife made me cry. But my tears are for the beauty
and love of this letter to Tricia. It must comfort her tremendously
to have such strong support and love from you. This is a very
important part of the healing. Your strong love for her keeps her
strong George and I am sure she will once again rally as she
always does.

Both of you take care. You have made my day brighter this morning.

lynnw · 04-24-2007, 07:33 AM

Hi Tricia,

Just wanted to share a few thoughts for you to consider in determining your next steps in treatment. While there may be nothing more to do surgically, there are other treatment options to consider to reduce the risk of recurrance. Like you, I had taxol/herceptin/carbo prior to my mastectomy and was left with some residual disease, 8+ nodes. Following surgery, I had four rounds of AC, every two weeks, followed by radiation. I was fortunate not to have any side effects from radiation. I am light-skinned but had only mild itching and no significant redness or burning. I was a bit tired, but I returned to work as a teacher and took care of my two young kids. Radiation was very manageable. Like other women on the board, I also had a year+ of herceptin only. I was 32 and premenopausal at diagnosis, so I also had my ovaries removed in order to take an AI. I don't mean to go on about all the treatments I had, but just wanted you to know there are still things you can do. I know you're disappointed to hear that it wasn't completely gone; I was too. Keep fighting, and don't resign to the advice of one doctor who says, "It's bound to come back." Be sure to get opinions from those who will work to make sure that it doesn't or who are at least trying everything!!

Take care,
Lynn

Jean · 04-24-2007, 08:13 AM

Dear Tricia,
The radiation is very doable. Of course you will have some amount of fatigue
after treatments. What I found helpful was making my radiaiton appointments
as late as possible at my center. 8 PM. - or 8:30 pM..this way I had dinner with my family and by the time treatment was done (it is very fast - it takes more time to set up on the table) and I returned back home I would shower
get into in PJ's and snuggly down for the night and sleep..I found this did not
disturb my routine during the day and I was able to work and take care of
my house and family. If I needed an extra nap I would take it. The one time
I went early I felt wiped out by 2PM in the afternoon and I just could not
get anything done.

Attitude is important so do not let your dr.have you think you are doomed.
You have time to investigate, get several opinions, and make careful decisions. Say to yourself daily "I can beat this". A positive attitude will
give you the courage to go on, most important remember we are all here for
you.

Your Faith and the love of your family are also behind you.
I will keep you in my prayers.
Warmly,
Jean

tousled1 · 04-24-2007, 08:20 AM

Tricia,

I had 26 nodes removed and 14 were cancerous. My initial tumor was 2.5cm with a 3cm invasiveness for a total of 5.5cm. I just finished my Herceptin (3 treatments short of a year). Before my surgery we knew that my lymph nodes were involved - just didn't know how extensively. My oncologist told me Friday that with my bilateral mastectomy, chemo (neo-adjunct), radiation and Herceptin that my chances of developing mets were 20%. I think that's pretty good odds. I had Herceptin while I was getting radiation and my radiation was to the chest and entire lymph node area (axillary, chest and collar bone).