Attention Cheryl S

[HavahJ]

I'm doing o.k. I guess. This is my second breast cancer. My fist was in 1991 - this was a new contralateral breast cancer. It was small, less than a centimeter and one node. I just finished a year of herceptin when I found out a maybe had a bone met at the top of my spine. They're not totally sure it's cancer and they can't biopsy so I had radiation and might need brain surgery, hence Mayo. I was absolutely stunned that I had a metastisis. I was IIA. I also have M.S. so I got pretty depressed, one diagnosis too many! What has your road from diagnosis been like? I have three children who are grown and gone and am divorced.

[CherylS]

So sorry to hear of your difficulties. This is a difficult road isn't it? I have a friend with MS also. I will keep you in my prayers and hope for good news from Mayo. Maybe it's not a met at all. Keep me posted, will you? I was very fortunate (I hope) to be diagnosed at stage 1, but still struggle with a great fear of recurrence with the HER2+++ factor and all. It has been almost a year since my diagnosis. I am very thankful to be on herceptin. I also have 3 children, and six step-children as my husband and I were both widowed before we were married to each other. All are grown and married except my son who is finishing college this year and my 13 year old daughter.

[Lauriemn]

Hi Cheryl, I am glad you are doing well. I am doing o.k. I had a few scares, where I had some symptoms and ended up having scans, but so far so good. I lost my mother to gallbladder cancer on Nov. 9. She was only diagnosed six weeks earlier, so she went very quick. Its been hard, dealing with her death and my illness at the same time. I am glad I have 3 little kids to look after, because some days I don't think I would get out of bed if it wasn't for them.

Thanks for the advice about Dr. Ruebeck. I will have to call him soon. I am trying to lose some weight before I go in for the diep procedure. I gained 30 lbs. since I was diagnosed, and I was overweight before, so I have alot of work to do!

I have still not decided whether I want to stay on Herceptin longer than a year. I keep going back and forth. I do worry about long term side effects, but yet,obviously, don't want to have a recurrance. I think I may only do it if the trial results are good. who knows? I also will be on it until late may/early june. Take care, Laurie

[CherylS]

Laurie,

Sorry to hear of your loss. That is really tough on top of everything else. I'll keep you in my prayers. And keep on keeping your head up for those three wonderful kids!