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03-22-2007, 04:20 PM
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#1
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Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: naples fl
Posts: 17
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need some support
hi everyone, well tomorrow i have to go for my 6mo breast mri and i am almost 8mos over due for it this will be my 3 try this mo trying to do it. I have severe panic attacks so it has been hard. please help me . i was dx in10-04 at 31yrs old with stage 3-b so i am very worried. do u think i will be ok. I am very thankful for this web site and all the help everyone gives each other. kerry
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03-22-2007, 04:27 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Stockton, NJ
Posts: 4,179
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Kerry
You will be able to do it this time. Close your eyes and pretend you are laying on a float in a pool - soaking up the wonderful sunshine. And all will be well after it is over and everything will be A-ok next week when you get your results.
Try to smile as much as you can because it will make you feel better.
__________________
Kind regards
Becky
Found lump via BSE
Diagnosed 8/04 at age 45
1.9cm tumor, ER+PR-, Her2 3+(rt side)
2 micromets to sentinel node
Stage 2A
left 3mm DCIS - low grade ER+PR+Her2 neg
lumpectomies 9/7/04
4DD AC followed by 4 DD taxol
Used Leukine instead of Neulasta
35 rads on right side only
4/05 started Tamoxifen
Started Herceptin 4 months after last Taxol due to
trial results and 2005 ASCO meeting & recommendations
Oophorectomy 8/05
Started Arimidex 9/05
Finished Herceptin (16 months) 9/06
Arimidex Only
Prolia every 6 months for osteopenia
NED 18 years!
Said Christopher Robin to Pooh: "You must remember this: You're braver than you believe and stronger than you seem and smarter than you think"
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03-22-2007, 04:36 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 44
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Becky's right. You're doing the right thing to give you "peace of mind." I love her float visualization, so think about that nice, warm sun on your face and smile knowing you're doing something good and truly wonderful for yourself! Inhale love and exhale peace. Sometimes, they'll give you music for your ears, but if not, you can pretend you're at a concert or in whatever place makes you happy.
Be well and go for it.
XO,
Vicki Z in Calif.
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03-22-2007, 05:02 PM
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#4
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Guest
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And think of the huge relief you'll feel when they come out and tell you all is okay. It will be better than winning the super lotto. Please do it.
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03-22-2007, 06:21 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Sheboygan, WI
Posts: 2,582
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Oh, I couldn't agree more with grace. It WILL be better than winning the super lotto. You'll hear the good news and you'll be so relieved and so happy that you did it. YOU CAN DO IT - relax and visualize like Becky said and then think of your super lotto prize when you hear the good news and you'll get through it.
God's Peace to you,
Mary Jo
__________________
"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10
Dx. 6/24/05 age 45 Right Breast IDC ER/PR. Neg., - Her2+++ RB Mast. - 7/28/05 - 4 cm. tumor Margins clear - 1 microscopic cell 1 sent. node No Vasucular Invasion 4 DD A/C - 4 DD Taxol & Herceptin 1 full year of Herceptin received every 3 weeks 28 rads prophylactic Mast. 3/2/06
17 Years NED
<>< Romans 8:28
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03-22-2007, 06:35 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Thornhill, Ontario
Canada
Posts: 2,320
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Kerry,
Do you have any Ativan - My GP said I could take 2 x 1mg. tablets about 1/2 hour before the scan - and I did. One tablet would probably do it for you if you don't take them very often. Did the trick for me.
All the best - Hey, You're more than the critical 2 years out - keep us posted.
Caya
__________________
ER90%+/PR 50%+/HER 2+
1.7 cm and 1.0 cm.
Stage 1, grade 2, Node Negative (16 nodes tested)
MRM Dec.18/06
3 x FEC, 3 x Taxotere
Herceptin - every 3 weeks for a year, finished May 8/08
Tamoxifen - 2 1/2 years
Femara - Jan. 1, 2010 - July 18, 2012
BRCA1/BRCA2 Negative
Dignosed 10/16/06, age 48 , premenopausal
Mild lymphedema diagnosed June 2009 - breast surgeon and lymph. therapist think it's completely reversible - hope so.
Reclast infusion January 2012
Oopherectomy October 2013
15 Years NED!!
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03-22-2007, 07:17 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Acworth, GA
Posts: 2,104
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Kerry,
We all get anxious when we are scheduled for tests and even more anxious waiting for the results. This is completely normal. When you have your test just think pleasant thoughts. I will keep you in my prayers that everything turns out ok.
__________________
Kate
Stage IIIC Diagnosed Oct 25, 2005 (age 58)
ER/PR-, HER2+++, grade 3, Ploidy/DNA index: Aneuploid/1.61, S-phase: 24.2%
Neoadjunct chemo: 4 A/C; 4 Taxatore
Bilateral mastectomy June 8, 2006
14 of 26 nodes positive
Herceptin June 22, 2006 - April 20, 2007
Radiation (X35) July 24-September 11, 2006
BRCA1/BRCA2 negative
Stage IV lung mets July 13, 2007 - TCH
Single brain met - August 6, 2007 -CyberKnife
Oct 2007 - clear brain MRI and lung mets shrinking.
March 2008 lung met progression, brain still clear - begin Tykerb/Xeloda/Ixempra
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03-22-2007, 08:33 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Northern Calif.
Posts: 981
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Kerry,
Sending you warm hugs and prayers. The scans make us feel so anxious. But like the other ladies have said, just wait 'til you hear the sweet words we love,"NED"!
Hugs and Prayers,
Lexi
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03-22-2007, 08:33 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Henderson, NE
Posts: 413
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Kerry,
i was stage 3b also. 34 pos nodes in Aug 2003. Alot of us are in the same boat. You WILL be ok. Like someone else said--you've already made it through the most critical time!!!!
__________________
Michele Ulmer
dx: August 2003 stage 3b 35 pos nodes ER/PR neg Her+
4 AC 12 weekly taxol
one year Herceptin in trial
35 rad tx
vaccine trial Seattle
NED
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03-22-2007, 09:28 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Southern, CA
Posts: 2,511
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Kerry, I have dealt with anxiety and actual panic attacks...so I totally understand. I take xanax if things get too bad...that does the trick every time. If you must, ask your GP about having some ativan or xanax on hand for stressful times like this so you can get through it. Your GP really should have no problem with it considering all you have to deal with.
Another thing I know really helps is taking a good friend or family member with you so you can talk and keep the focus OFF what your actually doing. Take someone thats fun to be around and likes to chit chat. That way you can talk & laugh the whole time. The most difficult time will be when they actually call you back for the MRI and I really believe you will be ok. Plan ahead on a really good memory you have from the past and just think of that the entire time your in the MRI machine. Something that really made you happy. Before you know it you will be done.  (I know, easier said then done..right.) Seriously...I think if you take someone with you this one time you will be more relaxed. (Just an idea.) I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Hang in there.
Chelee
__________________
DX: 12-20-05 - Stage IIIA, Her2/Neu, 3+++,Er & Pr weakly positive, 5 of 16 pos nodes.
Rt. MRM on 1-3-06 -- No Rads due to compromised lungs.
Chemo started 2-7-06 -- TCH - - Finished 6-12-06
Finished yr of wkly herceptin 3-19-07
3-15-07 Lt side prophylactic simple mastectomy. -- Ooph 4-05-07
9-21-09 PET/CT "Recurrence" to Rt. axllia, Rt. femur, ilium. Possible Sacrum & liver? Now stage IV.
9-28-09 Loading dose of Herceptin & started Zometa
9-29-09 Power Port Placement
10-24-09 Mass 6.4 x 4.7 cm on Rt. femur head.
11-19-09 RT. Femur surgery - Rod placed
12-7-09 Navelbine added to Herceptin/Zometa.
3-23-10 Ten days of rads to RT femur. Completed.
4-05-10 Quit Navelbine--Herceptin/Zometa alone.
5-4-10 Appt. with Dr. Slamon to see what is next? Waiting on FISH results from femur biopsy.
Results to FISH was unsuccessful--this happens less then 2% of the time.
7-7-10 Recurrence to RT axilla again. Back to UCLA for options.
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03-23-2007, 04:40 AM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Morris, IL
Posts: 3,507
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Kerry
Most Dr's will order ativan or valium if you are nervous about the MRI, you just need someone to go along with you....I have never had that luxury as I go to all my appointments alone....but I think a few valium or an Ativan would make driving in the Chicago traffic a bit more tolerable! I do visual imaging while I am in the machine...I shut my eyes and feel the breezes blowing through the palm trees, the hot sun baking down on my and listen to the ocean....works every time.....oh yeah, and I am holding a pina colada in my hand! I hope today is a breeze for you!
__________________
"Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle."
Hugs & Blessings
Sheila
Diagnosed at age 49.99999 2/21/2002 via Mammography (Calcifications)
Core Biopsy 2/22/02
L. Mastectomy 2/25/2002
Stage 1, 0.7cm IDC, Node Neg from 19 nodes Her2+++ ER PR Neg
6/2003 Reconstruction W/ Tissue Expander, Silicone Implant
9/2003 Stage IV with Mets to Supraclavicular nodes
9/2003 Began Herceptin every 3 weeks
3/2006 Xeloda 2500mg/Herceptin for recurrence to neck nodes
3/2007 Added back the Xeloda with Herceptin for continued mets to nodes
5/2007 Taken Off Xeloda, no longer working
6/14/07 Taxol/Herceptin/Avastin
3/26 - 5/28/08 Taxol Holiday Whopeeeeeeeee
5/29 2008 Back on Taxol w Herceptin q 2 weeks
4/2009 Progression on Taxol & Paralyzed L Vocal Cord from Nodes Pressing on Nerve
5/2009 Begin Rx with Navelbine/Herceptin
11/09 Progression on Navelbine
Fought for and started Tykerb/Herceptin...nodes are melting!!!!!
2/2010 Back to Avastin/Herceptin
5/2010 Switched to Metronomic Chemo with Herceptin...Cytoxan and Methotrexate
Pericardial Window Surgery to Drain Pericardial Effusion
7/2010 Back to walking a mile a day...YEAH!!!!
9/2010 Nodes are back with a vengence in neck
Qualified for TDM-1 EAP
10/6/10 Begin my miracle drug, TDM-1
Mixed response, shrinking internal nodes, progression skin mets after 3 treatments
12/6/10 Started Halaven (Eribulen) /Herceptin excellent results in 2 treatments
2/2011 I CELEBRATE my 9 YEAR MARK!!!!!!!!!!!!!
7/5/11 begin Gemzar /Herceptin for node progression
2/8/2012 Gemzar stopped, Continue Herceptin
2/20/2012 Begin Tomo Radiation to Neck Nodes
2/21/2012 I CELEBRATE 10 YEARS
5/12/2012 BeganTaxotere/ Herceptin is my next miracle for new node progression
6/28/12 Stopped Taxotere due to pregression, Started Perjeta/Herceptin
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03-23-2007, 04:50 AM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: San Antonio, TX
Posts: 2,357
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Hi Kerry!
I'm sending my prayers and support!
ma
__________________
MA in TX.
Grateful for each and every day....
Diag. 12/05 at age 60
Stage II, Grade 3, 4.5 cm primary tumor
ER/PR- Her2 +3 strongly positive
Her2 by FISH 7.7 amplified
vascular invasion
Ki67 20% borderline
Jan - March '06 Taxotere/Adriamycin X 3 to try to shrink tumor - it grew
April '06 Rt Modified Radical Mas, 7 of 9 nodes positive
April - Aug. '06 Herceptin/Taxol/Carboplatin X 8 (dose dense)
Sept - Dec. '06 Navelbine/Herceptin x 8 (dose dense)
Radiation & Herceptin Jan. 22 - March 1, 2007
Finished Herceptin Dec. 10 '08! One extra year.
Port removed August, 2012.
8 1/2 years since diagnosis! 5 1/2 Years NED!
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03-23-2007, 05:22 AM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 87
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Kerry~
Sending you positive, calming waves of comfort today!
I was dx'd in 2002, 33years old & Stage IV. I get scanned ~q12 weeks. I've definitely gotten better managing nerves & anxiety @ScanTime, but it's never much fun  !
You've gotten some great advice -visualization & meditation, a little help from Xanax if needed (I take 1/2 of a 12.5mg tab),the company of a calming friend.Maybe even clear your schedule so that you don't have to go back to work & just have a quiet rest of the day.
Most of all, what really keeps me settled is the confidence & faith that I have all the things I need -great docs, love & support of family & friends, knowledge & experience -to deal w/ whatever that Scan report reveals.
You've done it before & I know you don't want to do it again. We don't want you to go through it again, but if you have to, you can, you will & we're all here to help you through it and you will beat this monster back again. If needed...
But ALL will be well, I'm sure of it!!
Stay strong & when you can't, lean hard!
Keep the Faith~ |
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03-23-2007, 04:58 PM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Oregon
Posts: 1,756
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Kerry, I hope all went well today. You have been in quite a few minds, and lots of prayers going out to you. Let us know how it went.
<3 Lolly
__________________
Sept.'99 - Dx.Stage IIIB, IDC ER/PR-, HER2+++ by IHC, confirmed '04 by FISH. Left MRM, AC x's 4, Taxol x's 4, 33 Rads, finishing Tx May 2000. Jan.'01 - local/regional recurrence, Stage IV. Herceptin/Navelbine weekly till NED August 2001, then maintenance Herceptin. Right Mast. April 2002. Local/Regional recurrence April '04, Herceptin plus/minus chemo until May '07. Gemzar added from Feb.'07-April '07; Tykerb/Abraxane until August '07, back on Herceptin plus Taxotere and Xeloda Sept. '07. Stopped T/X Nov. '07, stopped Herceptin Dec. '07, started Avastin/Taxol/Carboplatin Dec. '07. Progression in chest skin, stopped TAC March '03, started radiation.
Herceptin has served as the "Backbone" of my treatment strategy for over 6 years, giving me great quality of life. In 2005, I was privileged to participate in the University of Washington/Seattle HER2 Vaccine Trial.
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03-23-2007, 09:28 PM
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#15
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Alexandria, VA
Posts: 1,055
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Hope all went well today as well. I have panic attacks over the MRI, so you're not the only one. I do Zoloft regularly and throw in an ativan for the test. I hope to someday do my treatments and tests without drugs. Right now it is such a relief not to have my heart racing during tests. You are entitled to be comfortable during tests, so do what it takes. Bev
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