Over 8 years and counting

[Mary L]

Hi Juliet. I am a new member and I am also an 8 year survivor of stage IIIB IBC I was so happy when I saw your story on the IBC site. There are not alot of us around. Actually, we are truly blessed. I was diag. 2003 and given the usual chemos, mastectomy, followed by rad. It came back 9 months later apparent by the raised, red inflammation that was spreading across my mastectomy site I had two options, one was very drastic surgery that more than likely get all the cancer cells or try this new cancer drug, Herceptin. I started the Herceptin along with Carboplatin the next day. In 3 weeks the inflammation was fading and in 3 months it was all gone. I stayed on Herceptin for 5 years only stopping when my heart tests showed that it was affecting my heart. I had 3 recurences when I was off the Herceptin but when I went back on he cance would disappear. I have been cancer free and off herceptin for 3 years this Oct. 2010. I would love to hear from you. Also congratulations on your 8 year survival! Mary L

[mommaS]

Juliet:

Congratulations, I hope to get their too. I seem to be in a bit of deep hole right having been just diagnosed with brain mets. I will try and connect with Leslie but would love to hear from others who made in through this part of the journey.

Sharon