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05-09-2008, 01:58 PM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 476
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Karen,
It is an important mile marker. After the first 18 month, your are already on the way down in the potential recurrence. At the 36 month mark, I believe you are almost "cured". Congratulation.
__________________
Ann
Stage 1 dx Sept 05
ER/PR positive HER2 +++ Grade 3
Invasive carcinoma 1 cm, no node involvement
Mastec Sept 05
Annual scans all negative, Oct 06
Postmenopause. Arimidex only since Sept 06, bone or muscle ache after 3 month
Off Arimidex, change to Femara 1/12-07, ache stopped
Sept 07 all tests negative, pass 2 year mark
Feb 08 continue doing well.
Sep 09 four year NED still on Femara.
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05-09-2008, 06:35 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,477
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To Vicki, Believe51, and Sheila,
THANK YOU for your congratulations, your smiles, and your wishes for good health and 100 more years. Your kind words mean so much to me and help so much.
best,
karen z
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05-09-2008, 06:50 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,477
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Hi Lee,
Thanks so much.
Over time (thus far) it has gotten easier but I get pretty anxious at the time of my mammograms, etc., or breast exams. I am always holding my breath. I honestly do not know if that will ever stop, but I think that the day to day intensity has lessened. One thing I will say is that I have heard many patients/former patients complain that their colleagues and friends get "over" cancer well before the patients do- so that is one thing to keep in mind. I felt like people "out there" started to forget a lot as soon as my hair started coming back (even though I was so exhausted after chemo, was trying to work again [taking long naps every day], and going through radiation). Another example of friends' memories fading quickly is that at the time of my first mammogram two friends offered to go with me. But there were not any offers for subsequent mammograms, even though I was probably as afraid the second and third times as I was the first time. So, things do get better but I think that the "forgetting" slope is steeper for others than for us. And I say this knowing that the level of support can not be expected to remain as high as during the "big" treatments- still, many people don't get the fact that the fear is still there for us.
I hope that helps- I am so wordy.
karen z
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05-09-2008, 06:52 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,477
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Ann,
Thanks- I needed that.
Best,
karen z
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05-09-2008, 07:28 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,851
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Karen, Congratulations on your 3rd anniversary, and many, many more. Joan
__________________
Diagnosed stage 2b in July 2003 (2.3 cm, HER2+, ER-/PR-, 7+ nodes). Treated with mastectomy (with immediate DIEP flap reconstruction), AC + T/Herceptin (off label). Cancer advanced to lung in Jan. 2007 (1 cm nodule). Started Herceptin every 3 weeks. Lung wedge resection April 2007. Cancer recurred in lung April 2008. RFA of lung in August 2008. 2nd annual brain MRI in Oct. 2008 discovered 2.6 cm cystic tumor in left frontal lobe. Craniotomy Oct. 2008 (ER-/PR-/HER2-) followed by targeted radiation (IMRT). Coughing up blood Feb. 2009. Thoractomy July 2009 to cut out fungal ball of common soil fungus (aspergillus) that grew in the RFA cavity (most likely inhaled while gardening). No cancer, only fungus. Removal of tiny melanoma from upper left arm, plus sentinel lymph node biopsy in Feb. 2016. Guardant Health liquid biopsy in Feb. 2016 showed mutations in 4 subtypes of TP53. Repeat of Guardant Health biopsy in Jana. 2021 showed 3 TP53 mutations, BRCA1 mutation and CHEK2 mutation. Invitae genetic testing showed negative for all of these. Living with MBC since 2007. Stopped Herceptin Hylecta (injection) treatment in March 2020. Recent 2023 annual CT of chest, abdomen and pelvis and annual brain MRI showed NED. Praying for NED forever!!
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05-09-2008, 07:29 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,851
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Karen, Congratulations on your 3rd anniversary, and many, many more! Joan
__________________
Diagnosed stage 2b in July 2003 (2.3 cm, HER2+, ER-/PR-, 7+ nodes). Treated with mastectomy (with immediate DIEP flap reconstruction), AC + T/Herceptin (off label). Cancer advanced to lung in Jan. 2007 (1 cm nodule). Started Herceptin every 3 weeks. Lung wedge resection April 2007. Cancer recurred in lung April 2008. RFA of lung in August 2008. 2nd annual brain MRI in Oct. 2008 discovered 2.6 cm cystic tumor in left frontal lobe. Craniotomy Oct. 2008 (ER-/PR-/HER2-) followed by targeted radiation (IMRT). Coughing up blood Feb. 2009. Thoractomy July 2009 to cut out fungal ball of common soil fungus (aspergillus) that grew in the RFA cavity (most likely inhaled while gardening). No cancer, only fungus. Removal of tiny melanoma from upper left arm, plus sentinel lymph node biopsy in Feb. 2016. Guardant Health liquid biopsy in Feb. 2016 showed mutations in 4 subtypes of TP53. Repeat of Guardant Health biopsy in Jana. 2021 showed 3 TP53 mutations, BRCA1 mutation and CHEK2 mutation. Invitae genetic testing showed negative for all of these. Living with MBC since 2007. Stopped Herceptin Hylecta (injection) treatment in March 2020. Recent 2023 annual CT of chest, abdomen and pelvis and annual brain MRI showed NED. Praying for NED forever!!
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05-09-2008, 07:39 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,477
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Joan,
Thank you so much!!
Best,
karen z
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05-09-2008, 08:12 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 2,077
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Congratulations, Karen! You are inspiring to others. It can be done. And don't worry about being "wordy", Darlin', you've earned the right to be as wordy as you wanna be. You have a great day tomorrow and go out somewhere and act up!
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05-10-2008, 04:49 AM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Mountains of Virginia
Posts: 2,267
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Good Morning and Happy 3 years Karen.
I hope you have a wonderful day....year...50 years...life!
__________________
Rhonda (Sassy)
dx age 45
DX 2/15/05 Stage IIb (at surgery)restaged IIIa
Left mast .9cm tumor 5 of 14 nodes
Triple Positive
4 DD A/C
12 Taxol/Herceptin
33Rads
Strange infect mast site one year aft surg, hosp 1 wk
Herceptin for total of 18 months
Lupron Monthly 4 yrs
Neurontin for aches, pains and hot flashes(It works!)
Ovaries removed 11/09 stop Lupron and Neurontin
Arimidex 6 yrs (tried Femara, no SE improvement)
Tried Exemestane-hips got so bad could hardly walk
Back to Arimidex for year seven
Zometa 2X Annual for 7years, Lasix
Stop Arimidex 5/13
Stop Zometa 7/13-Bi-lateral Stress Fractures in Femurs from Zometa
5/14 Start Tamoxifen
3/15 Stem cell transplant to stimulate femur bone growth/healing
5/15 Complete fracture of right femur/Titanium rods both femurs
9/16 Start Evista stopTamoxifen
3/17 Stop Evista--unwelcome side effects!
NED and no meds.......
14 YEARS NED!
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05-10-2008, 05:10 AM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: San Antonio, TX
Posts: 2,357
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Let's see now...your daughter, chocolate, and a beautiful view! that about raps it up for a great day of celebration! Here's to many, many more great ones!!!!! 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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05-10-2008, 05:48 AM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,477
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Thanks Bill,
I will try and act up the best I can!!
karen z
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05-10-2008, 05:50 AM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,477
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Sassy,
Thanks for your great wishes!
I love your picture.
karen z
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05-10-2008, 05:52 AM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,477
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Mary Anne,
Yes, you are right- that is all I need for a perfect day.
Thank you so much!
karen z
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05-10-2008, 10:26 AM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: "Love never fails."
Posts: 5,808
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Congratulations on your three years mark. Today is the first day of your 4th year, good reason to go out and celebrate again! It is from the Bible: "eat and drink and be merry" 
__________________
Jackie07
http://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2011/06/doctors-letter-patient-newly-diagnosed-cancer.html
http://www.asco.org/ASCOv2/MultiMedi...=114&trackID=2
NICU 4.4 LB
Erythema Nodosum 85
Life-long Central Neurocytoma 4x5x6.5 cm 23 hrs 62090 semi-coma 10 d PT OT ST 30 d
3 Infertility tmts 99 > 3 u. fibroids > Pills
CN 3 GKRS 52301
IDC 1.2 cm Her2 +++ ER 5% R. Lmptmy SLNB+1 71703 6 FEC 33 R Tamoxifen
Recc IIB 2.5 cm Bi-L Mast 61407 2/9 nds PET
6 TCH Cellulitis - Lymphedema - compression sleeve & glove
H w x 4 MUGA 51 D, J 49 M
Diastasis recti
Tamoxifen B. scan
Irrtbl bowel 1'09
Colonoscopy 313
BRCA1 V1247I
hptc hemangioma
Vertigo
GI - > yogurt
hysterectomy/oophorectomy 011410
Exemestane 25 mg tab 102912 ~ 101016 stopped due to r. hip/l.thigh pain after long walk
DEXA 1/13
1-2016 lesions in liver largest 9mm & 1.3 cm onco. says not cancer.
3-11 Appendectomy - visually O.K., a lot of puss. Final path result - not cancer.
Start Vitamin D3 and Calcium supplement （600mg x2)
10-10 Stopped Exemestane due to r. hip/l.thigh pain OKed by Onco 11-08-2016
7-23-2018 9 mm groundglass nodule within the right lower lobe with indolent behavior. Due to possible adenocarcinoma, Recommend annual surveilence.
7-10-2019 CT to check lung nodule.
1-10-2020 8mm stable nodule on R Lung, two 6mm new ones on L Lung, a possible lymph node involvement in inter fissule.
"I WANT TO BE AN OUTRAGEOUS OLD WOMAN WHO NEVER GETS CALLED AN OLD LADY. I WANT TO GET SHARP EDGED & EARTH COLORED, TILL I FADE AWAY FROM PURE JOY." Irene from Tampa
Advocacy is a passion .. not a pastime - Joe
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05-10-2008, 04:46 PM
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#15
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,477
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Jackie,
Thanks very much- it was a good day.
karen z
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05-10-2008, 06:51 PM
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#16
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Stockton, NJ
Posts: 4,179
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Dear Karen
Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy! Buy yourself something great. The gifts get better as the years roll on.
__________________
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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05-10-2008, 07:56 PM
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#17
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,477
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Thanks Becky,
That's a good idea- I'd better go shopping too!!
karen z
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05-11-2008, 12:35 PM
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#18
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 216
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3 years
I am so happy for you karen.
Enjoy.
Janie
p.s. Chocolate is a great. In england we have a little chocolate called *fredo* and I always have one to celebrate and it isnt too many calories!
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05-12-2008, 05:25 AM
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#19
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Poland Ohio just a little south of Youngstown.
Posts: 473
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Karen, I'm a little late but still wishing you the best and congratulating you on your three years. It's so great to see these inspiring posts!
Hugs to you
__________________
Susan
Age: 61
dx: 5/25/06
2 cm/ 0 nodes
Lumpectomy rt breast on 7/26/06
ER/PR- / Her2+++
A/C x 4
finished taxotere 2/07
finished 33 rads
Herceptin finished 12/07/07 Yippee!
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05-12-2008, 07:05 AM
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#20
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Newnan, Georgia
Posts: 80
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Congratulations Karen. I am so happy for you. Go out and celebrate.
__________________
Nancy
Diagnosed 4/06, age 45
IDC, 3.5 cm, 4/7 positive nodes
Stage IIB
Her2++, ER & PR++
Mastectomy, 4 AC, 4 Taxol & Herception for one year
Radiation
Ovaries out 4/07
Currently taking Arimidex and Zometa every 6 months
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