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		|  08-02-2017, 05:04 AM | #1 |  
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				Re: Phooey--Brain Mets
			 
 IT can turn on a dime! I just need to rest and wait 
				__________________Amy
 _____________________________
 4/19/11 Diagnosed invasive ductal carcinoma in left breast; 2.3 cm tumor, 1 axillary lymph node, weakly ER+, HER2+++
 4/29/11 CT scan shows suspicious lesions on liver and lungs
 5/17/11 liver biopsy
 5/24/11 liver met confirmed--Stage IV at diagnosis
 5/27/11 Begin weekly Taxol & Herceptin for 3 months (standard of care at the time of my DX)
 7/18/11 Switch to weekly Abraxane & Herceptin due to Taxol allergy
 8/29/11 CT scan shows no new lesions & old lesions shrinking
 9/27/11 Finish Abraxane. Start Herceptin every 3 weeks. Begin taking Arimidex
 10/17/11--Brain MRI--No Brain mets
 12/5/11 PET scan--Almost NED
 5/15/12 PET scan shows progression-breast/chest/spine (one vertebra)
 5/22/12 Stop taking Arimidex; stay on Herceptin
 6/11/12 Started Tykerb and Herceptin on clinical trial (w/no chemo)
 9/24/12 CT scan--No new mets. Everything stable.
 3/11/13 CT Scan--two small new possible mets and odd looking area in left lung getting larger.
 4/2/13--Biopsy of suspicious area in lower left lung. Mets to lung confirmed.
 4/30/13 Begin Kadcyla/TDM-1
 8/16/13 PET scan "mixed," with some areas of increased uptake, but also some definite improvement, so I'll stay on TDM-1/Kadcyla.
 11/11/13 Finally get hormone receptor results from lung biopsy of 4/2/13. My cancer is no longer ER positive.
 11/13/13 PET scan mixed results again. We're calling it "stable." Problems breathing on exertion.
 2/18/14 PET scan shows a new lesion and newly active lymph node in chest, other progression. Bye bye TDM-1.
 2/28/14 Begin Herceptin/Perjeta every 3 weeks.
 6/8/14 PET "mixed," with no new lesions, and everything but lower lungs improving. My breathing is better.
 8/18/14 PET "mixed" again. Upper lungs & one spine met stable, lower lungs less FDG avid, original tumor more avid, one lymph node in mediastinum more avid.
 9/1/14 Begin taking Xeloda one week on, one week off. Will also stay on Herceptin and Perjeta every three weeks.
 12/11/14 PET Scan--no new lesions, and everything looks better than it did.
 3/20/15 PET Scan--no new lesions, but lower lung lesions larger and a bit more avid.
 4/13/15 Increasing Xeloda dose to 10 days on, one week off.
 7/1/15 Scan "mixed" again, but suggests continuing progression. Stop Xeloda. Substitute Abraxane every 3 weeks starting 7/13.
 10/28/15 PET scan shows dramatic improvement everywhere. All lesions except lower lungs have resolved; lower lungs noticeably improved.
 12/18/15 Last Abraxane. Continue on Herceptin and Perjeta alone beginning 1/8/16.
 1/27/16 PET scan shows cancer is stable.
 5/11/16 PET scan shows uptake in some areas that were resolved on the last two scans.
 6/3/16 Begin Kadcyla and Tykerb combination
 6/5 - 6/23 Horrible diarrhea from K&T together. Got pneumonia.
 7/15/16 Begin Kadcyla only every 3 weeks.
 9/6/16 Begin radiation therapy on right lung lesion that caused the pneumonia.
 10/3/16 Last of 12 radiation treatments to right lung.
 11/4/16 Huffing and puffing, low O2, high heart rate, on tiniest bit of exertion. Diagnosed as radiation pneumonitis. Treated with Prednisone.
 11/11/16 PET scan shows significant improvement to radiated part of right lung BUT a bunch of new lung lesions, and the bone met is getting worse.
 11/22/16 Begin Eribulin and Herceptin. H every 3 weeks. E two weeks on, one week off.
 3/6/17 Scan shows progression in lungs. Bone met a little better.
 3/23/17 Lung biopsy. Tumor sampled is ER-, PR+ (5%), HER2+++. Getting Herceptin and Perjeta as a maintenance treatment.
 5/31/17 Port placement
 6/1/17 Start Navelbine & Tykerb
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		|  08-02-2017, 06:29 AM | #2 |  
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				Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Oregon 
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				Re: Phooey--Brain Mets
			 
 Amy, all the best with your next treatment and the successful outcome we all want for you. Thank you to ROLEPAUL who  is helping to share his knowledge about treatment for brain mets with other  women per his post above. Our Her2 site is the best! ❤️ 
				__________________Catherine
 
 
 Found my own lump in the shower
 April 2006 at the age of 58
 Stage IIB, ER- PR- HER2+++ multi focal tumors, largest 2.3cm
 Chemo first: AC/Taxol over 16 weeks
 Bilateral mastectomy Sep 06
 33 rads after the surgery
 1 year of Herceptin completed Dec 07
 15 years and no recurrence as of April 2021
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		|  08-24-2017, 06:40 PM | #3 |  
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				Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: LA LA Land 
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				Re: Phooey--Brain Mets
			 
 Hey Amy, Ugh - sorry to read about the brain mets.  Rolepaul is a great resource.  Also wanted to mention that I had a single met gamma knifed in 2008.  Nothing's come back.
 
 The steroids wreck havoc with emotions, I have to use Ativan to try to counter some of the hyper zipping.  Even just the 40 mgs prednisone I take as premeds prior to herceptin each cycle make me crazy.  Today is come down day and I'm a mess, but it does pass.
 
 So glad that you seem to be staying steady. Sending tons of good wishes.
 xo Flori
 
				__________________1996 cancer WTF?! 1.3 cm lumpectomy Er/Pr neg. Her2+ (20nodes NEGATIVE) did CMF + rads. NED.
 2002 recurrence. Bilateral mastectomy w/TFL autologous recon. Then ACx2. Skin lymphatic rash. Taxotere w/Herceptin x4. Herceptin/Xeloda.  Finally stops spreading.
 2003 - Back to surgery, remove skin mets, and will have surgery one week later when pathology can confirm margins.
 ‘03 latisimus dorsi flap to remove skin mets. CLEAN MARGINS. Continue single agent Herceptin thru 4/04. NED.
 ‘04 '05 & 06 tiny recurrences - scar line. surgery to cut out. NED each time.
 1/2006 Rads again,  to scar line. NED.
 
 3/07 Heartbreaking news - mets! lungs.sternum. Try Tykerb/Xeloda. Tykerb/Carbo/Gemzar. Switch Oncs.
 12/07 Herceptin.Tykerb. Markers go stable.
 2/8/08 gamma knife 13mm stupid brain met.
 3/08 Herceptin/tykerb/avastin/zometa.
 3/09 brain NED. Lungs STABLE.
 4/09 attack sternum (10 daysPHOTONS.5 days ELECTRONS)
 9/09 MARKERS normal!
 3/10 PET/CT=manubrium intensely metabolically active but stable. NEDhead.
 Wash out 5/10 for tdm1 but 6/10 CT STABLE, PET improving. Markers normal. Brain NED. Resume just Herceptin plus ZOMETA
 Dec 2010 Brain NED, lungs/sternum stable. markers normal.
 MAR 2011 stop Herceptin/allergy! Go back on Tykerb and switch to Xgeva.
 May-Aug 2011 Tykerb Herceptin Xgeva.
 Sept 2011 Tykerb, Herceptin, Zometa, Avastin.
 April 2012 sketchy drug trial in NYC. 6 weeks later I’m NED!
 OCT 2012 PET/CT shows a bunch of freakin’ progression. Back to LA and Herceptin.avastin.zometa.
 12/20/12 add in PERJETA!
 March 2013 – 5 YEARS POST continue HAPZ
 APRIL 2013 - 6 yrs stage 4. "FAILED" PETscan on 4/2/13
 May 2013: rePetted - improvement in lungs, left adrenal stable, right 6th rib inactive, (must be PERJETA avastin) sternum and L1 fruckin'worsen. Drop zometa. ADD Xgeva. Doc says get rads consultant for L1 and possible biopsy of L1. I say, no thanks, doc. Lets see what xgeva brings to the table first. It's summer.
 June-August 2013HAPX Herceptin Avastin Perjeta xgeva.
 Sept - now - on chemo hold for calming tummy we hope. Markers stable for 2 months.
 Nov 2013 - Herceptin-Perjeta-Avastin-Xgeva (collageneous colitis, which explains tummy probs, added Entocort)
 December '13 BRAIN MRI ned in da head.
 Jan 2014: CONTINUING on HAPX…
 FEB 2014 PetCT clinical “impression”: 1. newbie nodule - SUV 1.5 right apical nodule, mildly hypermetabolic “suggestive” of worsening neoplastic lesion. 2. moderate worsening of the sternum – SUV 5.6 from 3.8
 3. increasing sclerosis & decreasing activity of L1 met “suggests” mild healing. (SUV 9.4 v 12.1 in May ‘13)
 4. scattered lung nodules, up to 5mm in size = stable, no increased activity
 5. other small scattered sclerotic lesions, one in right iliac and one in thoracic vertebral body similar in appearance to L1 without PET activity and not clearly pathologic
 APRIL 2014 - 6 YRS POST GAMMA ZAP, 7 YRS MBC & 18 YEARS FROM ORIGINAL DX!
 October 2014: hold avastin, continue HPX
 Feb 2015 Cancer you lost. NEDHEAD 7 years post gamma zap miracle, 8 years ST4, +19 yrs original diagnosis.
 Continue HPX. Adding back Avastin
 Nov 2015 pet/ct is mixed result. L1 SUV is worse. Continue Herceptin/avastin/xgeva. Might revisit Perjeta for L1. Meantime going for rads consult for L1
 December 2015 - brain stable. Continue Herceptin, Perjeta, Avastin and xgeva.
 Jan 2016: 5 days, 20 grays, Rads to L1 and continue on HAPX.  I’m trying to "save" TDM1 for next line. Hope the rads work to quiet L1. Sciatic pain extraordinaire :((
 Markers drop post rads.
 2/24/16 HAP plus X - markers are down
 SCIATIC PAIN DEAL BREAKER.
 3/23/16 Laminectomy w/coflex implant L4/5. NO MORE SCIATIC PAIN!!! Healing.
 APRIL 2016 - 9 YRS MBC
 July 2016 - continue HAP plus Xgeva.
 DEC 2016 - PETCT: mets to sternum, lungs, L1 still about the same in size and PET activity. Markers not bad.  Not making changes if I don't need to. Herceptin/Perjeta/Avastin/Xgeva
 APRIL 2017 10 YEARS MBC
 December 2017 - Progression - gonna switch it up
 FEB 2018 - Kadcyla 3 cycles ---->progression :(
 MAY30th - bronchoscopy, w/foundation1 - her2 enriched
 Aug 27, 2018 - start clinical trial ZW25
 JAN 2019 - ZW25 seems to be keeping me stable
 APRIL 2019 - ONE DOZEN YEARS LIVING METASTATIC
 MAY 2019 - progression back on herceptin add xeloda
 JUNE 2019 - "6 mos average survival" LMD & CNS new single brain met - one zap during 5 days true beam SBRT to cord met
 10/30/19 - stable brain and cord. progression lungs and bones. washing out. applying for ds8201a w nivolumab. hope they take me.
 12/27/19 - begin ds8401a w nivolumab. after 2nd cycle nodes melt away. after 3rd cycle chest scan shows Improvement, brain MRI shows improvement, resolved areas & nothing new. switch to plain ENHERTU. after 4th cycle, PETscan shows mostly resolved  or improved results.  Markers near normal. I'm stunned but grateful.
 10/26/20 - June 2021 Tucatinib/xeloda/herceptin - stable ish.
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		|  08-26-2017, 03:43 PM | #4 |  
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					Posts: 563
				 
		 
		 
		
		 
		
		
	
		
	
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				Re: Phooey--Brain Mets
			 
 Hi Amy 
 Hope you are doing well.
 
 I'm missing everyone's  updates & posts.  Seems very quiet on here recently!
 
 Take care
 Juls
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		|  08-28-2017, 09:41 AM | #5 |  
	| Senior Member 
				 
				Join Date: May 2014 
					Posts: 307
				 
		 
		 
		
		 
		
		
	
		
	
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				Re: Phooey--Brain Mets
			 
 Hi Juls (and All)-
 I was thinking the board has been very quiet as well.  Hopefully everyone is enjoying their summer.  Has anyone had any fun adventures, family bbqs or other fun summer activities?
 
 Donna
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		|  08-29-2017, 06:25 PM | #6 |  
	| Senior Member 
				 
				Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Virginia 
					Posts: 116
				 
		 
		 
		
		 
		
		
	
		
	
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				Re: Phooey--Brain Mets
			 
 Amy,I've Been thinking of you and I'm
 Sending well wishes!
 Melissa
 
				__________________ Melissa04/06, (42), 2cm tumor, 7/13 nodes , one positive node under clavicle
mastectomy/reconstruction
grade 3, stage lllb, er-65+, pr-90+, her2+++(80%)
4/AC, 12wks TH then 6wks rads 
40 wks herceptin, and tamoxifen.
onc test tamoxifen resistance = poor metabilizer
04/07 ooph & on arimidex
08/07 completed herceptin 
04/2022 - 16 year survivor!
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		|  08-31-2017, 09:55 AM | #7 |  
	| Senior Member 
				 
				Join Date: May 2013 
					Posts: 570
				 
		 
		 
		
		 
		
		
	
		
	
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				Re: Phooey--Brain Mets
			 
 Hey, Amy, I hope you are feeling ok. You are on my mind. 
				__________________Tracy Arcari ___________________________________________
 11/12 BSE ignored the lump for SIX months.
 5/1/13 IDC ER/PR- HER2/neu+++
 5/14/13 Mastectomy and SN biopsy
 5/20/13 IDC Stage IIb Grade 3  Nodes 1/4 also IDC and DCIS multi focal in remaining dissected tissue.
 5/30/13 MUGA and CT thorax, abdomen & pelvis, establish baseline.
 6/4/13 Installed my little purple power port.
 6/14/13 Chemo started TCH
 6/14/13 Informed of suspicious ares on scans scheduled PET.
 7/1/13 PET Scan NED!
 9/27/13 FINAL CHEMO taken! ----well, maybe not.
 10/15/13 Three little tattoos.
 10/24/13 Radiation begins and fourth tattoo placed.
 11/27/13 Perfectly radiant!  Radiation completed the day before Thanksgiving and so, so much to be thankful for this year and every day hereafter.
 1/2/14  Happy New Year, you have a Goiter?  Muga down to 59%.
 1/17/14 Hashimoto's Dz Dx'd.  Now maybe I'll feel BETTER!
 5/2/14 Herceptin completed!  New kitten!
 8/19/14 Prophylactic mastectomy (right) and PORT OUT!  I'm DONE and now I really am a SURVIVOR.
 2/15 Started not feeling so swell.  Memory lapses and GI issues with nausea and blurry vision.
 4/30/15 U/S cystic gallbladder, cyst on right ovary and mass in my uterus. GYN consult scheduled---and cancelled. I'm not ready.
 5/4/15  Brain MRI clear (big sigh of relief)
 7/30/15 Back Pain
 8/31/15 Radiograph: compression fracture L2
 9/10/15 Bone Scan positive
 9/21/15 CT scan conclusive for tumor
 10/1/15 CT guided biopsy & Brain to Pelvis MRI reveal additional lesions on spine C6, T10, T11 and L2 is collapsing.
 10/8/15 Abbreviated pathology: new tumor(s) poorly differentiated carcinoma consistent with known breast primary.
 ER-/PR+ (40%) HER2/neu+++ Ki-67 4% Pancytokeratin AE1/3 Strong Positivity in all malignant cells.
 10/13/15 Abnormal Dexa: moderate risk of fracture to both femoral head/neck R&L. Significant risk to lumbar spine.
 10/14/15 Radiation consult back to the cooker.
 10/20/15 MUGA 50% down from 54% after a year off Herceptin (???)
 10/21/15 Kyphoplasty L2
 10/22/15 Re-start Chemo: Perjeta, Herceptin & Taxotere
 10/26/15 PET Scan confirms C6, T10-11, L2, new lesion noted at L4 but no visceral involvement---Happy dance!!!
 10//29/15  Xgeva
 10/29/15 Radiation Simulation--three new tattoos to add to my collection. Just call me Dotty.
 10/30/15 CA27-29  63 U/mol  (<38 U/mol)
 11/3/15 First Trip to see Dr. E. Mayer at DFCI
 11/4/15 Surgical consult to re-install my little purple power port.
 11/9/15  Radiation treatment one of five.
 11/10/15 Installed my little purple power port and not a moment too soon, took them four tries to get an IV started today.
 Yes, we really are going down this road again.
 12/5/15 CT for suspected pulmonary embolism demonstrates increase in T10-11 mets.
 12/8/15 Bone Scan uptake at T10-11 (not seen 9/17/15) & Right 8th Rib (not evident on PET 10/26/15)
 12/10/15 Consult Re: PROGRESSION.  Halt THP due today.  Schedule PET and order TDM1 for next week. PLAN B.
 12/14/15  PET scan: NO PROGRESSION! THP is working, metabolic activity minimal.  Merry Christmas to me!  Sticking with PLAN A, it's working.
 1/7/16 Start Taxol weekly instead of Taxotere (has been too taxing and not rebounding between txs.) Zometa instead of Xgeva.
 3/28/16 CT shows new sclerotic lesions on T12, L3, L5, L6, right ilium and head of right femur. No uptake on Bone Scan (progression????)
 3/31/16 Discontinue Taxol start Arimidex, still getting H&P.
 6/2/16 Discontinue Arimidex and start Exemestane.
 6/18/16 PET is NEAD!!
 7/1/16 Discontinue Exemestane and restart Armidex (SEs)
 8/29/16 CT/Bone Scan Stable (still uptake at T10-11)
 10/3/16 BSO pathology negative
 10/10/16 MRI: Brain clear!
 10/14/16 Switched care to Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care
 11/24/16 Xgeva, New MO preference to Zometa
 12/12/16 CT/Bone scan Mostly stable significant uptake at L2 plan to PET
 1/12/17 PET shows NEAD celebrate with a new puppy!
 3/29/17 CT & BS = NEAD
 7/31/17 Aetna denies access to H&P <gearing up for a fight>
 8/4/17 CT& BS= STABLE
 8/9/17 No treatment, Aetna still denying H&P
 8/14/17 Aetna appeal approved H&P through February 2018!
 2/5/18 CT & BS = STABLE
 
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		|  10-05-2017, 04:06 PM | #8 |  
	| Senior Member 
				 
				Join Date: May 2013 
					Posts: 570
				 
		 
		 
		
		 
		
		
	
		
	
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				Re: Phooey--Brain Mets
			 
 Amy?  I am worried about you.  Please check in, if you can. 
				__________________Tracy Arcari ___________________________________________
 11/12 BSE ignored the lump for SIX months.
 5/1/13 IDC ER/PR- HER2/neu+++
 5/14/13 Mastectomy and SN biopsy
 5/20/13 IDC Stage IIb Grade 3  Nodes 1/4 also IDC and DCIS multi focal in remaining dissected tissue.
 5/30/13 MUGA and CT thorax, abdomen & pelvis, establish baseline.
 6/4/13 Installed my little purple power port.
 6/14/13 Chemo started TCH
 6/14/13 Informed of suspicious ares on scans scheduled PET.
 7/1/13 PET Scan NED!
 9/27/13 FINAL CHEMO taken! ----well, maybe not.
 10/15/13 Three little tattoos.
 10/24/13 Radiation begins and fourth tattoo placed.
 11/27/13 Perfectly radiant!  Radiation completed the day before Thanksgiving and so, so much to be thankful for this year and every day hereafter.
 1/2/14  Happy New Year, you have a Goiter?  Muga down to 59%.
 1/17/14 Hashimoto's Dz Dx'd.  Now maybe I'll feel BETTER!
 5/2/14 Herceptin completed!  New kitten!
 8/19/14 Prophylactic mastectomy (right) and PORT OUT!  I'm DONE and now I really am a SURVIVOR.
 2/15 Started not feeling so swell.  Memory lapses and GI issues with nausea and blurry vision.
 4/30/15 U/S cystic gallbladder, cyst on right ovary and mass in my uterus. GYN consult scheduled---and cancelled. I'm not ready.
 5/4/15  Brain MRI clear (big sigh of relief)
 7/30/15 Back Pain
 8/31/15 Radiograph: compression fracture L2
 9/10/15 Bone Scan positive
 9/21/15 CT scan conclusive for tumor
 10/1/15 CT guided biopsy & Brain to Pelvis MRI reveal additional lesions on spine C6, T10, T11 and L2 is collapsing.
 10/8/15 Abbreviated pathology: new tumor(s) poorly differentiated carcinoma consistent with known breast primary.
 ER-/PR+ (40%) HER2/neu+++ Ki-67 4% Pancytokeratin AE1/3 Strong Positivity in all malignant cells.
 10/13/15 Abnormal Dexa: moderate risk of fracture to both femoral head/neck R&L. Significant risk to lumbar spine.
 10/14/15 Radiation consult back to the cooker.
 10/20/15 MUGA 50% down from 54% after a year off Herceptin (???)
 10/21/15 Kyphoplasty L2
 10/22/15 Re-start Chemo: Perjeta, Herceptin & Taxotere
 10/26/15 PET Scan confirms C6, T10-11, L2, new lesion noted at L4 but no visceral involvement---Happy dance!!!
 10//29/15  Xgeva
 10/29/15 Radiation Simulation--three new tattoos to add to my collection. Just call me Dotty.
 10/30/15 CA27-29  63 U/mol  (<38 U/mol)
 11/3/15 First Trip to see Dr. E. Mayer at DFCI
 11/4/15 Surgical consult to re-install my little purple power port.
 11/9/15  Radiation treatment one of five.
 11/10/15 Installed my little purple power port and not a moment too soon, took them four tries to get an IV started today.
 Yes, we really are going down this road again.
 12/5/15 CT for suspected pulmonary embolism demonstrates increase in T10-11 mets.
 12/8/15 Bone Scan uptake at T10-11 (not seen 9/17/15) & Right 8th Rib (not evident on PET 10/26/15)
 12/10/15 Consult Re: PROGRESSION.  Halt THP due today.  Schedule PET and order TDM1 for next week. PLAN B.
 12/14/15  PET scan: NO PROGRESSION! THP is working, metabolic activity minimal.  Merry Christmas to me!  Sticking with PLAN A, it's working.
 1/7/16 Start Taxol weekly instead of Taxotere (has been too taxing and not rebounding between txs.) Zometa instead of Xgeva.
 3/28/16 CT shows new sclerotic lesions on T12, L3, L5, L6, right ilium and head of right femur. No uptake on Bone Scan (progression????)
 3/31/16 Discontinue Taxol start Arimidex, still getting H&P.
 6/2/16 Discontinue Arimidex and start Exemestane.
 6/18/16 PET is NEAD!!
 7/1/16 Discontinue Exemestane and restart Armidex (SEs)
 8/29/16 CT/Bone Scan Stable (still uptake at T10-11)
 10/3/16 BSO pathology negative
 10/10/16 MRI: Brain clear!
 10/14/16 Switched care to Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care
 11/24/16 Xgeva, New MO preference to Zometa
 12/12/16 CT/Bone scan Mostly stable significant uptake at L2 plan to PET
 1/12/17 PET shows NEAD celebrate with a new puppy!
 3/29/17 CT & BS = NEAD
 7/31/17 Aetna denies access to H&P <gearing up for a fight>
 8/4/17 CT& BS= STABLE
 8/9/17 No treatment, Aetna still denying H&P
 8/14/17 Aetna appeal approved H&P through February 2018!
 2/5/18 CT & BS = STABLE
 
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		|  10-05-2017, 04:16 PM | #9 |  
	| Senior Member 
				 
				Join Date: May 2011 Location: Denver, CO 
					Posts: 1,427
				 
		 
		 
		
		 
		
		
	
		
	
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				Re: Phooey--Brain Mets
			 
 Oh, sorry! I've been meaning to check in. 
 I'm still recovering from the brain mets and/or radiation. Quite impaired physically. Slowly getting stronger. Still here!
 
				__________________Amy
 _____________________________
 4/19/11 Diagnosed invasive ductal carcinoma in left breast; 2.3 cm tumor, 1 axillary lymph node, weakly ER+, HER2+++
 4/29/11 CT scan shows suspicious lesions on liver and lungs
 5/17/11 liver biopsy
 5/24/11 liver met confirmed--Stage IV at diagnosis
 5/27/11 Begin weekly Taxol & Herceptin for 3 months (standard of care at the time of my DX)
 7/18/11 Switch to weekly Abraxane & Herceptin due to Taxol allergy
 8/29/11 CT scan shows no new lesions & old lesions shrinking
 9/27/11 Finish Abraxane. Start Herceptin every 3 weeks. Begin taking Arimidex
 10/17/11--Brain MRI--No Brain mets
 12/5/11 PET scan--Almost NED
 5/15/12 PET scan shows progression-breast/chest/spine (one vertebra)
 5/22/12 Stop taking Arimidex; stay on Herceptin
 6/11/12 Started Tykerb and Herceptin on clinical trial (w/no chemo)
 9/24/12 CT scan--No new mets. Everything stable.
 3/11/13 CT Scan--two small new possible mets and odd looking area in left lung getting larger.
 4/2/13--Biopsy of suspicious area in lower left lung. Mets to lung confirmed.
 4/30/13 Begin Kadcyla/TDM-1
 8/16/13 PET scan "mixed," with some areas of increased uptake, but also some definite improvement, so I'll stay on TDM-1/Kadcyla.
 11/11/13 Finally get hormone receptor results from lung biopsy of 4/2/13. My cancer is no longer ER positive.
 11/13/13 PET scan mixed results again. We're calling it "stable." Problems breathing on exertion.
 2/18/14 PET scan shows a new lesion and newly active lymph node in chest, other progression. Bye bye TDM-1.
 2/28/14 Begin Herceptin/Perjeta every 3 weeks.
 6/8/14 PET "mixed," with no new lesions, and everything but lower lungs improving. My breathing is better.
 8/18/14 PET "mixed" again. Upper lungs & one spine met stable, lower lungs less FDG avid, original tumor more avid, one lymph node in mediastinum more avid.
 9/1/14 Begin taking Xeloda one week on, one week off. Will also stay on Herceptin and Perjeta every three weeks.
 12/11/14 PET Scan--no new lesions, and everything looks better than it did.
 3/20/15 PET Scan--no new lesions, but lower lung lesions larger and a bit more avid.
 4/13/15 Increasing Xeloda dose to 10 days on, one week off.
 7/1/15 Scan "mixed" again, but suggests continuing progression. Stop Xeloda. Substitute Abraxane every 3 weeks starting 7/13.
 10/28/15 PET scan shows dramatic improvement everywhere. All lesions except lower lungs have resolved; lower lungs noticeably improved.
 12/18/15 Last Abraxane. Continue on Herceptin and Perjeta alone beginning 1/8/16.
 1/27/16 PET scan shows cancer is stable.
 5/11/16 PET scan shows uptake in some areas that were resolved on the last two scans.
 6/3/16 Begin Kadcyla and Tykerb combination
 6/5 - 6/23 Horrible diarrhea from K&T together. Got pneumonia.
 7/15/16 Begin Kadcyla only every 3 weeks.
 9/6/16 Begin radiation therapy on right lung lesion that caused the pneumonia.
 10/3/16 Last of 12 radiation treatments to right lung.
 11/4/16 Huffing and puffing, low O2, high heart rate, on tiniest bit of exertion. Diagnosed as radiation pneumonitis. Treated with Prednisone.
 11/11/16 PET scan shows significant improvement to radiated part of right lung BUT a bunch of new lung lesions, and the bone met is getting worse.
 11/22/16 Begin Eribulin and Herceptin. H every 3 weeks. E two weeks on, one week off.
 3/6/17 Scan shows progression in lungs. Bone met a little better.
 3/23/17 Lung biopsy. Tumor sampled is ER-, PR+ (5%), HER2+++. Getting Herceptin and Perjeta as a maintenance treatment.
 5/31/17 Port placement
 6/1/17 Start Navelbine & Tykerb
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		|  10-05-2017, 04:27 PM | #10 |  
	| Senior Member 
				 
				Join Date: May 2008 Location: Hershey, PA.  Live The Sweet Life! 
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				Re: Phooey--Brain Mets
			 
 Sorry you struggling along, but glad you are getting stronger after your recent treatments.  You keep whacking those moles, sister!  I will remember you in my prayers. 
				__________________
 Smile On!
 Laurel
 
 Dx'd w/multifocal DCIS/IDS 3/08
 7mm invasive component
 Partial mast. 5/08
 Stage 1b, ER 80%, PR 90%, HER-2 6.9 on FISH
 0/5 nodes
 4 AC, 4 TH finished 9/08
 Herceptin every 3 weeks. Finished 7/09
 Tamoxifen 10/08. Switched to Femara 8/09
 Bilat SPM w/reconstruction 10/08
 Clinical Trial w/Clondronate 12/08
 Stopped Clondronate--too hard on my gizzard!
 Switched back to Tamoxifen due to tendon pain from Femara
 
 15 Years NED
 I think I just might hang around awhile....
 
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		|  10-05-2017, 04:41 PM | #11 |  
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				Re: Phooey--Brain Mets
			 
 Hi AmyJust saw this.
 Glad to see your post & that you are feeling stronger.
 Take care
 Juls
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		|  10-05-2017, 06:11 PM | #12 |  
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				Re: Phooey--Brain Mets
			 
 So glad you checked in and are still here, Amy!
 <3 <3 <3
 
 Carol Ann
 
				__________________July 24, 2013: "Infected" Right Nipple and benign cyst removed, pathology report revealed Paget's, DCIS, and ILC 1.25 cm, ER+/Pro+/HER2 equivocal, Grade 2 under benign cyst, previous diagnostic mammo/ultrasound said I was perfectly healthy in both breasts.
 
 Aug 18, 2013: MRI report says Left breast is perfectly healthy "consistent with previous studies".
 
 Sept 2013: I insist on a bilateral mastectomy anyway. Too nervewracking to let left breast remain with higher risk after 3 cancers in right, nipple in right is already gone anyhow.
 
 Sept 18, 2013: Bilateral mastectomy, 11 right nodes removed, ALL negative BUT -- ER+/PRO+/HER2+ tumor, 1.0 cm, Grade 2 found in a piece of "grossly unremarkable" breast tissue from prophylactic mastectomy of left breast, no nodes removed.
 
 Oct 25, 2013: 13 left side nodes removed, ALL negative, Stage 1 across the board, NO RADS needed, YAAAAY! Port also installed.
 
 Nov 25, 2013 Begin 6 rounds TCH.
 
 March 10, 2014 Just finished 6th and LAST Chemo today, YAAAAAY!
 
 March 24, 2014 Echocardiogram to make sure I'm still good for Herceptin every 3 weeks.
 
 March 31, 2014 Echo results NORMAL, first Herceptin all by itself. Now if only my eyes would stop streaming from the Taxotere ... :)
 
 April 21, 2014 Started Arimidex and therapy for "mild" lymphedema in left hand and arm
 
 May 2014 Therapy completed, I have sleeves and gloves for both arms, a Flexi touch lymph pump to hook up to for an hour every day, and I've become an arm bandaging expert. :)
 
 June 2014 Begin Fosamax to prevent osteoporosis; bone scan revealed osteopenia
 
 Nov 17, 2014 FINAL Herceptin!
 
 Dec 4, 2014 My right thigh muscle has been extra achy for days ... I discover a blister rash cluster on the side of my right thigh while taking a shower. Port appointment cancelled until Dec 17, my doc is working me in tomorrow afternoon to see me and the rash. My muscle at least feels less achy.
 
 Dec 5, 2014 Yep, I have shingles. Boo! I start acyclovir and also have a prescription for a painkiller just in case for over the weekend.
 
 Dec 17, 2014 Port is OUT!
 
 January 2016 Shingles again and this time it started where my left breast (where the hidden HER2+++ tumor was!) used to be. My onc nurse got me a same day appointment to see my doc when I called and told her I had a rash on the site. The antiviral meds are working once again, though, so that is good news. :)
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		|  10-06-2017, 03:06 PM | #13 |  
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				Re: Phooey--Brain Mets
			 
 Thanks for checking in! 
				__________________March, 2000: 48, Post menopausal (5 yrs HRT) Left breast, IDC 3mm/DCIS 1.6cm, ER+/PR-/Her2+++, mod differentiated, MIB low, lumpectomy, node neg via SNB, rads=33 Stage 1a
 June, 2000: Tamox 4.5 years,Femara for 5 years (end in Jan. 2010)
 Sept, 2012: 61, Via mamm, ultrasound, biopsy, right breast, 2.3cm tumor, ER+/PR-/Her2+++, poorly diff, KI67 60-70%
 BRCA 1 and 2 negative
 October, 2012: Bi Mast with tissue expanders, port placement
 Final Path: IDC 2.8cm, DCIS, 1/4 sentinal nodes positive (@#$%). Stage IIB
 Nov 29, 2012: Begin TCH/6x/every 3 wks, H for 1 year/every 3 weeks.
 March 14, 2013: Finished chemo
 April 9, 2013: Begin radiation 28x
 May 22, 2013: Finished rads
 June 1st, 2013: Started Aromasin for 5 yrs.
 July 15, 2013: Switched to Letrozole (Femara). Probably for the rest of my life
 October 16, 2013: Exchange surgery
 October 31, 2013: Finished Herceptin
 December 5, 2013: Port removed
 Glad this year is over!
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		|  10-06-2017, 06:47 PM | #14 |  
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				Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Stockton, NJ 
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				Re: Phooey--Brain Mets
			 
 Glad you checked in. Get the R&R you need. 
 Huge hugs
 
				__________________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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		|  10-07-2017, 03:36 PM | #15 |  
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				Re: Phooey--Brain Mets
			 
 Amy,
 So glad you checked in.  You had us all worried.  Hope you get stronger each and every day.
 
 Take care,
 Brenda
 
				__________________8/2013 Diagnosed IDC Left Breast ER-/PR-/HER2+ Stage 3C, DCIS ER+/PR+/HER2- Right Breast (54 yr)
 8/2013 PET/CT scan shows mass in uterues and suprclavicular nodes
 8/20/13 Begin 6 rounds TCH chemo, Perjeta added for rounds 4-6
 9/2013  After 1st round of chemo, mass in neck and breast no longer able to feel
 11/2013 Hysterectomy, mass from PET/CT scan not cancer (adenomylosis)
 12/2013 Finished chemo
 1/2014 Double mastectomy with chest expanders
 1/2014 Pathology report from surgery and SNB show complete pathological response!
 3/2014 Finish IMRT radiation
 8/2014 Fat transfer to radiated breast
 8/2014 Completed 1 yr of Herceptin
 10/2014 exchange surgery expanders removed implants placed
 6/2015 3D nipple and areola tattoos
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		|  10-08-2017, 07:58 PM | #16 |  
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				Re: Phooey--Brain Mets
			 
 Good to hear from you Amy...... rest and recuperate. Marie x
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		|  10-09-2017, 04:17 AM | #17 |  
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				Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Geelong, Australia 
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				Re: Phooey--Brain Mets
			 
 Good to see you Amy! xx 
				__________________Dx May 27 2011, age 43
 Stage 1V 3.6cm breast lump, spot on lungs, nodes chest + neck
 HER2+ ER/PR-
 Abraxane weekly - 16 weeks
 Herceptin every third week
 September 26 2011 N.E.D!
 Herceptin ongoing
 8th Dec 2011 Brain MRI - clear
 20th Dec 2011 bone/cat scan clear still NED
 April 2012 scans show axillary node lump - ? what to do...
 June 2012 Axillary node dissection 1/11 nodes affected, a wide local excision shows DCIS. Now what to do again? Watch and scan 3 monthly
 April 2013, two spots in nodes to chest wall, start TDM1 (Kadcycla) as part of clinical trial
 July 2013 stable
 Oct 2013 progression off TDM-1 (Kadcycla)
 Nov 2013  radiation to lymph nodes in sternum
 Dec 2013. Mastectomy right side, pathology shows tumour was HER-2 negative, no wonder TDM-1 (Kadcycla) didn’t work!
 April 2014  NED.    On Herceptin only
 August 2014  NED.  On Herceptin only
 March 2015. NED.  On Herceptin only
 September 2015  NED  on Herceptin only
 March 2016. Pulmonary embolism, Clexane injections daily forever.   Still NED  On Herceptin only
 Nov 2016.  Bone Mets in ribs - Radiation. Don’t know if bone Mets are er-/pr-/HER2+ or triple negative.
 Can’t give self injections on to tablets (Xarelto)  for blood clots.
 2017 NED - On Herceptin only
 2018 NED - On Herceptin only
 2019 NED - On Herceptin only
 2020 NED - On Herceptin only
 2021 NED - On Herceptin only
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		|  10-10-2017, 09:31 AM | #18 |  
	| Senior Member 
				 
				Join Date: May 2013 
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				Re: Phooey--Brain Mets
			 
 Amy! Amy! Amy!  I was so worried for you.  I am thrilled you have checked in.  R&R, lady, R&R!  Stay strong.  Much love. 
				__________________Tracy Arcari ___________________________________________
 11/12 BSE ignored the lump for SIX months.
 5/1/13 IDC ER/PR- HER2/neu+++
 5/14/13 Mastectomy and SN biopsy
 5/20/13 IDC Stage IIb Grade 3  Nodes 1/4 also IDC and DCIS multi focal in remaining dissected tissue.
 5/30/13 MUGA and CT thorax, abdomen & pelvis, establish baseline.
 6/4/13 Installed my little purple power port.
 6/14/13 Chemo started TCH
 6/14/13 Informed of suspicious ares on scans scheduled PET.
 7/1/13 PET Scan NED!
 9/27/13 FINAL CHEMO taken! ----well, maybe not.
 10/15/13 Three little tattoos.
 10/24/13 Radiation begins and fourth tattoo placed.
 11/27/13 Perfectly radiant!  Radiation completed the day before Thanksgiving and so, so much to be thankful for this year and every day hereafter.
 1/2/14  Happy New Year, you have a Goiter?  Muga down to 59%.
 1/17/14 Hashimoto's Dz Dx'd.  Now maybe I'll feel BETTER!
 5/2/14 Herceptin completed!  New kitten!
 8/19/14 Prophylactic mastectomy (right) and PORT OUT!  I'm DONE and now I really am a SURVIVOR.
 2/15 Started not feeling so swell.  Memory lapses and GI issues with nausea and blurry vision.
 4/30/15 U/S cystic gallbladder, cyst on right ovary and mass in my uterus. GYN consult scheduled---and cancelled. I'm not ready.
 5/4/15  Brain MRI clear (big sigh of relief)
 7/30/15 Back Pain
 8/31/15 Radiograph: compression fracture L2
 9/10/15 Bone Scan positive
 9/21/15 CT scan conclusive for tumor
 10/1/15 CT guided biopsy & Brain to Pelvis MRI reveal additional lesions on spine C6, T10, T11 and L2 is collapsing.
 10/8/15 Abbreviated pathology: new tumor(s) poorly differentiated carcinoma consistent with known breast primary.
 ER-/PR+ (40%) HER2/neu+++ Ki-67 4% Pancytokeratin AE1/3 Strong Positivity in all malignant cells.
 10/13/15 Abnormal Dexa: moderate risk of fracture to both femoral head/neck R&L. Significant risk to lumbar spine.
 10/14/15 Radiation consult back to the cooker.
 10/20/15 MUGA 50% down from 54% after a year off Herceptin (???)
 10/21/15 Kyphoplasty L2
 10/22/15 Re-start Chemo: Perjeta, Herceptin & Taxotere
 10/26/15 PET Scan confirms C6, T10-11, L2, new lesion noted at L4 but no visceral involvement---Happy dance!!!
 10//29/15  Xgeva
 10/29/15 Radiation Simulation--three new tattoos to add to my collection. Just call me Dotty.
 10/30/15 CA27-29  63 U/mol  (<38 U/mol)
 11/3/15 First Trip to see Dr. E. Mayer at DFCI
 11/4/15 Surgical consult to re-install my little purple power port.
 11/9/15  Radiation treatment one of five.
 11/10/15 Installed my little purple power port and not a moment too soon, took them four tries to get an IV started today.
 Yes, we really are going down this road again.
 12/5/15 CT for suspected pulmonary embolism demonstrates increase in T10-11 mets.
 12/8/15 Bone Scan uptake at T10-11 (not seen 9/17/15) & Right 8th Rib (not evident on PET 10/26/15)
 12/10/15 Consult Re: PROGRESSION.  Halt THP due today.  Schedule PET and order TDM1 for next week. PLAN B.
 12/14/15  PET scan: NO PROGRESSION! THP is working, metabolic activity minimal.  Merry Christmas to me!  Sticking with PLAN A, it's working.
 1/7/16 Start Taxol weekly instead of Taxotere (has been too taxing and not rebounding between txs.) Zometa instead of Xgeva.
 3/28/16 CT shows new sclerotic lesions on T12, L3, L5, L6, right ilium and head of right femur. No uptake on Bone Scan (progression????)
 3/31/16 Discontinue Taxol start Arimidex, still getting H&P.
 6/2/16 Discontinue Arimidex and start Exemestane.
 6/18/16 PET is NEAD!!
 7/1/16 Discontinue Exemestane and restart Armidex (SEs)
 8/29/16 CT/Bone Scan Stable (still uptake at T10-11)
 10/3/16 BSO pathology negative
 10/10/16 MRI: Brain clear!
 10/14/16 Switched care to Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care
 11/24/16 Xgeva, New MO preference to Zometa
 12/12/16 CT/Bone scan Mostly stable significant uptake at L2 plan to PET
 1/12/17 PET shows NEAD celebrate with a new puppy!
 3/29/17 CT & BS = NEAD
 7/31/17 Aetna denies access to H&P <gearing up for a fight>
 8/4/17 CT& BS= STABLE
 8/9/17 No treatment, Aetna still denying H&P
 8/14/17 Aetna appeal approved H&P through February 2018!
 2/5/18 CT & BS = STABLE
 
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		|  10-10-2017, 03:00 PM | #19 |  
	| Senior Member 
				 
				Join Date: Oct 2014 
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				Re: Phooey--Brain Mets
			 
 I haven't been on the board in a very long time and am sorry to hear you're dealing with this but glad to know you're getting stronger.  You have a lot of support and love behind you! |  
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		|  10-11-2017, 05:25 AM | #20 |  
	| Senior Member 
				 
				Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Virginia 
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				Re: Phooey--Brain Mets
			 
 Amy,Thinking of you - here's to stronger
 And stronger each day!
 Melissa
 
				__________________ Melissa04/06, (42), 2cm tumor, 7/13 nodes , one positive node under clavicle
mastectomy/reconstruction
grade 3, stage lllb, er-65+, pr-90+, her2+++(80%)
4/AC, 12wks TH then 6wks rads 
40 wks herceptin, and tamoxifen.
onc test tamoxifen resistance = poor metabilizer
04/07 ooph & on arimidex
08/07 completed herceptin 
04/2022 - 16 year survivor!
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