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02-07-2006, 02:11 PM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Misty woods of WA State
Posts: 4,128
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Brain met surgery Thurs. morning
Things went faster than originally planned.
Got a call yesterday morning to see if Hubby and I could meet with the docs in the mid-afternoon. We agreed and met up there at 2pm.
The Gamma Knife rad onc was there and a top notch neuro-surgeon who only works on the brain. We looked at all the scans starting from last year and on to see how things went.
If the PET/CT were not showing as much contrast I might be inclined to wait, but it is, and this is a light week ahead so no reason not to take the opening on Thurs.
I have full confidence in this brain surgeon, I just am not crazy about having the general anethetic as I don't do so well with them. Blood pressure stays depressed.
If I could have a biopsy of this stubborn met to see if it is necrosis or tumor (or both, very likely) I would. But there is just a little bit of boney structure in the way!
The area of concern is much smaller than the original 3cm tumor, so the Gamma Knife did its job. We will see what the pathology says.
My markers are all normal - including CEA which was way over normal with the brain mets before and the new Bayer Her2 serum test which came back well into the normal range.
The docs all agreed that I am very healthy otherwise - and I will NOT NEED DECADRON for more than a very few days. It is easier to get over the effects of the anesthesia than the Decardon!
Last edited by StephN; 02-07-2006 at 06:38 PM..
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02-07-2006, 02:41 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Alaska
Posts: 2,018
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Moving forward
That is fast, Steph! I wish there was some sci-fi way to just open up the bone a wee tad and sample it and then have it close up as if it never opened. Your sharing of the journey all along the way is precious to us as we want to know how you are doing with all of this. It should at least give you more info on how well various tests and signs and symptoms work in keeping you aware of what is going on with it, and those sound like they are looking good, as you say.
I'm there with you in spirit, you know.
AlaskaAngel
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02-07-2006, 03:46 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Walnut Creek, CA
Posts: 438
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I will be thinking of you Steph and will send lots of healing thoughts and prayers.
Karen
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02-07-2006, 03:48 PM
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#4
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Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Posts: 16
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Thinking of you
It is moving along fast - sorry it has to be the surgery you don't particularly want but if it's going to happen then probably best to get it over with as soon as possible. I'm so glad your markers and general health are good. Your attitude continues to amaze and inspire me. I don't have mets (yet, and touching every bit of wood I can see!) but posts like yours put things into perspective. I'll be thinking of you and sending prayers and good thoughts your way. Let us know as soon as you can how you are. All the best, Jo
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02-07-2006, 03:51 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Newton, MA
Posts: 951
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Hi Steph,
I'm glad you are getting this over with so that you don't have to think about it. I'm sure that they will watch your pressure very carefully. I also think you will be surprised how well you will feel, especially since you won't have to have much decadron.
We will be anxious to hear from you when you are back home. You should be able to enjoy a good Valentine's dinner.
Best wishes and good luck!!!
Barbara H.
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02-07-2006, 04:18 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Stockton, NJ
Posts: 4,179
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Steph
I will be thinking about you all day. You are a pioneer survivor and an inspiration to me (personally). Let's just get that thing out so you can move on.
Love, Becky
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02-07-2006, 05:13 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Victoria, Australia
Posts: 95
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Good luck Steph. I will be thinking of you, and keeping all my fingers and toes crossed. I don't blame you about the anaesthetic. I don't come out too good either.
Love Lisa
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02-07-2006, 05:57 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 66
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Brain met surgery Thurs. morning
Steph, you are definitely a role model; just seeing your photo on this site and reading your comments is comforting for many of us. You will be in our thoughts and prayers as you go through yet another challenge. Take care, be well.
Last edited by Karen t; 02-07-2006 at 06:00 PM..
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02-07-2006, 06:00 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Morris, IL
Posts: 3,507
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Steph
You will be in my prayers as always...and positive vibes to keep up your pressure and your chin through all of this...it is sad..everytime we have conquered a mountain, another hill develops...put on your hiking boots and kick this once and for all. A big hug to 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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02-07-2006, 06:14 PM
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#10
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Guest
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Steph,
Sending good hugs and hope that the smallest amount of dec does the job in fast order! Then kick that bad boy to the curb !
Thinking of you,
love,
patty
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02-07-2006, 06:20 PM
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#11
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A Living Legend
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 235
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Hi Steph, you are going into this with the right attitude so it will be a success. I always make a point of apologising to the medical team before I go under just in case I swear at them when I am coming out, but it just seems like "lights out" lights back on", when I have anaesthetic, but I know what you mean with the low blood pressure when coming out, I always look as white as a ghost and feel just as bad. We will all be holdingt your hand and our Love & prayers go with you.
Love & Hugs Lyn
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02-07-2006, 06:41 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Posts: 1,516
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Steph...
Just said a prayer for you. Take care and God bless.
Rhonda
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02-07-2006, 07:26 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Carlsbad, CA
Posts: 73
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Steph - I will keep you, your surgeon and medical team in prayer all day Thursday. May you bounce back quickly.
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02-07-2006, 08:10 PM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Payson, Arizona
Posts: 96
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Steph
I am thinking and praying for you. It sounds like you have a great medical team on your side.
Barbara
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02-07-2006, 08:14 PM
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#15
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Guest
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You know Steph I will be praying for you and waiting for good reports soon. hugs, Sandy
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02-07-2006, 10:04 PM
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#16
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Oregon
Posts: 1,756
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Dear Steph, you're going into this with strength and courage on your side, and all of us keeping you in our thoughts, so rest easy and heal quickly. I'll be eager to read your report of how it all went; your willingness to share your experiences is, as someone else mentioned, a precious gift to us. I'm less afraid of brain mets now, knowing from you and Christine, the Patty's, Kim and other's that it's doable. Keeping you in my thoughts.
<3 Lolly
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02-07-2006, 10:10 PM
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#17
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 556
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Steph,
Thinking of you and sending best wishes.
Julie
__________________
Diagnosed in Sept 2004 while pregnant with the second child. Stage 3b, tumor 4.5cm, 4 auxillary and supraclav node positive. Her2+++ FISH 9.4 and er-,pr-.
Had dose dense neoadjuvant AC,Taxol then mastectomy,radiation+xeloda+Herceptin.
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02-07-2006, 10:45 PM
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#18
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Henderson, NE
Posts: 413
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Good luck Steph!!!!!!!!
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02-07-2006, 11:49 PM
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#19
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Posts: 329
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Dear Steph,
I'll be thinking of you and sending you lot of healing energy. Good luck,
Big hug,
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02-08-2006, 05:25 AM
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#20
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: TAMPA, FL
Posts: 568
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Good Luck Steph
Good luck to you my friend - sending my angels your way.
__________________
Irene from Tampa
1996 - INFILT DUCTAL CAR.W/ LYMPH NODE INVOLVEMENT. ADRIA/CYTOXIN/5FU
1999 - RECURR. TO AUXILA AND 2 TUMORS IN LIVER
TREAT: STEM CELL REPLACEMENT/HERCEPTIN.
2002 - RECUR TO LIVER
TREAT: NAVELBINE, THEN GEMZAR, THEN XELODA.
2004 - TUMORS STILL IN LIVER
TREAT: RFA TO LIVER
STABLE UNTIL
2004 - TUMOR PROGRESSION IN LIVER.
TREAT: RESECT HALF OF LIVER.
2005 - RECURR TO LYMPH NODE OUTSIDE OF LIVER.
TREAT: TAXOL/CARPO/HERCEPTIN. FAILED ON
THIS TRIO. STARTED ON ABRAXANE.
2006 - PROGRESS WITH 2ND TUMOR GROWTH.
TREAT: AUG. BEGAN ON TYKERB/XELODA
TRIAL. CONSIDERED STABLE TO DATE.
2007 - TAKEN OFF OF TYKERB/XELODA TRIAL DUE TO
PROGRESS STARTING TYKERB/AVASTIN.
NOV 2007 - SCANS SHOW PROGRESS TUMOR GROWTH
IN ABDOM. AND TWO NEW TUMORS IN NECK AREA.
BEGAN HERCEPTIN/AVASTIN/TAXOTERE
Feb 08 - Ixempra/Xeloda
June 08 - Her/DM1 trial
"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."
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