Can we do a Her2 roll call?

Montana

DX 10/04 ER/PR+;Stage 1 Grade 3 Nottingham 7/9; 2 lumpys for clean margins; 0/14 nodes; 4 dose dense AD; 33 rads No Herceptin but still  NED

Thai

Today I got my 3rd tx of Taxol and then Herceptin.  Yeah, 1 more to go, Aug 7!!!!  Only think I can say is you do get achy bones.  It is doable, but very achy.  I asked for something to be able to take, since the 2nd dose was much worse than the 2nd.  Don't know if it has a culmative effective or not, but I hope the meds will help.  They gave me Vicodyn, and I really only needed it when I wanted to sleep. 

Nancy:  So next week is your last dose of A/C!  Yeah, so glad to hear the tumor is still shrinking.  It is so amazing and exciting to know the meds are working so well.  When do you start on the Taxol and Herceptin?  It is really not too bad, just different from the A/C.  I have not felt tired like I did on the A/C, for that reason alone I feel it is doable.  Good luck nex week!

Deb

GramE

Deb:   I am glad to hear that the T/H is not as bad as the A/C, although overall it has not been all that bad.  The hair loss was the worst for me.   I start t/h on Aug 14 - once a week for 12 weeks. My tx are on Thursday, so I expect my weekends to be very restful.   Good Luck with you last tx coming up.   

And Good Luck to everyone with minimal side effects and restful sleep.  God Bless,  Nancy 

GramE

HI everyone:

 Maybe a silly question but what do  you say to those whom you don't know all that well or even strangers when they "offer" suggestions ?   I really do NOT need to be reminded that I have no hair and that I am fighting  cancer with every ounce of strength I have.   

 -- Example - the other night a lady who I see at bingo and know by first name only - came over and asked what was "wrong" with me -  I had on a head scarf to cover my bare head...  I told her  I was going thru chemo for breast cancer and she grabbed me and gave me a big hug -- in the bingo hall - which holds over 300 people.   Am I being too sensitive or what?   Or was I having a "leave me alone" mood?    

I hope the weekend is good for everyone.  God Bless,  Nancy 

GramE

LOOK GOOD, FEEL BETTER - A program for women undergoing cancer treatment. Yesterday I was one of 8 women to be filmed for the new video put out by the "Look Good, Feel Better" program, which is given throughout the USA at cancer centers for women with cancer - all types, not just breast cancer.   It is a program with make up, skin care, nail care, wigs and other head coverings suggestions for those with cancer.  Info is at:  www.lookgoodfeelbetter.orgI strongly recommend the program - no cost, FREE ---  you will get personalized cosmetics for your skin type - not samples, but full size high end cosmetics such as Chanel, Estee Lauder, etc in a neat tote bags - a hands on session as to how to apply and use to restore your self image and appearance related side effects.   And head covering ideas.   You are pampered and fussed over and also get to meet others who are going thru this.   OH, and you get to keep all the cosmetics...!!!  The only thing you might want to bring is a magnifying mirror if your eyes are not so good with a regular mirror.   Again:   www.lookgoodfeelbetter.orgGentle Hugs to everyone.   God Bless.   Nancy# 4 dose dense a/c 7/31. 

HensonChi

Bump

BethNY

nancy you file it in the book we like to call THE STUPID THINGS PEOPLE SAY. Around the boards you'll find various posts that discuss this, and actually it will have you laughing very hard.

People can be so stupid, ignorant, rude-- wonder who taught them manners....

just shake it off-- and come here to vent about it.

Alexis- good to see you!!!! I only check in on this thread every now and again.  How are you doing? I hope all is well... I'm getting married in a few months- trying not to stress, but other wise I am okay... I wonder what ever happened to our original her2girls thread....

BethNY

nancy you file it in the book we like to call THE STUPID THINGS PEOPLE SAY. Around the boards you'll find various posts that discuss this, and actually it will have you laughing very hard.

People can be so stupid, ignorant, rude-- wonder who taught them manners....

just shake it off-- and come here to vent about it.

Alexis- good to see you!!!! I only check in on this thread every now and again.  How are you doing? I hope all is well... I'm getting married in a few months- trying not to stress, but other wise I am okay... I wonder what ever happened to our original her2girls thread....

GramE

Thanks Beth, - I think I was on the verge of a  "don't pity me" mood and did not want to be reminded - again... know what I mean?   As bold and brassy as I usuallly am, I do not want to offend others either, even when they say or do stupid things.

I am ready for my last DD a/c on Thursday.  got the meds lined up on the counter and food in the fridge and freezer.   Today I caught up on laundry and picked up stuff lying around.  There is still a pile of papers to be filed away, but at least they are all in one pile now.   

Congrats on your upcoming nuptials, Beth.  How very exciting  - end of the year? Xmas wedding?

Hugs and Blessings, Nancy

# 4 DD a/c 7/31.  last of this "mixture". Then on to t/h for 12 sessions once a week begin 8/14. 

HensonChi

Well I was just told I had ILC with ER+/PR+ and Her/neu.  The doc says it is a wierd case but it is at an early stage.  They didn't know about the Her/neu until they got some original tissue from my node removal from another hospital.  I was in a trial for avastian and they pulled me out of it to put me on herceptin.  I couldn't be happier that they caught that.  It sounds like Herceptin is great when it works.

GramE

Had the last of DD A/C on Thurs.  Neulasta shot yesterday (sat) and all is good.  Face and chest are flushed, but that is what happens for me after the shot.  Took 2 extra strength Tyllenol before the shot and found it helps with the achies, but at age 62, I creak and crack anyways. lol...

MY TUMOR has shrunk 25% and all are thrilled.   Aug 14 I begin taxol and herceptin once a week for 12 weeks, then surgery consult mid october to see if lump or more invasive. So far it looks like lump.    I am blessed that the side effects have been manageable.  Bloated feeling in lower gut, but Gas X works good for it.   NO taste to food and mouth is sensitive to rough or crunchy food. I use Biotene mouthwash and paste and rinse after eating or drinking anything.   Even carry a small bottle in purse.  Ask pharmacist for sterile bottle to carry in purse.  should be no charge for it.   

 I will add that the energy level is down but I also have little stress to deal with.  Retired, live alone ( widowed 5 yrs) , no pets, and dont have to be any place special except for dr and tx. So, if laundry piles up, I just kick aside as long as have clean undies in the drawer..!   

Henson, early detection is essential. I read latest stats - used to be one in 8 will be dx w/bc during life time, now down to  1 in 7.  maybe self exam and early detection has made the diff. but still very scary.   However, we can do this together and know you are not alone.   They are doing wonders with tx and survival rates.   My mom is prob the oldest living bc survivor at age 95.   She had radical bi lat mast back in 1962, long before the current tx and they have come a LONG way since.  

HUGS and Blessings,  Nancy 

HensonChi

I like these posts so thought I would move it to the top.  I have hope!

lexislove

DX :  Sep 17 2007, ER+, HER2+, Grade 3, Stage 2B

Chemo: Sep 2007 - Feb 2008

SX : March 27 2007

RADS : 28 Finished June 12 2008

Herceptin : Nov 17 2008 * Finished*

Port out : Nov 25 2008

Tamoxifen, Lupron, Zometa continuing

coonie

DX: 11/14/07, (ER+, PR+, HER2+, Stage 2A, Grade 3

Chemo began with 4 A/C every other Friday, then went to Taxol, every other Friday, along with starting Herceptin 1st of February. Now Herceptin is every 3 weeks until end of January. No problems and have only 3 more to go . Yeewwhhoooo. Ovaries & tubes out when bilateral mastectomy was done in April 2008. Arimidex or 5 years.

Mitch56036

BethNY - congratulations on your wedding - it must be very close or already happened by now.

Have just come on to check out how many names I recognised and so pleased to see you - I'm still NED diagnosed Feb 05( ER+PR+HER2+ Stage 2B Chemo, Radiation, Herceptin 12 months)

Didn't chat much on line myself but read a lot and found it helped me so much.  So many questions and concerns answered.

 All the best from NZ (New Zealand)

ejlj

Hi all,

Just joined this month.  I was dx 4/08 and am still on Herceptin.  So far so good.  I am truely grateful to have found all you HER2-neuers.  I felt very much alone until finding this goldmine of a website.  Thanks!

pmm10414

Diagnosed recently 12/9/08.  Scared to death.  They are debated whether to biopsy two lymph nodes under my breast bone that reacted on Pet Scan -- anybody been through that procedure?

HensonChi

Sorry to hear about your diagnosis.  It is very scarey but seems to get easier with time. I haven't been through that procedure but I did have 5 biopsies so i understand how you feel.  I had good doctors and am so thankful for that...I am also thankful for the herceptin for a year.

KH1

Hi, just found this discussion board.  Diagnosed 28 March 08, right mastectomy, 2/10 lymph nodes+, Est+, HER+, completed 4x3 AC and 11 of 12 Taxol/Herceptin, 28 Rads, Herceptin until Aug 09.  Still red, sore and miserable after the last rad and still have neuropathy from the Taxol.  .  

I am so glad to know you are all out there!  Kathy 

  

mccarroll

I'm back after an extended absence.  I thought life got slower when the kids left ???

 DX 6/06.  Last hereptin 9/07.  DANCING HAPPILY WITH NED!

Belated congrats BethNY.

 Karen

debic

Dx  2/14/07 IDC, Stage 1 Grade 3 zero nodes, ER,PR + HER2++  4DDA/C Taxol 12 rounds 38 rad 1 year of Herceptin.finished May 7, 2008 had my first grandchild May 9th!!!! Life is Good.

1/09 biopsy waiting for results.

Karen it is funny back when I was dx I would read alot of your post because you always sounded positive and upbeat. Then you posted about your thyroid and I hadn't read anything from you. Then as time past I was not logging on as much.  With this new worry I signed on and here you are posting.  Glad to hear you are doing well.

Debi

mccarroll

Debi:

Good luck on your biopsy. I'll be hoping for "negative" reports!

 A funny note on grandchildren.  One hour after I got the message that I did have bc, my oldest son called to tell me I would be a grandmother for the first time, in 8 months. Talk about getting a reason to go on!  Then last July, they had our second granddaughter.  I LOVE BEING A GRANDMOTHER (although they call me Darlin'),  God's blessings truly outweigh our trials!

 It's good to be back,  Karen

ladybug22

I was told i w ould have 12 weeks of taxol pre surgert i only had to have 9 then i had surgery. i take ing herceptin every 3 weeks for a year . will have my last on sometime in feb. ned I have been clean for one year . my onc told me i had to stay clean 2 years

GramE

DX 5/2/08.   Dose Dense A/C every 2 weeks X 4, then Taxol & herceptin every week X 12.  Last was 10/30/08.   SNB and Lymp 12/5, then re excision 12/17.   Load dose of Herceptin only 12/18/08.   Regular dose of herceptin only 1/8/09.   Will go every 3 week thru at least August.

Mocity

DX 6/08, Bi-lateral 9/08 for DCIS, pathology showed small tumor of IDC (.4cm); started weekly Taxol+Herceptin 11/7/08, had #10 out of 12 last thurs, then will have Herceptin for one year every 3 weeks through Nov 09

Patye

so far so good

Last herceptin was 10/07

Sassa

1 year, 10 months from end of chemo (10 months from end of herceptin).  Results of bloodwork and CT/PET scan show that I am still NED.

Onc is not letting up on followup, I get to do the bloodwork and CT/PET scan again in April.

31andscared

Bilateral Mastectomy 9/29/08.  4 rounds of AC/T.  Now I get Taxol and Herceptin every week. 9 more weeks of Taxol, and herceptin will carry on for a full year.  So far I feel great!!  Thank goodness we live in times where drugs like herceptin are available to us.  God Bless us all

anianiau

Please keep in mind that not all Her2 positive patients are able to be prescribed Herceptin. My oncologist said that even with an invasive recurrence, in my case he would not use Herceptin or any of the 'strong' chemo that's hard on the heart.  (I had a heart attack several years ago.)

Partly for that reason, and partly because my DCIS was nuclear grade 3 and showed comedo-necrosis, I went with the recommended bilat mx. When I asked the oncologist what treatment he would recommend in the unlikely event of a recurrence, he said, "Let's leave it for now, and cross that bridge only if we have to."

At first I felt upset. Then I realized that he had a valid point. Obsessing over what might happen won't change the outcome. It can only reduce my enjoyment of today.

Peace.

soriya123

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