Anyone starting Chemo in August 07?

Kaye, RE: OncotypeDX--when you were diagnosed, the test was only available for node-negative women. Since you already went through chemo, etc, there wouldn't be a point to having the test done on the tumor block at this point, other than to know what your recurrence risk is/was, and I doubt the insurance would pay for it under those conditions.

I think you might be confusing Oncotype DX with BRCA gene testing.  The BRCA testing would be something that would apply to your kids. Oncotype DX is done on an existing tumor. BRCA testing is a blood test that anyone can have done. Only about 10% of bc cases are BRCA driven, and insurance will only pay for testing if there is something in the family history that suggests a BRCA mutation. For example, I look BRCA2 positive on paper, since my father was an Ashkenazi Jew who died of pancreatic cancer. BRCA mutations are very common in that population, and pancreatic cancer is oftern BRCA2 driven. But my BRCA testing came back negative. My dad may still have been BRCA positive, but there is then only a 50/50 chance of passing on the gene.

So does that make sense? I think Jackie already had BRCA testing done on herself, and wouldn't have had Oncotype DX done b/c she had positive nodes--right, Jackie? Oncotype is now being used on some post-menopausal node positive women, but I dont' know under what circumstances. 

I'm encouraging the Oncotype DX for Anne b/c the biology/DNA of the tumor is really more significant than the size of the tumor, and that's what the test looks at. 

Hmm. well, that counts me out pretty much dear.... my kid starts school the last week of August already (24th), so I need to be back a few days earlier because of Jetlag, and travelling back takes a couple of days from there (connections and all). So I will not be anywhere after the 18th... and up to the 11th I have a big project go-live, so I couldn't get off work. (new jobs suck sometimes). In this way, I'll end up taking 3 days off at home with the blinds down, to get the neighbours to believe I've gone far!!! LOL. 

You gals keep planning - and time will tell what I can do. SoCal is really out of the way for me!!! 

Okay Ladies,

Finally some good news.  Went with my sister to oncologist yesterday and she does NOT need chemo!!!! I'm so happy.  She's Stage I, er+, pr+, her-, grade 1.  Doc called it a "pretty" tumor.  No need for chemo or oncotype test.  She will need radiation followed by tamoxifen.  Tamoxifen will not interfere with her weekly medication that she injects herself with for MS.  Besides not getting cancer in the first place, this was the best news possible.

I can't thank all of you enough for your support and help during this stressful time.  Once again all of you have come to my rescue.  You girls are the best!!!

I'm heading to Washington DC on Saturday with my family for a little vacation.  Never been there and it's Cherry Blossom...whatever.  It's supposed to be beautiful.  I'm excited.

Have a great week.

Lots of hugs, Jackie

Jackie....you said it best, "best news possible!"  AMEN

Have a wonderful time in DC.  Yes, cherry blossom time there is awesome. 

Hugs for you and your family. 

June

Jackie! That is awesome news! I am so happy for you and your sister!

Oh Lilith, I really wish you had not mentioned chocolate. I'm trying to eat no sugar, but I might have to steal a couple chocolate chips or something.

Hey, I've got good news to share too. My MIL had very very last brain rads today, and they also are no longer doing rads to her chest wall because.... there is no sign of the lung tumor anymore!! Yay! There is just one lymph node in her neck they will do 5 more treatments on, and then she is done with rads! The doctor told her that he sees no reason why she can't make a full recovery. We are all very pleased and hoping the rest of her treatment goes well. She's still in chemo, but so far so good!

Oh, and the cherry blossoms should be awesome right now! I was in DC in April a few years back and they were just as pretty as everybody said. Have fun, Jackie!

DeAnn 

Just one word...

Ladies, I love when we are silent on the board, because we are suddenly again going on with our lives like busy bees!!!

DeAnn, you are seriously CUTE as a blonde! the pixie was also good on you, but this! now I understand why you were missing it!

 June, hugs. going back to the docs' offices is an emotional moment for all of us! I don't mind too much, because all the nurses flock around smiling and seem to be so genuinely happy to see me so much better... but last week I found myself sobbing miserably in the PS office - she must have thought I am crazy. go figure. 

June, hope you're feeling perkier. Are you going to make good on those road trip plans? And like the girls said, it comes and goes, up and down, in waves. Going to the cancer center is bound to make one feel like crap. I'm really glad I switched to the new place, too, b/c going to the old one reminds me too much of the weekly trips over the years with my mom. Not fun. 

I remember that our thread got quiet around Easter last year, too. We were all busy little bunnies, I think, and must be this year, too.

Yeah, I hate it when those flying bunnies bump into the pigs that occasionally fly by my window.

Well, remember, I did actually have turkey feathers everywhere in November, with that wayward wild turkey in my yard.

Happy Easter, Passover....whatever your holiday is....have a happy, healthy one.

 Hugs to all,

Jackie

On the concept of celebrating every instant - happy easter egg hunting, happy spring - may all of us dance around the may pole (ok a bit early, but that sounds like fun, no???) in our best outfits and partake in the fun!

Hugs of love to all of you.

June,

I'm so happy for you.  Sounds like you had a great time.  Please keep enjoying it!!!!! I love the spontaneity(?spelling?) of you and your husband.  I can't wait until my dh and I can do things like that also.

 Hugs to all, Jackie