Is it the end????

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I had a bilateral Mastectomy in September 2010 for early breast cancer.  This was followed by Taxotere, then Fec, radiotherapy and Herceptin.  Herceptin (12 months) is due tue finish on the 29th December.  What was initially thought to be benign cysts have actually worked out to be more cancer - just below the skin on the scar - in the area where the intial cancer was found.

They stopped the Herceptin that was due to occur on Thursday!!!

I am scheduled for surgery this week and am concerned that there is nothing left for me.  I am a mother of two young boys and am looking for hope.  Is there anythihg more that they can do for me?  They suggested that this cancer is not responding to the Herceptin.  Is it possible that cancer changes?  Is there anything left for me?  Everything was looking wonderful.... until last week.

Comments

  • chrissyb
    chrissyb Member Posts: 16,818
    edited November 2011

    Hi KeepingFaith69 and welcome to BCO.  Please don't give up, there are plenty of treatments available and it's not all that unusual to have a local recurrence which is what you have.  It's only mets if it has travelled away from the breast area.  Your fight may be a hard one but be assured that your docs, with your help, will do everything possible to keep you around for your children.

    Good luck and please stay in touch.

    Love n hugs.  Chrissy

  • KeepingFaith69
    KeepingFaith69 Member Posts: 508
    edited November 2011

    Oh thank you soooooo much.  I am angry, scared and absolutely perplexed!

  • chrissyb
    chrissyb Member Posts: 16,818
    edited November 2011

    I would say that you are felling all the normal things but you will feel a little better once the op is done and you have the path report again so a treatment plan can be done for you.  It has been known that the cancer changes its properties but not usual.  Chin up my dear, we are here for you when ever you need.

    Love n hugs.  Chrissy

  • ma111
    ma111 Member Posts: 1,376
    edited November 2011

    keepingfaith69,

    There are so many treatment options left for you.

     I agree with Crissy, once you have the surgery and are on a new treatment plan you will feel better.

    Has it spread to other parts of the body?

    Angry and scared are normal feelings. I keep ativan to help me out with some of those feelings. Call your doctor, they might call some in for you. It really helps to stop the crying spells.

    XOXOXOXO

  • Faith316
    Faith316 Member Posts: 2,431
    edited November 2011

    I took Adriamycin, Cytoxin, Taxol and Herceptin plus 30 rads treatments and none of that phased my cancer.  But, then they switched me to Tykerb and Xeloda and boom!  That worked for me!  I've been NED for over 2 years now.  So, there is hope and more things to try!

  • KeepingFaith69
    KeepingFaith69 Member Posts: 508
    edited November 2011

    Thank you all for your words of wisdom.  I really appreciate it.

  • KeepingFaith69
    KeepingFaith69 Member Posts: 508
    edited November 2011

    Hi All,

    I met with the surgeon today and will be getting it removed next week.  I have to wait another week and the anxiety is causing me stress.  Trying to stay calm though.

    I have a CT scheduled for next Wednesday, and then we'll find out if it has spread.  Hopefully it hasnt.

  • chrissyb
    chrissyb Member Posts: 16,818
    edited November 2011

    Keeping faith, ask your doc for something to help you calm down a bit as being do uptight is not going to do your blood pressure much good. I know all the waiting is terribly hard but honestly, it really isn't that long in the scheme of things. Try to stay busy to keep your mind from dwelling. We are here for you.



    Love n hugs. Chrissy

  • Blessings2011
    Blessings2011 Member Posts: 4,276
    edited November 2011

    KeepingFaith - wow, that's the hardest part sometimes...just keeping the faith in the face of scary challenges, when we can't yet see the answer.

    Here is what I know: there is always hope. ALWAYS.

    The anger, the frustration, the fear....all normal. After all, God gave us human hearts, didn't He!

    I love your siggie line - "I surrender to God..." As hard as this is to do, remember that He is in control, not you. Just try to relax into His arms. And, if the worry is too much to bear, look for the helpers He has put in your way - medication, etc. - to help you through.

    Praying for a good outcome for you!

  • lollypop59
    lollypop59 Member Posts: 123
    edited November 2011

    hi chrissyB,

                 just been reading your post,i was diagnosed sept 2010 same has you with ibc tough i had chemo first then mx and recon then 15 rads also been on herceptin since last dec, in sept just gone i had a local reccurance nodules in the skin, they have stopped the herceptin because of my heart i had still had three more to go, but they also said that the herceptin have not worked because it suppose to prevent reccurance but it did not work for me, but stay positive it is not the end there other other treatments available.

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