"More than 20 tumors" - MRI Report

redwolf8812
redwolf8812 Member Posts: 2,463
edited June 2014 in Stage IV/Metastatic Breast Cancer ONLY

"More than 20 tumors" in the liver! What the heck did I go through all these months of chemo and an ablation for? Even the ablated area is growing again! I'm so angry! I also feel hopeless. Why bother? This is ridiculous!

I've been praying so hard to decide what to do about work. I just couldn't give it up even though going gave me anxiety. I'm just too hooked on the income. I kind of always thought in my head that the day I have major progression will be the day I definitely retire/quit/go out on disability. So this is it! My husband has been telling me it will be ok, God ALWAYS provides for us, so I've already warned the kids. We're officially low-income. Go get jobs! LOL.

- Penny

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Comments

  • chrissyb
    chrissyb Member Posts: 16,818
    edited April 2013

    Oh Penny I'm so sorry that your scans have delivered bad news. Loved your laughter through the adversity and I'm sure as much as the children may go kicking and screaming they will learn how to be a little frugal with their demands.......or as you say, get jobs.......lol.



    Love n hugs. Chrissy

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  • Heidihill
    Heidihill Member Posts: 5,476
    edited April 2013

    I'm so sorry the MRI is showing progression. Is there some way you can get the new drug Kadcyla? Maybe you can write the manufacturer Roche in NJ if you quit your job and need financial assistance. Praying for you!

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  • JeninMichigan
    JeninMichigan Member Posts: 2,974
    edited April 2013

    Penny

    I am sorry!!  How disappointing going through chemo for that!!  I would be mad as hell too.   With new HER2 options getting approved, hopefully one of them will be the silver bullet for you.   It is hard to let go of your job because it is your sense of self and indepedence.... however, I have heard from many ladies it really does them so much good to let go.   

    Sending all kinds of healing vibes your way.

    Jennifer

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  • redwolf8812
    redwolf8812 Member Posts: 2,463
    edited April 2013

    Heidi - I'm actually supposed to start T-DM1 tomorrow. I'm just in such a bad mental state, that I'm having a hard time believing it will work.  Plus, I always worry about bad side affects/reactions, which I tend to have a lot of.

    - Penny

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  • Frapp
    Frapp Member Posts: 1,987
    edited April 2013

    I'm so sorry. Here's hoping the next treatment does the job.

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  • Leah_S
    Leah_S Member Posts: 8,458
    edited April 2013

    Oh, Penny, I'm so sorry to hear this! I hope the new drug works well for you without bad SEs.

    Leah

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  • soleil505
    soleil505 Member Posts: 1,790
    edited April 2013

    Penny

    I'm so sorry.  The right chemo can shrink that,  I had that sort of situation twice now.  Of course problem is they return again.  but isn't this TDM supposed to be just awsome?  Please keep us posted.  We all support you and want to hear of the shrinkage  :)   Also, when you do qualify for Ss, you get a check for all back payments.  That should helpSocial worker at my hospital helped push me through and it only took about two months.

    Take care now.

    I will say a prayer for you

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  • Anko66
    Anko66 Member Posts: 302
    edited April 2013

    Ugh..20 tumours...no wonder you're frustrated about the inefficacy of the treatments.  Have you got a new treatment plan together?

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  • Anko66
    Anko66 Member Posts: 302
    edited April 2013

    Sorry Penny - I missed your post about T-DM1.  Hope it works for you without any nasty SEs.

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  • sandilee
    sandilee Member Posts: 1,843
    edited April 2013

    Wow, how frustrating.   After all you've been through, I can really understand being upset.

      Here's hoping the T-DM1 does the trick. {{{hugs}}}

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  • nancyh
    nancyh Member Posts: 2,644
    edited April 2013

    Hey Penny, sorry to hear the news, hope TDM1 does the trick.  Hang in there.

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  • tammie
    tammie Member Posts: 738
    edited April 2013

    Sending hugs to you Penny and stomping my feet with you.. I cant imagine how disappointing it must be to have gone through so much in the way of treatments and have such a crappy response.. Keeping my fingers crossed the TDM1 is the magic bullet to shut things down for you...

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  • kayrnic
    kayrnic Member Posts: 1,708
    edited April 2013

    That really sucks! So disappointing I am sure! I hope you keep fighting......you never know what could knock those stupid tumors down! Hope your doc has a plan!

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  • brandall
    brandall Member Posts: 687
    edited April 2013

    I'm sorry about the progression, that just sucks!  I really hope TDM1 is your magic bullet!

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  • meima-Bev
    meima-Bev Member Posts: 2,432
    edited April 2013

    I'm really sorry you have progression and hoping the TDM1 is the magic bullet for you.  Hugs.     Bev

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  • Bestbird
    Bestbird Member Posts: 2,818
    edited April 2013

    I am so very sorry to hear of the progression.  This is difficult news, especially since you've been on chemos to do everything to fight it.  I was wondering whether, if ne of your liver tumors is biopsy-able, you might consider sending a sample off for chemo sensitivity testing?  The tumor would be tested against different chemos and combos to see what it may be susceptible to, and what it may be resistant to.  This is still considered controversial and many doctors do not believe in it, and it may not be covered by insurance.  However,  several people have indicated that it has helped them and that it was superior to the hit-or-miss approach to chemo that is used today.  If you are interested, two viable places are Rational Therapeutics and Weisenthal.

     Good luck on whatever you decide, and I hope you can get the TDM1!

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  • Fitztwins
    Fitztwins Member Posts: 7,969
    edited April 2013

    When I had some major progression is when I decided it was time to jump on disability. Fighting cancer, family, and living is much more important than work.



    I have failed a few treatments it is far from over. You can rebound from this one. Give yourself time to grieve from this latest news then onward and upward!!!

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  • ibcmets
    ibcmets Member Posts: 4,286
    edited April 2013

    Redwolf,

    Sorry about the progression.  I also hope the TDM1 will work for you.

    Terri

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  • SonnyB
    SonnyB Member Posts: 732
    edited April 2013

    So sorry to hear about your progression.  Go ahead and be angry.  It also sounds like your decision has been made about stopping work.  My prayers are with you that both that and the TDM1 will work for you.

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  • marywh
    marywh Member Posts: 2,280
    edited April 2013

    Im so sorry. Thats such a helpless feeling. Thoughts and prayers are with you. 

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  • SPAMgirl
    SPAMgirl Member Posts: 1,470
    edited April 2013

    I started TDM1 yesterday and I am trying to get more information on SEs on the "Anyone on TDM1" thread.  Since it only attacks cells that have the Her2+ on it, the side effects look very minimal.  Probably one of the easiest we will be on. I'm just hoping it works.  My scans came back with "drastic progression in liver."  My onc did warn me that the prescription name of TDM1 and Herciptin are very similar and to always check what the nurse is giving me.  There was 1 overdose fatalitity when a women was given Herciptin in addition to TDM1. 

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  • chris1959
    chris1959 Member Posts: 1,121
    edited April 2013

    im so sorry to hear about the progression ,hope the tdm1 is the magic bullet ...sending hugs chris

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  • steelrose
    steelrose Member Posts: 3,798
    edited April 2013

    Penny,

    My heart sunk when I read your post, but I was very happy to hear that you're starting TDM1. My oncologist has mentioned this treatment, and she sounds very hopeful. A big UGH to that ablated area growing back! I fear that too. Sending lots of love your way!



    Rose.

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  • Moiralf
    Moiralf Member Posts: 1,056
    edited April 2013

    Borrowing Blainejennifer's wonderful expression; Rat Farts, stupid cancer.

    Really hope that TDM1 does the job on those tumour cells.

    Moira

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  • stagefree
    stagefree Member Posts: 2,780
    edited April 2013

    Penny, what can I say, it sucks big time! Just could get things sort of under control myself after a year myself, I hope TDM1 is the one for you. I am praying for you. btw why the docs tell things like "20 tumours", what help does that info provide to the patient????? The P-word would have been enough in this case. I am pissed at your docs too. As a realistic person myself, I try to ignore "bulk facts" as much as possible, if it won't change the course of things. It is progression & new meds. Period. 

    I am sure you will feel better, leaving work. I did. You need all the energy for yourself & family. Your DH rocks, lucky you. Enjoy the extra naps you will get used to in the afternoons, before everyone comes back from work/school. You need it.

    Hugs, Ebru 

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  • SchnauzerMom
    SchnauzerMom Member Posts: 374
    edited April 2013

    Penny and SPAMgirl, I am so sorry to hear the results of both your scans.  I am one of many cheering you on and praying that the TDM1 clobbers the mets.

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  • bottkota
    bottkota Member Posts: 285
    edited April 2013

    :( that sucks!!!! Hope the new drug kicks some major butt....



    Cathi

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  • cmhartley
    cmhartley Member Posts: 1,091
    edited April 2013

    Penny, so sorry to hear about your recent progression.  I pray you receive the support you need.  Please keep us posted.

    Katie

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  • lilylady
    lilylady Member Posts: 1,079
    edited April 2013

    Like everyone else sorry to hear your news. Hard to not be both discouraged and mad. TDM1 is the best and brightest hut there are alos plenty of other options still available. Glad to hear you ar getting started right away. best of luck

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  • barsco1963
    barsco1963 Member Posts: 2,119
    edited April 2013

    Oh Penny - so sorry to hear about the progression. Praying for you that the new tx will do wonders and knock those mets outta there.

    Keep us posted on how you are doing.

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