Stage IV and new job across the country

Go for it. I would do it without a pause! Congrats on the opportunity.

Absolutely go for it, Jacque! We only have one life here… this is it! Wishing you happiness…

Rose.

I'm chiming in. This sounds like a wonderful opportunity. Remember that old saw, "Life is not a dress rehearsal." Go for it!

Tina

Go for it! You'd regret it more if you didn't than if you did. As has been said, you may stay NED for the rest of your life. Regrets are sadder than risks.

You go girl! Carpe diem and grab the new job. I'm still working at a job I love and staying relevant in my field. Don't look back with regret.

Thank you for your posting. I finally got someone I could relate with.

I was diagnosed 7 years ago left breast, w/ PR+ 4mm DCIS, did lumpectomy, clear margin, had SNB - no lymph node involvement, did radiation therapy and was put on tamoxifen. I exercise regularly, eat healthy etc... I have no other health issues (no diabetes, no hbp, cholelsterol within normal, kidney okay, no liver disease, etc.,,,) . Ironically an onco nurse called me "healthy with cancer". ..yes, and yet I am in this situation . 7 Years later which is now, found it met to my left lungs - 4cm HER2+ 95%. I finished 6 treatments of (Taxotere, Herceptin, Perjeta)- they call this evidence based "targeted therapy"; I am now continuing on every three weeks of Herceptin & Perjeta treatment. Doc said that I will continue with this for as long as it is working. First ct scan showed "significant interval decrease"; no other progressive diasease ; second ct scan showed "persistent decrease.."; no other identified progressive disease; third ct scan showed "stable", no identified progressive disease; (meaning the treatment is able to control the tumor) , this third scan showed a new "small area of pulmonary nodularity ( ...otherwise, the left lung is clear..) - possibly an "inflammation" (due to infection) at the time the third scan was taken, I was coming on with cold, runny nose and some coughing which in a few days have gone to become full blown cold/cough. My onco said that the "small nodularity" / inflammation may be due to cold and cough/ infection. Also she put me on Arimidex explaining that even if I am post menopausal, I still produce "estrogen" which is what the treatment is trying to block from feeding the tumor. Arimidex has "hot flashes" as one of the side-effects and boy it has been really sweaty at night.

For the colds/coughing, she gave me antibiotics, was advised to take it if it gets "worse". Long story short, I did get better but the mild chest congestion/ coughing, runny nose still lingers on. Today it is day 17 since the full blown onset. I have taken Airborne 3x (was told it is okay); I did take zinc tablets and continue to take herbal supplements recommended by my acupuncturist. I asked my doc and showed literatures of all my supplements (Calcium Citrate; Vit D3; Fish Oil, Protein Powder, and the 3 herbal supplements) She said -- it is okay to take them -- it does not "interfere" with my treatment. Acupuncture have helped me a lot with the side-effects of muscle fatigue, lack of energy; anxiety, acid indigestion and I think it works to ease up my coughing and colds; sinusitis as well. It takes a few treatments to notice the effect of acupuncture. I do it every week -- all this in combination of the supplements, not stopping exercise, eating and drinking well, not-stressing, regular body massage and taking easy and praying...

As I read articles from the internet which are meant for the 'general (cancer patient) population' -- I realized it is always good to consult with your doc before doing something outside of conventional treatment. Being in this support group helps a lot as well. I think we all have better chances now. We have to be "open" and pro-active with these treatments and including complementary therapy such as acupuncture, acupressure massage, yoga etc. There are many "downs" but we have to be strong. Extreme anxiety can make us sicker. It is so hard but we can do it.

Now, I am writing this message hoping someone is in similar situation and treatment and wish to get feedback on the side-effects that comes with Herceptin/Perjeta treatment such as the cough and cold symptoms, achy muscle and joint, digestive issues etc.... What I have noticed now is that it takes longer to recover from issues while on treatment. Has anyone have had such experience? I hope to able to hear from someone to share his/her experience re: Herceptin/Perjeta treatment.

Thank you and wish everyone here ALL THE BEST!

Godspeed,

Jacque. Sounds awesome go for it! By the wat are you on any treatment to keep you Ned?

I'm asking because I'm stage Iv and stable almost two years. On ibrance and letrozole..... But side effects stop me from working. I'm thinking to drop treatment.

Thanks Linda.

Jacque, I think it's great that you took the chance. It turned out that this was not the job for you, but another opportunity could come up, and now you know you can do it. You are a strong woman. Woohoo!

Lynne