After digesting all this new info and researching a bunch, I'm thinking that I need to do something NOW. The appointment with the UCDavis Oncologist is gonna take at least a week and personally I just don't fell comfortable waiting any longer to start attacking this shit!
From all my research and talking to my doctors..I have taken this away from it. Because my cancer is HER2 positive, the antibody drug Herceptin is the latest and most effective and is what I feel I need to start right away. I believe it has only been approved by the FDA in the last 5 yrs (?) and has proven to be very effective.
Being in Stage IV, a patient would be much more interested in clinical trials of drugs not yet approved by the FDA b/c there isn't alot of improvement in prognosis at this stage. So basically people are willing to try whatever. The qualification for these clinical trials are pretty strict and by starting Herceptin now, it may disqualify me for some trials. There are probably others I can get into later....
I'm am currently looking at these clinical trials on the National Cancer Institute, MD Anderson, UC Davis, Stanford websites. Clinical trials are headed by different entities such as certain Universities, Pharmacutical companies, etc. They also come in 4 Phases (I,II III, IV). I am also looking into any complementary treatments, nutrition, etc.
If anyone wants to look into different things for me..Iam open to suggestions..here are my stats and if you need any more just let me know.
I am Stage IV Breast Cancer with metastisis in one node and in my sternum and pelvis/lower back. It is HER2 Positive, Estrogen Positive, and Progesterone Positive (triple positive). I've had a Lumpectomy and an Node Dissection.
Let me know what you think! We all have to just think positive and go a this thing like its a big challenge to overcome! So GO GETUM!
As always, I was thinking of you and came across this quote that expresses, I feel, your attitude and spirit.
ReplyDeleteLife is 10% of what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it. A difficult time can be more readily endured if we retain the conviction that our existence holds a purpose, a cause to pursue, a person to love, a goal to achieve. John Maxwell
I will be glad to do any research you might suggest. Would it benefit to look into what the Siteman Center here in St. Louis has to offer?
Love ya bunches,
Aunt Sandy
I think you need to trust your gut with this, if you feel like you shouldn't wait I get that. I am so heart broken that you are going through this. I will do anything that I can to help you!!! I will definately start looking at different places and options, starting with the university of Michigan, they did amazing things for my mom. You are on my mind all the time,and I have had many talks with The big guy on your behalf. hang in there!!!! People beat cancer everyday and you will be one of them!! xoxo the other Laura
ReplyDeleteAs you know, I have already been "researching." And yes, you are going to BEAT THIS BIG C--I have made a decision on that. I am going to try to get hold of my oncologist, give him all your info and see what he has to say. Would you be willing to travel if there was some very positive possibilities out there? Stupid question--I know you would!! You're on my mind and in my prayers and I've also decided to try to turn all my sadness and anger into positive energy directed to your beating this thing. I Love You So Much, Ma
ReplyDeleteI may be 71 years old, but I think I should go back to school and study medicine. Not to treat cancer but to cure it.
ReplyDeleteI know, I'll go to Hogworts and become a sorcerer and ZAP cancer from the face of the earth.
But that is all wishing, I'm glad your hitting the problem head on.
This is an aggresive cancer and your aggresive attitude is going to win out....
Don't wait too long, go for what you feel best.
Much love, Aunt Carol
I started to do some research on my own and got very overwhelmed..I certainly didn't know all of the criteria that went along with cancer!
ReplyDeleteNow that I know you're stats maybe I can be of some help.
As always you are in my mind and my soul petite..People have often said to me that God doesn't give us anything that we can't handle...I believe this..
And I believe that one day we can sit back, Have a nice cold beer and pretend that this never happened!!
I am going through a small battle of my own (just trying to lose some weight) And you are my BIGGEST inspiration in my process. I LOVE YOU!! Cindy
I admire your spirit princess - I will look on the internet, which I'm sure you have done, but I need to know for myself too. I think you have a positive attitude for this crap and that should make a big difference in you getting through this.
ReplyDeleteI love you sooooo much, Aunt Sher
By the way what does (quot) mean???
HEY LAURA....YOU ARE RIGHT ... BEING POSITIVE IS THE KEY AND GO WITH YOUR GUT FEELING...WATCH OUT EVERYBODY....HERE SHE COMES FIGHTING WITH HER ARMY OF FRIENDS AND FAMILY BEHIND HER....WE WILL WIN....XX00 SHARON M
ReplyDeleteLaura:
ReplyDeleteI'm going tto wash all of the horse shit out of your situation and lay some personal facts on you. First of all, when your diagnosed with anything bad you think the worst- just as I have. In 1977 I was diagnosed with vocal cord polyps. Naturally, in my mind it was inop cancer. After removal it turned out benign. 1988 was diferent - colon cancer. I asked the surgeon if I would wake up with a "bag". He said he didn't know till he operated. Results - no bag, no chemo and no radiation. Snip-snip and that was it. Later in 1988 - melanoma -
rt. little toe. I knew it was in my system and I was "eat-up" with cancer. They excommunicated my toe and, waa-laa, no more problems. l996, congestive heart failure--my mother died with this. My thoughts--not much time left for me. That was 13 years ago and I'm still crankin. l997--"A"fib, cardioverted twice and it didn't work. I'm stuck with this one but medication takes care of it. l997 - Cirrhosis of the liver--too much booze. I knew this one would put me down--didn't happen. Quit drinking and liver stabilized. Last year, 2008--all kinds of stomach pains. In hospital and found nothing until a c.a.t. scan showed a growth on my pancreas, I figure 6 months tops and it's goom bye Tedd. Doc took a biopsy and had to wait 2 weeks for the results. You think I didn't sweat bullets. The results were benign and theyt drained the pseudo cyst and that was it.
I'm not going to mention all of the other things I've been through but the point is that there is a bright side to your worst thoughts and fears. There are a lot of people working on cures for your problem. You have a positive attitude and a bunch of love and prayers backing you up.
Is it going to be easy -- HELL NO. are you going to get frustrated and pissed--HELL YES. But keep in mind that your worst thoughts and fears never materialize. Mine didn't and neither will yours
Love: Tedd
Love your spunk and gumption. I think it's exactly where you need to be to fight this! But remember that your current providers have responded pretty quickly to everything they have found. Keep doing your research -- that's just smart -- but I hope, too, that you keep the appointment at UC Davis. Remember this ugly stuff didn't just appear overnight and it will take some time to knock it off. Love you, love you, Hang in there! Judy
ReplyDeleteLaura,
ReplyDeleteI checked the Huntsman Cancer Center Website. They are affiliated with the University of Utah Medical Center. They do have Clinical Trials, in fact some of the clinical trials for herceptin were done here. I know a nurse that works for the University of Utah and will ask her to check into some of it too. It might be worth your time to get an appointment and fly out here. As I said in my phone call, you would be more than welcome to stay with me as much as you would like to and between Jeff and I we could make sure that you have transportation.
I am thinking of you all the time.
Love,
Jaeann