Dis Breast Cancer Survivors - GAGWTA!

[Laurajean1014]

http://www.nydailynews.com/front/story/357440p-304540c.html

Docs see a huge gain vs. breast cancer



BY PAUL H.B. SHIN
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER

In what is being hailed as the greatest breakthrough in breast-cancer therapy in a decade, a drug that targets a particularly aggressive type of cancer cell can cut the risk of relapse in half, two new studies show.
For women with a specific type of breast cancer - triggered by an overactive gene called HER2 - the drug Herceptin can significantly improve survival rates when used either in conjunction with or after standard chemotherapy and when the disease is detected early, researchers said.

This type of cancer accounts for 15% to 25% of all breast cancers. Because more than 200,000 American women are diagnosed with breast tumors each year, this means the drug could be used for up to 50,000 patients, and potentially save thousands of lives.

"On the basis of these results, our care of patients with HER2-positive breast cancer must change today," said Dr. Gabriel Hortobagyi, an oncologist at the University of Texas in Houston and president-elect of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

Hortobagyi called the findings of the two independent studies, published today in the New England Journal of Medicine, "not evolutionary but revolutionary."

However, both studies also found a slightly higher risk of heart failure among women on Herceptin. And it was unclear whether that danger would grow when the drug was taken long term, researchers said.

 

[Amy]

Hi all! Merry Poppins - congrats on your son making Eagle Scout! What an honor! My DS15 is 1/2 way to earning the rank below Eagle (Life or Star? I can never remember), but he's so busy with homework and marching band, he hasn't been going to Scouts (I think he made it to 2 meetings all year). I hope he can get his Eagle, too.

Got another Lupron shot this morning to keep me in menopause so I can stay on the Arimidex. And I can really "feel" the menopause - hot flashes and crabbiness like you wouldn't believe! I'm sure the whole neighborhood heard me screaming at DH at 6:00 this morning (but he definitely deserved it) - he's in charge of locking up before bed. We'd gone to a band parents' meeting last night, and he was last one in the garage. This morning I go out thru the front door to get the paper and lo and behold, our garage door was wide open, all night long, and our garage faces the street. ANYBODY could have come in, and who knows what kinds of critters came in and found new homes amidst all the junk in our garage! Plus, there was a murder about a month ago nearby and they still haven't caught the person who did it. Boy, did he hear it from me!

And keep your fingers crossed for our dog Sheba: she's had a lump on her chest for about a month. At first we thought it was just a bug bite, but it never went away so I took her to the vet today. So Sheba will have a lumpectomy as soon as I can get it scheduled (prob. early Nov.). The vet was talking about making sure they got "clean margins." Boy, does that bring back some memories about my own lumpectomy! Sheba's about 9 (we got her from the Animal Rescue League so we don't know her exact age), and it's just Sheba and I against DH, our 2 DS's and our other dog, Charlie. We girls have to stick together!!

Otherwise, I'm still in my funk/depression, coming out of it slowly. Still wish I could run away for a while. Wasn't there a movie/song "Stop the world, I want to get off"? That's how I feel.

Hang in there gang! GAGWTA!

 

[NHAnn]

GAGWTA!!

It's been a long weary week for me...at home and work and even here on the DIS....but wanted to stop in and say hello!!

Linda and Laura are at WDW, right??

 

[MerryPoppins]

My DS15 is 1/2 way to earning the rank below Eagle (Life or Star? I can never remember), but he's so busy with homework and marching band, he hasn't been going to Scouts (I think he made it to 2 meetings all year). I hope he can get his Eagle, too.

And keep your fingers crossed for our dog Sheba: she's had a lump on her chest for about a month.

The rank below Eagle is Life. Hope he can stick with it and get to Eagle. I really believe it's worth it. My DS just turned 18, so he earned his just in time. The older they get the harder it is to find time for Scouts.

Poor Sheba. I'll keep her in my prayers. I bet you can relate. Glad that she's got you to give her some TLC.

Take it easy and keep feeling better.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

GAGWTA!

Just a quick hello to all of you. We're here at WDW now, weather is great. Have been on the run since we got here but having a wonderful time. Kids were really surprised!! DD said a couple of times on the plane, "Mom, am I dreaming"? and DS kept saying "I knew it, I knew it"!! (even though he really didn't, LOL). That was really fun!

Meeting Laura tomorrow morning for a sunrise walk, really looking forward to it!

Amy, I meant to say before, hope you are feeling better. I think even without breast cancer most people's moods wax and wane, but throw that in and it can be rough sometimes. Let us know how you are doing and keep posting, we care.

I hope everything is ok with Sheba. I learned more about tumors in dogs than I ever cared to know when my Kayla had spindle cell tumors - we removed nine of them in five months. Clean and wide margins in dogs are important because that's usually all there is. If I can be of any help or support feel free to PM me.

 

[dvcmember & dvcmember's husband]

GAGWTA!! I just got through having my 6 month checkup (bloodwork, breast MRI, etc.) and my doctor said that everything was "perfect"!! Praise the Lord!! I am SO blessed!! As of Oct. 9th it's been 4 yrs since my breast cancer so after getting my results from my checkup.......we were able to celebrate (there's always that "apprehension"). So I hope that this gives everyone who's going through this a little hope. God Bless you one and all!!

Linda,
I'm so glad that your surprise worked for your family........hope that you have a wondeful time at WDW!!!

 

[Amy]

Linda - glad your surprise worked out so well!

Congrats on the good news Sandi!

 

[KristiKelly]

I just wanted to say hi to you all and let you know what an inspiration you all are.

I saw on the news last week, I believe, a segment about "drive-thru masectomy" and how many insurance companies are wanting masectomies to be same day surgeries not requiring a hospital stay. I have to wonder what man came up with this. As a woman, I find this to be absurd!!! The segment also mentioned a petition regarding this. Does anyone know the website for this petition? My Mom & I are both wanting to sign this and I would love to forward it to everyone I know.

Thanks

 

[snappy]

Sorry I don't know about this petition but I would like to sign it as well if someone knows about it.

My insurance co. would only approve a 24 hour stay, it was treated as day surgery. However, you check in, get prepped, go through the surgery and recovery period, then you go to a regular room for the rest of the day and that one night, leaving the next morning after the doc checks you.

Not much time to become educated about what to do post op and to see a physical therapist.

I think though if an issue arises during your stay the doc can insist on more hospital time approved by insurance.

I think it is a lot to bounce back from in that short amount of time. However, I was kind of glad to get out of there. Too many interruptions, and I did not like the pain med, did way better on just tylenol. I do think it is way too early for a single woman though. I needed a lot of help for the first couple of days, and DH was great.

Linda, hope you and Laura have a wonder time tomorrow morning.
It looks hopeful as far as Wilma goes, looks like the storm is sort of stuck on the Mexican coast. Just hope all the people evacuating from south Florida get out in time.

 

[Amy]

Hi all! Boy, this cancer stuff really messes with your emotions! I've always been an emotional person (I cried during every episode of Little House on the Prairie when I was younger). So I got cancer and had to face death and wonder if I'll be around for the "big events" in my boys' lives (they're 13 and 15 now). You guys have all been thru this.

Today, DS15 was confirmed in church. DH and I are up front with him and the other confirmands and I started crying. Cripes, it's just confirmation!! What am I going to be like when my boys graduate and get married? I hope they elope! I can just see their wedding pictures now, with my face all blotchy, smeared makeup and all.

And I already cry when I go to marching band competitions because I'm so proud of DS and all the other band kids with how hard they work. Our band is going to WDW in December - I'll be bawling my eyes out as they march down Main Street USA!!

 

[Lessa of Pern]

hi Amy...my older dd will be 15 in a few weeks and my younger dd is 13.

younger dd celebrated her bat mitzvah in September, and she kept telling me not to cry because she knew my mascara was likely to run all down my face...

so I can totally relate to your reaction to your son's confirmation. congrats.


right now I'm dealing with a double whammy of chemo-induced neoropathy in my feet coupled with plantar fascitis. add the bone aches from the chemo and that my eyelashes are falling out, and I'm a total mess. could use a hug from a sympathetic group.

 

[Amy]

Lessa, here's your This, too, shall pass. Doesn't seem like it now, but you'll have hair and eyelashes again. Hang in there!

I'm dealing with plantar fascitis, too. Got cortisone injections in both heels a while back, but it's worn off now and the pain is back.

Boy, first you hit 40 and things start to go downhill. Add cancer, and it's even worse.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

GAGWTA!!

Just back, we had a wonderful time. Unfortunately, Laura and I were not able to meet because both our plans changed unexpectedly. But that's ok, when you're at WDW you have to roll with the punches (and the weather).

Maybe someday we could ALL meet at WDW!!

Lessa, here's a . When it rains it does seem to pour. Very soon your eyelashes will be back - mine came in better than before. And did I mention I love my post chemo hair? How many taxol doses do you have left? Hang in there sista.

(Is it anyone else, or does plantar fascitis seem to be a recurring theme here? My cousin also got it while she was undergoing chemo).

dvcmember - I can also completely relate and yes, it does give me hope and inspiration. Even though I stay positive and hopeful that nagging fear is always in the back of my mind (being a nurse doesn't help that since I can't get away from the reality). My children just turned 8 and I am a 2 year survivor. Have been enjoying the high of recent normal mammograms, but this week I see my oncologist to set up my schedule for yearly MRIs beginning in March. In one way it's reassuring to have them and in another way it's a reminder. Thanks for sharing and congratulations to you.

Amy, I am also an emotional person (who still cries when I watch anything with Michael Landon, LOL). I don't mind, it's who I am. I often cry with my patients if they're sharing their fears or telling me a sad story.

I'll never forget my first shift back to work after my treatment. I was caring for a man not much older than me - also a nurse - who had suffered a cardiac arrest in the ER earlier THAT MORNING. He had just arrived on my unit from the cath lab having his coronary arteries opened so was really awake for the the first time. He was very emotional, crying and recounting the events leading up to his trip to the ER. He kept saying he couldn't believe how fragile life is and how lucky he was to have made it to the hospital and to have been resuscitated. He talked of his young children and cried and cried. I sat and listened and cried right along with him (picture me sitting there with very, very short hair). When he finished I told him I understood, and that I myself was just back to work after treatment for cancer. I'll never forget the look of concern he got on his face; he took my hand and just held it. We sat there looking at eachother and crying. It was really quite remarkable, a moment I'll never forget, because we both understood at that moment the other's fears and gratitude. His being a nurse himself and father of young children made it even more remarkable. I've always thought we were both put into that situation for a reason. It made me realize that people die from things other than cancer which I needed to be reminded of at that moment in time.

I've always considered my ability to share in these moments with my patients an incredible privelege, and am grateful to all my wonderful caregivers who have shared in my own. They've cried with me, too.

OK, wiping my eyes and bringing my (very tired ) kids to school. How did I get off on this subject?

 

[snappy]

Gosh Linda, your story about the young male patient has me in tears. But good tears, such a touching story. Your patients are the privileged ones.

Sorry you and Laura had to change your plans for your sunrise walk. We were routing for you to have a great time, not to be adversely impacted by Wilma. Did you encounter rain? Hope your trip was good. I bet everyone in your family is a bit tired.

Lessa, I am sorry you are dealing with so much pain. Does resting help?
I know you are working but I am hoping that you are still taking some recovery time. Its sounds like as we say down here, the pits. I know the chemo is a necessary part of the treatment but it affects the patient so much. I have been drifting off to sleep for the past several nights to the tune of a CD of ocean noises I have had for several years but never listened to previously. Apparently, I am out like a light way before the end of the CD. Sleep is such a healing thing for me. Sending a hug and some prayers that you get some relief from your pain and some rest to renew your body and spirit.

Amy, I too can related to the tears. Sometimes the music at church causes me to lose it. My family is mortified but I can't seem to control it. It is the most difficult to control around holidays, events like your son's and Lessa's duaghter, and more recently during some of our priests' sermons post-Katrina. We had many, many evacuaees during the first month attending mass, along with many emergency personnel living in parish buildings, and in tents on church property. Several of the sermons transcended the hurricane disaster, really spoke to all the disasters we face in life.

GAGWTA!!.

It is cool, even in south Louisiana. It was actually 45 degrees this am with the wind blowing. I see waves of leaves drifting across the yard. Here very few leaves turn colors, they just drop, so it is not the beautiful autumn landscape you guys up east enjoy. But I still love seeing seeing the leaves swirl in the gusts. I just dread the raking that follows.

Sending good thoughts to all of you!!

Laurie

 

[NHAnn]

When he finished I told him I understood, and that I myself was just back to work after treatment for cancer. I'll never forget the look of concern he got on his face; he took my hand and just held it. We sat there looking at eachother and crying. It was really quite remarkable, a moment I'll never forget...

OK...that had me in tears too!

Lessa......a big big hug to you .....

Amy....I have 2 words for you: waterproof mascara!! I've used it since high school....I used to cry at the telephone company commercials "reach out and touch someone"...or was it Hallmark?

Prayers and good thoughts to all going through the ups and downs....

 

[Lessa of Pern]

hanging on the DIS seems to help.

I've got two more cycles of chemo. I'll be done by Thanksgiving, I hope.

 

[snappy]

hanging on the DIS seems to help.

I've got two more cycles of chemo. I'll be done by Thanksgiving, I hope.

Helps me too. Kind of like a support group that you don't have to get dressed and drive in for. I had to miss my last two monthly support meetings, one for Katrina, one last week with my crazy back spasms (much better now). I hope they don't give up on me.

Lessa, you will really be celebrating Thanksgiving this year. Maybe you will even feel like eating by then. Do your girls cook? I bet they are a lot of help to you.

Linda and Laura, it looks like y'all left Orlando just in time, before WDW shut down due to Wilma. Sad to think of all the vacations that were delayed or cut short. Main thing, everyone stay safe.

 

[Lessa of Pern]

I've got three sisters -- they do all the cooking at the holidays. they enjoy it.

I'm planning my treatment around the holiday -- I had the flu one year during Thanksgiving and couldn't eat, and wound up wallowing in self pity. not going to let that happen this year if I can help it.

Becca's health class is doing "Baby Think It Over". that's where the kids get to brig home a doll that's programmed to cry in the middle of the night. Becca has her doll tonight, which means I'm temorarily a "grandma"...

 

[denisem]

Hi, ladies, looks as if I'm joining your club. I'm rapidly trying to educate myself but haven't had time to read through all 164 pages here - I'm working at it! But I have a few questions while I sort this out...

Background: 52, just diagnosed with DCIS after a routine mammogram that led to ultrasound & core biopsy. Note: I had not had a mammogram in 10 years, so we have no idea how long "Damian" has been evolving. (DH & I have named the lump "Damian" - we use humor to deal with unpleasantness.)

Damian is 4 cm, but my surgeon has deemed him a sneaky little devil (hence the nickname) - very well hidden, surgeon had a difficult time feeling it even though knowing where to look. I had no symptoms & at this point, it appears non-invasive & my lymph nodes are clear.

Surgeon explained the options of lumpectomy vs. mastectomy & has suggested I make appts. with an oncologist (for lumpectomy) and plastic surgeon (to learn more of what's entailed should I decide to have mastectomy/reconstructive surgery simultaneously.)

My question is: surgeon has advised that if I choose a lumpectomy, he would recommend several months of radiation prior to surgery in order to "shrink" Damian. Has anyone had experience with this type of treatment?

Also, anyone experienced with reconstructive surgery at the time of mastectomy?

I'd appreciate any opinions (via PM if you wish) while I wade through all this information!

Thanks a bunch!

Denise < --- if she didn't have a sense of humor, she'd have no sense at all

 

[snappy]

Lessa, I think you are wise to manage your chemo around the holiday so you can enjoy it. With everything else going on at least you wil have something both you and your DD's can look forward to.

Welcome, Denise. Sorry you are facing Damian (I love this name for the beast, BTW) but I am glad you found us here. I have received a boat load of info and support here. As Lessa said, it seems to help you get through. I wish it had been around while I was going through what you are back in 2004.

I am pretty sure we have a few ladies who had immediate reconstruction, not sure about the radiation before surgery. I have had neither but am busy investigating reconstruction so we can certainly share notes on that. I was hoping to have mine done in New Orleans but the doc I had heard and read about, Dr. Allen, has relocated out of state. Thank you, Katrina!! There is another prominent New Orleans plastic surgeon group that does the surgery I am considering that are hanging in down there, but they are not in my insurance network nor is Omega, the only New Orleans hospital they utilize. So I am looking closer to home.

I did have DCIS, in two areas, so no lumpectomy for me. However, from my reading, it can be hard for the surgeon to get clean margins with DCIS as it tends to snake throughout the duct system. My understanding is that DCIS cannot be felt by clinical exams. I am hoping you are right about having clear nodes and non-invasive. That would indicate a very optimistic prognosis, even if you do end up with a lot of surgery.

One of the mothers of DD's classmates was diagnosed same time I was last year. She had DCIS, stage 0, clear nodes, no invasion. She had a lumpectomy by a very prominent breast surgeon here, but had to have another done since the margins were not clear. She had radiation afterwards. Maybe having the radiation before hand would mean the possible difference between one surgery and two? It also may be based on the size of the DCIS tumor. Size makes a huge difference with invasive cancer as far as prognosis. With non-invasive DCIS size more determines how much tissue plus margins has to go. I know chemo is used to shrink invasive tumors before surgery, maybe radiation is used for the same purpose on DCIS?

I am betting you'll get better responses from some of the ladies here. We seem to have a lot of subscribers, patients and caregivers and some wonderful supporters. Good luck with the difficult decisions ahead of you, and feel free to ask anything here or via PM. Please let us know how things go for us.