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Cat

Member Since: September 4, 2006
Last Login: December 2, 2008
Location: AZ
Occupation:

Biography

Diagnosis

Diagnosis: Dx 7/20/2006, IDC, <1cm, Stage Ia, Grade 3, 0/4 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2+
Diagnosed: July 20, 2006
Type: Invasive or Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma
Recurrent? No recurrence
Metastatic? No
Stage: Stage Ia
Lymph Nodes Removed: 4
Positive Lymph Nodes: 0
Tumor Size: Less than 1cm
Tumor Grade: Grade 3 or high grade
Hormone Receptor Status: Tumor does not have estrogen or progesterone receptors
HER2/neu Status: Tumor has an excess of HER2/neu receptors or genes

Recent Posts by sns

Posted in: Connecting With Others Who Have a Similar Diagnosis + HER2/neu Positive Breast Cancer, Created: Oct 21, 2008 11:55 am

I need advice about Herceptin

My diagnosis was very similar to yours: 0.9 cm IDC. ER- PR- HER2+3.  I had a bilateral,  6 rounds of chemo and a year of herceptin. I've also got osteoporosis. I had very few side effects from the herceptin. Personally, I would insist on having the option of doing herceptin since the benefits (I think) far outweigh the risks. If you do herceptin, your heart function would be monitored closely. I'd ask for a second opinion from another oncologist. I suspect there's a lot of differences in oncologists - mine highly recommended doing chemo and herceptin, even with the small tumor.

Never trust anything that can think for itself if you can't see where it keeps its brain.
Dx 7/20/2006, IDC, <1cm, Stage I, Grade 3, 0/4 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2+
Posted in: Connecting With Others Who Have a Similar Diagnosis + HER2/neu Positive Breast Cancer, Created: Oct 15, 2008 09:39 am

Herceptin after bi-lateral MX

Hi Boscoe - It's a grapefruit peel. Actually not my cat (If I tried to put that on my cat's head, I doubt I would survive the experience.

Never trust anything that can think for itself if you can't see where it keeps its brain.
Dx 7/20/2006, IDC, <1cm, Stage I, Grade 3, 0/4 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2+
Posted in: Support & Community Connections + Lesbians with Breast Cancer, Created: Oct 13, 2008 09:34 pm

How long is a normal chemo session?

I think it varies by chemo type and I suspect somtimes by chemo nurse. Mine usually lasted about 2 hours for the FEC and about 1 1/2 hours for herceptin.

Never trust anything that can think for itself if you can't see where it keeps its brain.
Dx 7/20/2006, IDC, <1cm, Stage I, Grade 3, 0/4 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2+
Posted in: Connecting With Others Who Have a Similar Diagnosis + HER2/neu Positive Breast Cancer, Created: Oct 13, 2008 09:08 pm

Herceptin after bi-lateral MX

I think anymore if you are HER2+, herceptin is pretty much a standard treatment - regardness of what else is done treatment wise. Like golfgirl said - everyone has to make their own decisions as to the treatment options they are willing to deal with. Personally, I found herceptin to be easy.  I also went with as aggressive a treament plan as possible (bilateral, 6 rounds chemo and a year of herceptin).

Never trust anything that can think for itself if you can't see where it keeps its brain.
Dx 7/20/2006, IDC, <1cm, Stage I, Grade 3, 0/4 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2+
Posted in: Connecting With Others Who Have a Similar Diagnosis + HER2/neu Positive Breast Cancer, Created: Apr 2, 2008 10:23 pm

Herceptin Treatment

I also did fine on the 3 week schedule of herceptin for a year (muga results: 62, 60, 59, 59). I did do a different chemo (6FEC) that is less likely to cause heart damage in itself.

Never trust anything that can think for itself if you can't see where it keeps its brain.
Dx 7/20/2006, IDC, <1cm, Stage I, Grade 3, 0/4 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2+
Posted in: Tests, Treatments & Side Effects + Just Diagnosed, Created: Mar 21, 2008 09:27 pm

bilateral masectomy

I had a bilateral with no reconstruction. Pretty much similar diagnosis as you, cancer in left, right was fine. I did it mainly for peace of mind (even though there's still a chance of local recurrence) this felt right for me. I've never worn a prothesis and it's suprising how few people even notice.

Never trust anything that can think for itself if you can't see where it keeps its brain.
Dx 7/20/2006, IDC, <1cm, Stage I, Grade 3, 0/4 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2+
Posted in: Connecting With Others Who Have a Similar Diagnosis + HER2/neu Positive Breast Cancer, Created: Feb 12, 2008 09:19 pm

Her2/NED since herceptin/Diet

I'm NED and a year and a half out. I really haven't changed my diet much. It's actually been worse for much of the first year: (I'm doing chemo and can eat anything I want attitude). I've started trying to eat somewhat better, but haven't made any significant changes to my diet. What changes I've been trying to make are more related to high cholesterol than anything else.

Never trust anything that can think for itself if you can't see where it keeps its brain.
Dx 7/20/2006, IDC, <1cm, Stage I, Grade 3, 0/4 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2+
Posted in: Tests, Treatments & Side Effects + Just Diagnosed, Created: Jan 28, 2008 10:13 pm

Stage 2b her+

Once you have a plan, the whole process somehow gets much easier. It also helps to like your oncologist. I found that bald wasn't any big deal, figured that as far as side effects went that wasn't anything to get concerned about.

By the way, I grew up in Ormond Beach and spent 30+ years there and in the general area.

Never trust anything that can think for itself if you can't see where it keeps its brain.
Dx 7/20/2006, IDC, <1cm, Stage I, Grade 3, 0/4 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2+
Posted in: Recovery, Renewal, & Hope + Moving Beyond Cancer, Created: Nov 27, 2007 10:00 pm

O/T Need Printer Advice

I'm not familiar with laser printers, just inkjets, so can't help there. But for good prices and a reviews, try Newegg online. The site is a bit geeky, but they have some of the best prices around and very fast (and generally cheap) shipping.

Never trust anything that can think for itself if you can't see where it keeps its brain.
Dx 7/20/2006, IDC, <1cm, Stage I, Grade 3, 0/4 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2+
Posted in: Recovery, Renewal, & Hope + Moving Beyond Cancer, Created: Nov 5, 2007 02:08 pm

We've been quoted... "Thank God it's November!"

Excellent article.

As to the asking for donations in October - I just smile and say I've already donated.

Never trust anything that can think for itself if you can't see where it keeps its brain.
Dx 7/20/2006, IDC, <1cm, Stage I, Grade 3, 0/4 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2+
Posted in: Recovery, Renewal, & Hope + Moving Beyond Cancer, Created: Oct 31, 2007 09:53 am

Help! Question from the worst cook on the planet

If okra isn't cooked right, it tends to be slimy.

Never trust anything that can think for itself if you can't see where it keeps its brain.
Dx 7/20/2006, IDC, <1cm, Stage I, Grade 3, 0/4 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2+
Posted in: Recovery, Renewal, & Hope + Moving Beyond Cancer, Created: Oct 29, 2007 09:03 pm

Help! Question from the worst cook on the planet

I did run across a cookbook that even I can deal with when absolutely necessary. Something like 5 ingredient slow cooker cookbook. Basically dump a maximum of 5 things (usually frozen or canned) in a slow cooker, ignore for many hours and it's actually edible when it's done.

Bakeoff? Does frozen pizza thrown in the oven count? (Cold pizza ... the perfect breakfast food!)

Never trust anything that can think for itself if you can't see where it keeps its brain.
Dx 7/20/2006, IDC, <1cm, Stage I, Grade 3, 0/4 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2+
Posted in: Support & Community Connections + Lesbians with Breast Cancer, Created: Oct 29, 2007 08:54 pm

Harry Potter series - Dumbledore is Gay

So was I. I always felt some kinship with her - being a bit weird myself.

Never trust anything that can think for itself if you can't see where it keeps its brain.
Dx 7/20/2006, IDC, <1cm, Stage I, Grade 3, 0/4 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2+
Posted in: Recovery, Renewal, & Hope + Moving Beyond Cancer, Created: Oct 28, 2007 10:58 pm

Help! Question from the worst cook on the planet

Personally, I don't think I would risk eating chicken that sat out overnight. (Of course, that may be more of a problem here in Arizona then in most places.) 

I still think I'm the worst cook on the planet. Fortunately my partner likes to cook, so I haven't starved or poisoned anyone yet.

Never trust anything that can think for itself if you can't see where it keeps its brain.
Dx 7/20/2006, IDC, <1cm, Stage I, Grade 3, 0/4 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2+
Posted in: Tests, Treatments & Side Effects + Surgery - Before, During, and After, Created: Oct 28, 2007 10:34 pm

Average hospital stay for surgery?

I had a bilateral with SNB, no reconstruction and stayed in the hospital overnight. Would have gladly gone home the afternoon of the surgery, but my surgeon wouldn't let me out until the next morning. As far as I'm concerned, the less time in the hospital the better (not someplace I want to be unless there is no way around it).

Never trust anything that can think for itself if you can't see where it keeps its brain.
Dx 7/20/2006, IDC, <1cm, Stage I, Grade 3, 0/4 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2+
Posted in: Tests, Treatments & Side Effects + Just Diagnosed, Created: Oct 24, 2007 04:28 pm

Need help, please :)

Absolutely, get a second opinion. With the HER2+++, (in my opinion) you should definitely get herceptin at the very least.

I was stage 1, grade 3, 0.9cm, no nodes involved, ER/PR- and HER2+++. I had a bilateral, 6 rounds of chemo and am now doing a year of herceptin. The first chance of beating this is the best chance.

Never trust anything that can think for itself if you can't see where it keeps its brain.
Dx 7/20/2006, IDC, <1cm, Stage I, Grade 3, 0/4 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2+
Posted in: Support & Community Connections + Lesbians with Breast Cancer, Created: Oct 23, 2007 09:41 am

I'm newly diagnosed and confused

The link below has details about the government program to provide free breast cancer screenings/treatment. Not sure if you would be covered by this, but might be worth looking into.

http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/nbccedp/legislation/law106-354.htm

National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) - NBCCEDP, which is administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), provides free breast and cervical cancer screening and follow-up diagnostic services to women in need, such as those who are uninsured or have low incomes.

Never trust anything that can think for itself if you can't see where it keeps its brain.
Dx 7/20/2006, IDC, <1cm, Stage I, Grade 3, 0/4 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2+
Posted in: Support & Community Connections + Lesbians with Breast Cancer, Created: Oct 20, 2007 07:13 pm

Harry Potter series - Dumbledore is Gay

So said J. K. Rowling in a question/answer session yesterday in New York.

http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1674073,00.html

I can't wait to see how the 'religious right' reacts to this. Probably going to go into a meltdown over it.

Never trust anything that can think for itself if you can't see where it keeps its brain.
Dx 7/20/2006, IDC, <1cm, Stage I, Grade 3, 0/4 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2+
Posted in: Tests, Treatments & Side Effects + Just Diagnosed, Created: Oct 6, 2007 02:25 pm

Alone in St. Louis, MO. Please HELP!!

The link below has details about the government program to provide free breast cancer screenings:

http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/nbccedp/legislation/law106-354.htm

Never trust anything that can think for itself if you can't see where it keeps its brain.
Dx 7/20/2006, IDC, Stage I, Grade 3, 0/4 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2+
Posted in: Tests, Treatments & Side Effects + Chemotherapy - Before, During and After, Created: Oct 4, 2007 11:08 am

Craving crunchy salty chips after chemo

I constantly wanted anything pickled while I was doing chemo. Green olives, especially, weren't safe around me for months.

Never trust anything that can think for itself if you can't see where it keeps its brain.
Dx 7/20/2006, IDC, Stage I, Grade 3, 0/4 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2+

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