I recently found out my breast cancer has returned. Right now it is showing up in two small lymph nodes in the same general area where the original cancer was found on my right side. The pathology is similar to my original cancer -- estrogen receptor positive, progesterone receptor negative (different from last time) and Her2neu positive.
My docs at Emory recommended radiation immediately followed by Herceptin, an infusion drug I took following chemo last time. They did not recommend surgery. Something just didn't feel right.
So my mom and I went to MD Anderson in Houston for a second opinion (Todd stayed home to take care of the kids). The doctors there are recommending a much more aggressive approach, and discussed it with my Emory doctor while I was sitting right there in the room. So I will get the MD Anderson treatment right here at Emory and I couldn't be happier! Especially since the MD Anderson doc used the word "curable," something I had not heard even an inkling of from anyone else with this latest diagnosis.
While I was in Houston, I bought myself some "cancer-butt-kicking" cowboy boots. It's going to be a long, hard road but worth it in the end. The plan:
-- Six weeks of chemo (Tykerb and Xeloda). Bad news: side effects include nausea, vomiting, etc. Good news: No hair loss. Best news: Can be taken in pill form; no more endless needle sticks and trips to the infusion room.
-- PET scan to see how cancer is responding to new chemo.
-- Six more weeks of same chemo.
-- PET scan to see how cancer is responding to new chemo.
-- Surgery to remove anything that is left. Will have to remove implant. Unclear if/when it can be replaced.
-- Radiation (frequency and duration TBA)
-- Continue chemo (Tykerb only) for one year.
Please keep us in your prayers as we start a new battle.
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5 comments:
Michelle - I had no idea that you were going through all of this. I will certainly keep you and your family in my prayers. My mom actually had a biopsy this week - so we should know the results by the end of this week.
Have you checked out "save the ta-tas?" They have great tshirts and such - we sport one of thier magnets on my car. Leads to interesting discussions with small people :-)
And welcome to blogland. I have been blogging for a few years...rather sporadically of late...but I love it and the connections that I have made.
michelle, sending you hugs and prayers
so glad you're blogging!
one of my in-laws went through a similar passage recently and her journaling about it made it so much easier for her to share with us, and for us to be there for her
yay for the new battle shoes!
Michelle,
I am glad you went to MD Anderson and feel good about your plan. I really believe that your attitude makes a huge difference. My dad was treated, successfully, for esophageal cancer in 2005/2006 and he took Xeloda as an experimental drug for his type of cancer. Along with everything else, it seemed to work for him and he is now 4 years cancer free. Two years is the holy grail for esophageal cancer. We will be praying for you and your family. I know you can do this!
I am so sorry to hear your cancer has returned but am very glad you are in battle mode! Didn't you have a problem before with the Herceptin? I have subscribed to your blog and if you need anything please do not hesitate to ask - I am praying for your strength and ability to kick the cancers ass.
Michelle,
I like those cancer butt-kicking boots!
If I was cancer, I'd be scared down to my melanomas.
Sending prayers your way
Don't hesitate to call if you need anything.
Love to you, Todd and the boys.
Andy
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