Me

Overall a very good news update.

My oncologist said everything looks much better and that I'm responding well to treatment.  The ultrasound of my breast, where it all started, the tumour has shrunk significantly.  And my liver and bones are both much better than my first scan.  She is referring me to an orthopedic for my spine as the cancer had broken down some of the spine pretty significantly prior to treatment, but they have treatments that can improve that. 

I asked about having 8 rounds of chemo versus 6 and she said that when you hear of people having more than 6 rounds, it's due to money.  That 8 rounds don't work better than 6 rounds.  She also emphasized that most of my benefit is coming from the targeted injection I get every 3 weeks and that will continue (for life) after I stop chemo. 

I asked if I'm allowed to be optimistic about my future and she said "Absolutely!"  Genuinely the call couldn't have been better.  I could hear in her voice that she was very happy and she has no concerns. 

Afterwards, my parents suggested we go to lunch to celebrate and I had a little cry.  As I find it hard to celebrate cancer.  But I literally put my big girl pants on and we went out and I'm so glad we did. 

Back in the chemo chair tomorrow and just hoping for miracles that the treatment just eradicates this disease from my body.  Gotta aim high!

Thank you all for your continued support.  It's been my best Thanksgiving, as I have something to truly be grateful for.  I've always been grateful for my life and the people in it.  But September 7th was a day that changed me forever and I'll never look at life the same.

What is the targeted injection?  So pleased to hear of your good report.  I went to Sopra Steria today for picture and fingerprints to get my application in for citizenship, Thanksgiving is so different in England.  It’s just Thursday.  I’m scheduled for a thorough checkup with my g.p. next week.  Bloodwork, test for diabetes, and referral for a colonoscopy.  I agree, cancer changes everything.  The need to stay on top of your health becomes focused and the lackadaisical attitude disappears.

Happy Thursday.

Thanks for the update! Sounds like all the treatment is going well!!! <3

What is the targeted injection?  So pleased to hear of your good report.  I went to Sopra Steria today for picture and fingerprints to get my application in for citizenship, Thanksgiving is so different in England.  It’s just Thursday.  I’m scheduled for a thorough checkup with my g.p. next week.  Bloodwork, test for diabetes, and referral for a colonoscopy.  I agree, cancer changes everything.  The need to stay on top of your health becomes focused and the lackadaisical attitude disappears.

Happy Thursday.

Phesgo!  It's a miracle drug that has transformed breast cancer for HER2 positive cases.  It literally goes in, finds the cancer cells, attaches to them and destroys the cell (and prevents new ones from growing). 

Thanks for the update, and so pleased to read about how positive it is. Great news to hear.

Phesgo!  It's a miracle drug that has transformed breast cancer for HER2 positive cases.  It literally goes in, finds the cancer cells, attaches to them and destroys the cell (and prevents new ones from growing).

It is truly amazing the progress that has been made in treatment.  Treatments have really improved.

Phesgo!  It's a miracle drug that has transformed breast cancer for HER2 positive cases.  It literally goes in, finds the cancer cells, attaches to them and destroys the cell (and prevents new ones from growing). 

So glad to hear things are going so well.

I looked up Phesgo. NHS England starting buying this last year.
https://www.england.nhs.uk/2021/04/thousands-of-patients-set-to-benefit-from-five-minute-breast-cancer-treatment-2/

And a thread on the Cancer Research UK forum, from those who started getting this drug.
https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/cancer-chat/thread/phesgo

What brilliant news at your update yesterday! Onward and upward!  So happy for you.  As a 12 year survivor I promise you there will come a day when you don’t think about cancer.

So glad the drugs are working and you have support for the hell the cancer has caused for your body. A happy thanksgiving for sure!

Sent from my Pixel 6a using Tapatalk

the targeted injection I get every 3 weeks and that will continue (for life) after I stop chemo. 

   Hopefully your daughter will be able to drive you to get those injections in about 10 years!

   Hopefully your daughter will be able to drive you to get those injections in about 10 years!

You got that right!

I think one of the craziest things about this "journey" is how wildly my emotions swing.  Once I come out the other side after chemo, I feel strong and empowered.  I'm okay with this part of the cycle!

I wonder how much of it is the toxins of the chemo and how much of it is hitting the "menopause wall at 100mph"?

I'm starting to approach my final round of chemo (January 20, all being well).  And while I've had some very very long days, I agree that this has happened quick!

Looking for ideas/suggestions on how to mark the end of such a significant step in the cancer journey.  My hospital doesn't have a bell (which I can argue both sides of).  I think ringing a bell would be absolutely lovely.  But then I can see someone ruining it with "but you cannot beat cancer" as mine is not curable.  For that, I'm glad they have erred on the side of NOT having a bell. 

How would you mark the end of a journey? (and yes, I'm aware this is likely my first turn of chemotherapy, not my last).  I still want to celebrate and acknowledge this step - I often feel we don't celebrate our successes enough!

On a much heavier scale, I need to think about if I want to opt for a mascectomy or not.  If I knew it would be an easy recovery, it's an easy answer to have my breasts off.  If it's grueling... well, may as well keep them as statistically it doesn't matter. 

Yet I know I'm a whole individual and not a statistic.  UGH, just wish it was straight forward....

What would you do UKY's?  Hindsight is the only way I'll know which was right...

Well I hope everything goes okay and you can end this round of treatment in January. That will be amazing! Can you get your own bell and ring at home?

Hmm, not sure on the mastectomy part. 
My cousin (about our age) had the kind of breast cancer that didn't spread too far (she only had a check because her Mom had just been diagnosed) , but she had a double mastectomy at the time of diagnosis. She did find a lump in a lymph node about 9 months later , so that was definitely a bit odd.... but is now free and clear.  She did seem to have some ups and downs with her blood pressure and fainting at the time.  I think she would do it all again despite the issues. 

Huge decisions, do you think it will help with future cancer treatments, or will it always be there anyways?

Unfortunately I have nothing to suggest, but I wish you all the very best going forward.