My personal nightmare

[Gunther_mag_user]

I cannot grasp how much pain you are going through. About a month ago i found out my grandfather had cancer, and it was a real eyeopener. I had no idea it felt like this, and to have someone so young, and so close to you be diagnosed is so horrible, I am seriously starting to cry. Best of wishes for you and your family, may god watch over you and ensure that your wife comes home safe. Cherish every moment you have, for life is far too short.

[hitech]

Again, thank you everyone for your kind words and support.

Thanks for the link. Fortunately Kaiser is already using that drug.

We just got back from taking the kids to Disneyland. It kept our minds off our troubles for a week. It was the happiest place on earth for us.

I'll update this when I know more.

Trying to stay positive,
Hitech

[hitech]

[Eric Cartman]

Here's hoping that the worst is over!

[Steelrat]

Our thoughts are with you. Norcal forever!

Though much is taken, much abides; and though
We are not now that strength which in old days
Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are-
One equal temper of heroic hearts
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.

[etjoyride]

Hitech, I feel very deeply for you. Several of my teachers, one of which is also my greatest mentor, went through breast cancer (and some other forms of cancer). I wish the best of luck to you, and my thoughts will be with you until your family gets thorugh this ordeal.

[bentothejam1n]

one aunt has pkd and its really bad
and the other has breast cancer
and a brother thats going to Iraq
aunts arent wifes but when they are the only nice and not overweight aunts you have, then you tend to be very close
my prayers are with you

[Apple_Pie]

I know someone who just got through Stage II breast cancer. Shes doing great now.

Many prays to your family tonight.

[hitech]

I know someone who just got through Stage II breast cancer. Shes doing great now.

If you don't mind, could you tell me the tumor size and how many (if any) lymph nodes were involved?

Thanks for the support.

[neppo1345]

My mom went through breast cancer several years ago, had a lump removed and several lymphnodes...quite possibly one of the scariest times of my life.

God was on our side, she went into remission after a year of radiation.

I know what you're going through....It's not fun. Best thing to do is to stay strong for her.

God Bless you and your family...

[Kevmaster]

we all wish you the best! as many others have said, and more will say, if you need somethin..let us know...we're here to help

[thefuzz]

I don't know you, but my best wishes goes out to you and your family. Everyone send positive vibes his wive's way!

[tae]

Positive vibes at maximum output!

My best wishes to you all

[hitech]

Here is the latest news after our visits with both the surgeon and oncologist.

The not so good news. The cancer is Invasive Ductal type which is the most common, accounting for 90% of all breast cancers. They found 4 cancerous lymph nodes (which means it's at least stage 3) and 3 separate masses in the breast (the largest one was 3 1/2 cm), which means it's multi-focal breast cancer making it harder to stage the cancer. At least the number of lymph nodes is only one over the "magic" number and only two more than I personally expected.

Treatments. She will have to do chemo as we already knew, and likely have radiation. Due to the high risk of recurrence, they will start very aggressive chemo right after Thanksgiving for 16 to 18 weeks. As I previously noted, chemo lowers blood counts, esp. white blood cell counts. Kaiser currently uses a drug that promotes the production of more white blood cells. They have had good results with this drug and it should decrease the chance of infections.

We are considering participating in a clinical study. The advantages of the study are a 1/3 chance of getting a newer and possibly better chemo drug in addition to the standard cocktails (chemo drugs are normally used in some combination). Additionally, they are using a new form of the while blood cell stimulator drug which only needs to be given (via injection) once per cycle instead of 5-6 days per cycle (per injection) for the standard one. Cycles are either every two or three weeks. You also get more attention from the doctor, although not everyone considers that a benefit, but I do.

The good news. The test came back negative for the genetic alteration Her-2 neu which causes cancer to grow very rapidly. The test was strongly positive for both hormone receptors. This means hormone blockers like tamoxifen can put any cancer cells in a state of dormancy. This decreases the likelihood that the cancer will reoccur, which is where all the risk is.

Both doctors (surgeon and oncologist) were very surprised at the range of motion my wife has in her arm. They also both commented that she is healing very fast.

Additionally, the oncologist had some different numbers. He said that in my wife's case there is a 30-50% chance they she is currently cured and she doesn't need any additional treatment. All of the treatments she will be receiving will be "just in case" there are any microscopic cancer cells lingering in her body. We know there are no tumors from her CT scan and bone scan. Although he didn't give us all the numbers, it appears that these additional treatments give an additional 25-35% chance of keeping the cancer from reoccurring. So, 50% + 35% isn't so bad. That's the numbers I'm going with.

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<img src="http://www.synreal.net/sig/hitech.gif">

Hey Hitech your starting to sound like me! - AGD
Hitech is the man.... - Blennidae
The only Hitech Lubricant

[neppo1345]

Thank god...I'll keep you guys in my prayers...