raneyf

Grace, I'm so sorry for you, your girls, and Carlton. I said a prayer for you all. Raney

Great news - So happy for you and Lisa!

Hi, Sorry you have to be here. I know this journey is really hard with little kids, but they give me determination too. We have a lot in common it looks like. I'm angry too, but determined to fight as hard as I can. I was diagnosed in October also, but I'm definitely stage 4 (bone mets). I tried Tarceva, but progressed, so moved on to the chemo with Avastin, which seems to be working. Hopefully we'll be opposite and the Tarceva will work for you. Best wishes for some fast shrinkage for you. Raney

Thanks Dr. West. Unfortunately I tried Tarceva as first line therapy and progressed after 6 weeks. It doesn't look like I'm one of the lucky ones that it benefits. I appreciate your answer and your website - I visit it often and just haven't had a chance to ask my question over there. I'm doing well on my current chemo with the Avastin, going to Avastin alone after 3 more treatments. Hoping it will buy me some time. Thank you again. Raney

Does anyone know if Avastin is like a typical cancer drug, where the cancer eventually mutates and it becomes ineffective? I'm sure the answer is probably yes - but I was thinking maybe the cancer eventually progresses because some blood vessels are able to form or whatever, then chemo again to knock it down and keep on the Avastin also because it slows it down? Anyone know? I have a couple of weeks before I see my doctor again and was curious. Thanks, Raney

Yes - I think I'm moody too. Noise and messes drive me crazy, and I know neither are important in the grand scheme of things. I also snap at my mom, husband, and sometimes my little boy. My poor husband says I'm either crying or angry these days. I'm trying extra hard to enjoy my time with my family and take it day by day, but when it comes down to it, a lot of days I am sad and/or angry, so it's hard. I do think the chemo is somewhat responsible. The week after is especially difficult. I like Snowflake's notebook of blessings idea and might try it too. I'm not a big fan of getting yet another medication to take like an anti-depressant, so trying to get it under control by myself, but one of these days I might have to ask for one. Just wanted to tell you I understand and am acting kind of the same - allthough I don't know the answer to fixing it.

I'm in Mesa, AZ and go to Mayo Scottsdale. I wouldn't think it would take them that long to return a call. They're much faster for me. I'd call back and talk to some different people maybe. Or go to the ER with symptoms. I was admitted to the Mayo hospital through my PCP and had my diagnosis within 2 days. My PET Scan was done the next week and I met with my oncologist that week as well. I don't get surgery unfortunately, so I don't know how long that takes to schedule. Good Luck - Also, just a thought - what about calling the University Medical Center in Tucson. I know it's further, but if you don't get anywhere with Mayo, you could try there.

Thank you - I get it now. The link tries to include the period at the end of the URL, and that doesn't work, but if you take that off you're good to go. I'll work on sending this out this afternoon at naptime (Kid naptime).

I'm a little slow these days - but is there an attachment or something we should send to the local media, or just cut and paste the article? Thanks for the assistance

When I was on Tarceva I used the Cetaphil soap that you can buy at the drugstore. I also had a prescription for benzamycin topical ointment that I used every other day. I also used a good moisturizer. Have a good trip.

Praying for your family - I can't imagine how upset you all must be.

I'm in the middle of chemo and feel depressed a few days after each treatment. I think it's something we need to talk to our doctors about.

Good Job Ernie - Quite an accomplishment!

I haven't had any bleeding other than a bit from my nose when I blow it. Also, I'm still doing chemo with the Avastin, so I don't know what's causing what, but I'd say I'm only mildly achy a few days after chemo. I also took Tarceva and didn't have anything other than the diarrhea and rash from that. Sorry I'm not more help. Raney

30 at diagnosis 3 months

Tracy, I feel a lot like you do and don't know what to do about it. It's not often I can even go 1 day without crying. I can't even look at commercials for the movie preview "Catch and Release" because it makes me so upset - It's about some woman whose fiance died at 29 and then she meets someone new. All I can think of is my poor boys and husband. Then, what if they get a new wife/mom, and equally as bad, what if they don't get a new wife/mom. I know this isn't all that inspiring, but I just thought I'd let you know I understand how you feel. I guess that makes us normal, but it's still so hard to deal with. Take care, Raney

I got a rash all over my body 8 days after my first treatment with Taxol/Carbo/Avastin. Then, day 11, my face started to swell. Took prednisone for a week, and all that went away. However, treatment 2, I had a severe reaction to the Taxol, where I passed out and had to have extra Benadryl, Solu-Medrol, and IV fluids before I came back. So, no Taxol that cycle. I haven't had the rash at day 8, or the facial swelling, so me and my Onc think it was because I'm allergic to the Taxol.

I'm interested also - wish it was being used in Stage IV also, but I guess I wish a lot of stuff.

Has anyone had their port put in after starting Avastin? My surgeon is concerned about the wound healing since I'm already on Avastin? Any info would be great. Thanks, Raney

I'm sorry you got these results. I'll pray that you are able to fight this disease again and have another success. Raney

Has anyone had any success with Herceptin? I talked to a different doctor yesterday, and because my cancer progressed so rapidly while I was pregnant, he thought Herceptin might be worth trying some day. Wondered if anyone had been down that road? Thanks, Raney

Can anyone describe what it's like to get and have a port for me? I'm wondering if I'm out of commmission for the whole day I get it. Also, how secure is it inside of you? Will hugging and playing with my kids bother it? Thanks for any information. Raney

I think I read about someone using the liquid bandaids on their nail cuts. Maybe someone else has more experience, but thought I'd toss that out there.

I would LOVE to hear the story...Keeping my fingers crossed that they'll post.

I had my chest x-ray today before I do my second round of chemo tomorrow - Showed my primary tumor shrunk from >4cm to 2cm and less dense. I'm so happy the chemo is working!