Helen

[Mary]

* Note: Helen entered heaven's gates in 2004, but her spirit will live on forever at Friends In Touch.

Hello everyone. I had written an outline of my story earlier in December. I deleted it and decided to rewrite and update it.

I was diagnosed in June of 1996 with invasive ductal carcinoma. I had 3 mammograms before...they were always "negative" for tumors (dense breasts) . It took 3 months before I finally got someone to tell me to get an ultrasound, then needle biopsy was positive. I found my breast tumors in the shower. Hence, I encourage my family and friends to get their mammograms and do SELF- EXAMS. In July my chemo of FAC was given 4 tx prior to surgery (tumors way too large in my small breasts to do mastectomy first). I was extremely sick from the chemo. I had to be hospitalized twice as my white counts went down to 0.5 . I was finally able to have surgery ( modified radical mastectomy) in Nov. 1996. My tumors were 6 cm and one was 7cm. I was staged at 3b. They were very aggressive and fast-growing. I was Er/Pr- . No tamoxifen. Her2/neu tests were not done then...herceptin not yet in use.

I had a hysterectomy 2 years later (at least it wouldn't metastasize to my ovaries.) However, in Dec. 1999 counts were rising each month and I was having trouble breathing--had respiratory tests, lung CTs -- Nothing. Finally in May I found a small lump in my neck (supraclavicular recurrence as revealed by needle biopsy). Previous to my onc doing something about the neck nodule, she put me in hospital for complete work-up. Routine CT of brain revealed a massive tumor in my brain. I had absolutely no symptoms except poor memory and I just attributed that to the stress from ending of school year (I was a teacher). Had brain resected of a 6cm tumor. Next was full brain radiation for 6 wks. Three months later my surgical scar was still not healing and coming together properly---had more surgery . A few weeks later diagnosed as having a staff infection and had to be hooked up to vancomycin drip twice a day for 2 hours. Herceptin was now in full use, so onc obtained tissue from 1996 breast surgery. I tested extremely positive for the Her2/neu protein. I was put on herceptin and taxotere. Nov. 2001 MRI revealed another tumor in brain (7mm). Had stereotactic radiosurgery at MD Anderson. Next scans I had done revealed small lesions in lung, kidney, and liver. I was placed on regimen of Herceptin and doxil. Fortunately, next scans showed NEGATIVE in those areas! Jan. 2002 reveals 5 very small (5-6mm) lesions in brain. Given the oral chemo called Temodar for brain tumors. New scans revealed Temodar worked!! Updates: May '02 scans reveal 9 brain tumors are back,as well as in lungs and abdomen;Navelbine w/Herceptin have now set these tumors as diminished, stable or gone. Feb. '03: 5 tiny brain tumors returned, had Gamma Knife for brain and aredia for newly dx of 2 spinal lesions. Now just waiting for 3 mo. scans and checkup.

I am married to my high school sweetheart---29 years. I have one son, Ryan, who is 20. I am 49 and was a teacher for 24 years. Unforunately I had to take a medical disability due to the loss of memory / loss of my equilibrium from all the chemo, brain surgery, and brain rads. I feel cheered when I go back to school to volunteer. Except for my permanent loss of hair and "nerve-ending" headaches I feel "normal".

MOTTO - There is not a cure for metastatic breast cancer, however, I must not lose faith, but keep fighting so that when a cure is found (maybe tomorrow) I will be ready for it. I am determined to fight and keep a positive attitude!


Updated: 7/13/2004
Nickname: Helen
Hobbies: collecting recipes, enjoying nature, reading