New Doo

Mom has been shopping for her new look! Weigh in with your opinion on what you like the best. Use the survey on the right side to vote.


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Treatment

Mom's first chemo treatment was on July 19th. She is being administered two different chemotherapy drugs, Taxol and Herceptin. Every 21 days she goes in for her Taxol and Herceptin treatment. These treatments last approximately 6 hours and have many side effects. We have determined that 2 days after this treatment is when she feels at her worst; extremely tired, achy, feverish and chilled. Imagine experiencing flu like symptoms for 1-3 days, that is what Mom is experiencing following this treatment. Thankfully she has not yet had any nausea as a result of the chemo. Her next scheduled appointment for this "big" treatment is August 11th.

Mom was also diagnosed as HER2 positive. HER2-positive breast cancer is a breast cancer that tests positive for a protein called human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), which promotes the growth of cancer cells. In about 1 of every 5 breast cancers, the cancer cells make an excess of HER2 due to a gene mutation. This gene mutation and the elevated levels of HER2 that it causes can occur in many types of cancer — not only breast cancer.

HER2-positive breast cancers tend to be more aggressive than other types of breast cancer. They're also less responsive to hormone treatment. However, treatments that specifically target HER2 are very effective. As a result of the HER2 positive diagnosis Mom receives an additional dose of Herceptin every Wednesday to solely attack the HER2. This treatment is a lot better in terms of length and side effects. It takes approximately an hour and a half and so far she has not experienced any side effects that interfere with her daily routine other than being more tired then usual.

For more information here are some recommended websites:
National Comprehensive Cancer Network www.nccn.org
American Cancer Society www.cancer.org

The Diagnosis

Mom was diagnosed with stage 4 Breast cancer in July of 2010. A lump in her breast was first discovered during her annual mammogram. Subsquent tests and biopsy's revealed that the cancer has spread to her lymph nodes and liver. She is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment. This site was created to keep family and friends up to date on her condition so she can get the much needed rest she needs during this ordeal. Thank you for all your prayers and well wishes.