breast cancer battle / can herceptin save my life ?
My battle with breast cancer has prompted me to create a blog in anticipation that there are many other women out there going through this and some of them may be in similar situations and want to communicate with me. It also seems a good way to keep my friends informed - I am lucky to have great friends both here in SA and in UK so please keep those e-mails and phone calls coming!
I am a 55 year old British woman who moved to Cape Town three years ago. Married with grown up son and great husband, interesting and rewarding work as an HR consultant life was sweet until....
As the result of a routine mammogram in late August I was diagnosed with breast cancer.
On September 4th I had a mastectomy and lymph node clearance as it has spread to the lymph nodes under left arm. Started chemo on 10th October - have had hair cropped short but it will be falling out soon so am bracing myself for buzz cut then baldness!
My main reason for starting this blog is to communicate with people regarding Herceptin. My breast cancer is HER2 positive which means it is aggressive and likely to come back but that the drug Herceptin can treat it effectively and prevent the chance of recurrance by up to 50%. Herceptin is very expensive and there is a lot of stalling/politics from the medical aid companies. I have currently been prescribed a "short course" of Herceptin but the more research I do the more I think I need the long course (12-18 months) to give me the best chance of survival..
My priority is to get the best possible treatment plan organised and get it started... anyone out there have a comment?
posted by janet at 2:02 AM
12 Comments:
Testing my blog
Hi Janet
Marvellous idea! Hope you enjoy blogging - I am sure it will be a wonderful source of support for many other women too.
Just over 7 weeks till we get to see you in SA!
Linda and Rudi
x
Dear Janet
Well done for your display of courage and fighting spirit.
Keep it up; it's the only way forward - together with the support of family and friends.
Our thoughts are always with you and Linda and I look forward to seeing you and Vincent in only a couple of weeks from now.
hi janet just seeing if i have set up my blog properly
thanks so much for sending me your blog or blogging me or whatever the correct lingo is. anyway, the thing is, we are blown away by your courage and strength and humour. you look so beautiful too, darn it. can't wait to see you in december - we arrive 22nd. lol Lxxx
Janet,
I have kown you for over 20 years and you are one of the loveliest people I have ever met. You will get through this, you have the love of Vincent, Oliver and all of your friends and we can't wait for the best party ever when this is behind you!
Love,
AnneMariex
Janet,
I have known you for over twenty years and you have always impressed me with your style, sense of humour and intelligence!
You are very loved and you will get through this.
We can't wait for the great party that you will have when tis is all behind you!
Love,
AnneMariex
Hi Janet,
If you are wondering why I have left two similar messages it is because i thoiught I had lost the first message! I'm obviously not a particularly technical wizard!
love always,
AnneMariex
Hi Janet at last I have managed to sort this blogging out its only taken me, how long have you been set up?? Anyway although not able to respond I have been sitting here reading your blogs in awe at you, Vincent and your dogs. I would love to say something inspiring, comforting, healing nothing seems good enough. Only thing I can say is that you are constantly in all our thoughts, Haydens Mum is always asking about you and she sends her love and thoughts. With all the love coming your way sit back and brasthe it in. I just hope you get this blog. Lots of love brenda
Hi Janet at last I have managed to sort this blogging out its only taken me, how long have you been set up?? Anyway although not able to respond I have been sitting here reading your blogs in awe at you, Vincent and your dogs. I would love to say something inspiring, comforting, healing nothing seems good enough. Only thing I can say is that you are constantly in all our thoughts, Haydens Mum is always asking about you and she sends her love and thoughts. With all the love coming your way sit back and brasthe it in. I just hope you get this blog. Lots of love brenda
Hi Janet, you have friends in the U.S. as well that are thinking about you. Mandy, told me about your battle with breast cancer and my thoughts and prayers are with you. My stepmother is a recent survivor and I know second hand a little of what you are going through. Continue to be strong and I'm so happy you started this blog.
Hi Janet, you have friends in the U.S. as well that are thinking about you. Mandy, told me about your battle with breast cancer and my thoughts and prayers are with you. My stepmother is a recent survivor and I know second hand a little of what you are going through. Continue to be strong and I'm so happy you started this blog.
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