SURVIVOR ~ Breast Cancer Stage IV

Three years ago I was diagnosed with Stage IIA breast cancer, very small tumor and a few lymph nodes. I went through all the treatments; chemo, radiation, hormonal, and even had my ovaries out. I never thought this would come back. I developed a cough this summer that would not go away. I finally agreed to have an x-ray, even though I knew it was sinuses. Lungs were fine, but spots were found in my liver. Tests confirmed it metastasized to my liver and to my bones (ribs, spine, hip). I had no symptoms.

I have had 7 courses of chemo so far - taxotere and carboplatin, and go for scans next week to see how things are progressing. I am 43 years old, have 3 children (15, 14, 9) and work as a principal in an elementary school in Ohio. I have my good days and my bad - still have no symptoms from the cancer but chemo has been a trip.

Depending on the scans, I will have some major decisions to make regarding treatment. I am hoping this group can help, and I'm hoping I can add something to the group. Thanks.

Update: I have been off chemo for 3 months and am considered to have had a complete response to that therapy. Currently I am taking monthly Aredia treatments to strengthen my bones and daily Aromasin tablets as my hormonal treatment. I am involved in a Phase III study for a breast cancer vaccine called Theratope. I hope future treatment of this disease will focus on using our own immune systems to fight the cancer.

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