Updates from Lara: I'm almost "done"!

HER2-positive breast cancer: What is it?

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 one of every three breast cancers, the cancer cells make an excess of HER2 due to a gene mutation. This gene mutation 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, new treatments that specifically target HER2 are proving to be very effective:

Trastuzumab (Herceptin). Herceptin, which specifically targets HER2, kills these cancer cells and decreases the risk of recurrence. Herceptin is often used with chemotherapy. But it may also be used alone or in combination with hormone-blocking medications, such as an aromatase inhibitor or tamoxifen. A study published in 2005 found that Herceptin can reduce breast cancer recurrence by as much as 50 percent. Herceptin is usually well tolerated, but it does have some potential side effects, such as congestive heart failure and allergic reaction. This drug is also very expensive.

Lapatinib (Tykerb). Like Herceptin, Tykerb is a HER2-specific drug. Approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2007, Tykerb may be effective for HER2-positive breast cancer that doesn't respond to Herceptin.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

I'm almost "done"!

Wow... I can't believe this day is here. Today is my very LAST infusion of Herceptin! No more trips to that Chemo room. I can't even explain the joy that I feel... I'm actually giddy today.

The last infusion also means that I can now schedule getting this port out of my chest... That will be awesome. I can't wait for the removal of this big piece of plastic... that sticks out... and irritates my skin. Woo hoo!

This week really has been a good one.

A week ago, Tuesday, I had nipple reconstruction done. I got a little nervous and even had fleeting thoughts of canceling. But, yesterday, I got to see them for the first time. I'm so glad I had the procedure done... What a difference it makes. I'm getting so close to looking like "normal" again. (Could it be possible to look even better than before? lol.) On December 2nd, I will get the tattoos to finish the look.

I keep thinking that by Christmas, I should be completely "done"!

I just can't tell you what that means to me.

Done.

What a wonderful, fantastic word!

4 comments:

LaraSeptember 22, 2010 at 10:44 AM
I have to let everyone know about the rest of my fabulous day... While I was in the waiting room, Doug brought me a dozen red roses to celebrate. He is so thoughtful. He also organized a sitter for the evening. We went out and enjoyed a bottle of wine at a wine bar and then met up with friends for dinner. Jenny & Ben had gifts for me as well. Those were such sweet surprises! Thanks. I'm so glad I could celebrate with you! =)
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UnknownSeptember 22, 2010 at 9:33 PM
You are amazing and inspiring. I am soooooooooooo happy to read this post! Love you much and hope to see you soon. Dancing is in our future and maybe this time I won't break a toe :-) !!!
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MichelleSeptember 24, 2010 at 11:21 AM
So very excited for you Lara!!
As others have said, you are truly amazing and an inspiration to us all.
:) Michelle
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UnknownSeptember 25, 2010 at 11:51 AM
Lara, you have been in my prayers-every single day--since learning of your diagnosis, which in some ways, seems like just yesterday and in other ways, seems like the remote past. Roger & I are so, so happy that you have reached this point. This Christmas should be a wonderful one for you, Doug, and the children.

I will continue to keep you in my prayser. May God continue to bless you with good health and lots of happiness.

Love,
Ellen
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