After my initial diagnosis, I was sent directly to a surgeon, who had a mastectomy scheduled for me three days later.  I had started reading about breast cancer, and when I asked him about my from my markers, he had to look them up, and saw that I was triple negative.  This raised alarms for me from my reading, but he acted like it was not a big deal.  Nobody, at the breast cancer center at a major hospital even mentioned that I see an oncologist before surgery.

 

That afternoon I read a lot more, joined this group, cancelled my surgery and made an appointment at the University of Minnesota.   I ended up entering the I-SPY 2 clinical trial.  For the first 12 weeks I received taxol and an experimental drug which is an AKT inhibitor, I think the name is MK2206.  I have had one dose of AC, will have three more at 2 week intervals.  When chemo is finished I will have unilateral mastectomy and then radiation.

 

My initial tumor was said to be about 1.5cm on ultrasound, but then on MRI I had a solid area of tumor that was 1.5-2cm, but a surrounding area about 6cm in diameter that was full of dots, it looked like polka dot fabric.  They said it was probably hundreds of areas of NCIS.  I had 2 abnormal LN on MRI, one on my chest wall and one in my axilla--that one was biopsied and was positive.

 

I feel so very blessed because it seems that the chemo is working great.  At my 2 week MRI, the main tumor appeared to be breaking up, and the spots were going away.  At my 12 week MRI, it almost looked like a normal breast!  By the clip which was put in at biopsy, there is a tiny spot that they say could be tumor or scar.  The little spots are completely gone, and no abnormal looking lymph nodes.

 

Chemo side effects are getting more severe, especially with Neulasta.  I'm looking for support, advice and thought this would be a good place to start.   I know there a lots of posts here to read about my current problems--bone pain, fatigue, constipation, hemorrhoids, all that fun stuff!

 

Looking forward to hanging out with you guys.  I worked for the first 8 weeks of chemo, but these days I have lots more time.

 

Vivian

Glad you were able to get another opinion and join the I-SPY2 trial.  It looks like it is working for you.  You should be proud that you researched and advocated for yourself.  

Donna

I, too, welcome you back and thank you for sharing your story.

I echo Donna's words and admire you for advocating for yourself.

Wishing you continued success in this battle.

warmly,

Steve

Vicki