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About Me:: Hi there. First, I am a 37 year old graphic designer, outdoor nut, dog mom, loving wife and enthusiastic auntie. Second, I am undergoing treatment for metastatic breast cancer for the second time. I was diagnosed with stage 3B disease at age 28 and underwent lumpectomy, chemo, stemcell transplant, radiation and latissimus flap reconstruction. All that plus five years of Tamoxifen and 4 more of Letrazole seemed to do the trick until last fall when I started having back pain and found out the little bugger had returned to lymph nodes in my chest and a couple of spots on my spine (stage 4 obviously). We have been treating it with Lapatanib and Avastin and it was stable for about 7 months, but now it has moved on to my lower lumbar and a couple of spots on my liver. We are in the process of reassessing so stay tuned.

I've always focused on eating healthy, but after a conversation about diet that involved my doctor telling me that I should just reduce animal proteins, I decided why pussyfoot around the subject and went vegan (dabbling in raw). Add to that some vitamins (D and E), supplements (turmeric, omega 3 fish oil, bluegreen algae, brazil nuts) and a healthy dose of pilates and dog walking. I still hope to go even further by incorporating other alternative therapies to my treatment.

I am hoping that by finding a community of like-minded souls, I will feel less alone, more educated and more in control of this journey.

Birthday? (not required, but you might get presents!): August 25th. Close enough to the cusp to get a little Leo on my Virgo...wait, that sounds dirty.

Where do you live? (city, state, country): San Francisco Area, California, USA

Your Zip Code?: 94590

Relationship Status:: Married

Favorite Quote:: I hope it is true that a man can die and yet not only live in others but give them life, and not only life, but that great consciousness of life. -- Jack Kerouac

Favorite Book:: Too many to name. Okay, I'll name a few. Always faves are almost anything by Jack Kerouac and David Sedaris. Recent faves are A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, by Dave Eggers and The Road, by Cormac McCarthy.

What's your personal mission statement?: To share my experience so that I may feel a true part of it in every way.

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not so great day after birthday news

Well, I got my scan results back this morning with a call from my oncologist. Somehow, I always know it is going to be bad news when she is on the other end of the phone, otherwise I get an email or her nurse practitioner. Anyway, it turns out the canser has spread. It's a little confusing, so stick with me here (I will get more clarification on Thursday morning when I see my onc). The spots on my thoracic spine appear to be stable and the lymphnodes in my chest have still not grown, BUT there i… Continue

Posted on August 26, 2008 at 7:43pm — 10 Comments

getting my picture taken

Okay, so this is like my first blog entry ever. I have the facebook and the linked in, but I've never actually written commentary about my life except for the random humorous one-liner in the "what are you doing right now" facebook status thingy. I guess I am really good at deflecting what my status really is with the ha ha. So, for realz now. I have another follow-up PET scan on Monday after being on the Lapatinib, Avastin and Zometa for about 9 months now. To bring you all up to date.… Continue

Posted on August 22, 2008 at 11:10pm — 5 Comments

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At 7:22pm on September 3, 2008, Carrie Belair said…: Funny how Onc believe that they are God- THEY don't have all the answers OR else we would have a cure. If I even mention diet to mine he just gives me this 'yeah yeah' kinda smile - He knows chemo - the radiologist knows radiation......

At 9:58pm on August 30, 2008, Carrie Belair said…: How you doing babe? is the treatment OK??? We are just back from a play date out eastern Canada - I TOOK my bike the whole way!!!!! and THANKED GOD for the strength and beauty of the trip. It was amazing.

At 11:28pm on August 13, 2008, Lana said…: It sure is nice to get away and unplug isn't it? The Sierras are supposed to be so beautiful, but I have never been. Maybe someday I will make it out that way.

Everything is OK on this end. I'll talk to you again before too long!

Lana

At 9:05am on August 13, 2008, Sheila Wisdahl said…: OOOhhh Amy you ARE lucky to live in SanFran! That's one place I seriously daydream about. I can tell you a couple of simple things to do (babysteps) if you are interested in doing some gerson (and I say "some" because I know you are still working) Looks like you are already moving in the right direction with your diet. I hope you are having a great week and that this mess will soon be behind you!

At 4:23pm on August 12, 2008, Dana Herbert said…: amy, you ought to design a line of hats and wigs! now, that is something i would wear!! dana

At 9:04pm on August 11, 2008, Sheila Wisdahl said…: Hi Amy
I love your page, your pic and the the bikes. We have A LOT in common. Let's see...this is my 2nd time around with breast cancer (I was 24 for the first time) I also had the latissimus dorsi flap recon, I am also stage 4 now and I too am a graphic designer! I hope your treatment is going well. This site is filled with great people.

At 8:44pm on August 11, 2008, Dana Herbert said…: i LOVE your photo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

At 10:40pm on August 6, 2008, Lana said…: Hi Amy,

I haven't heard from lately. Hope all is well.

Blessings,
Lana

At 8:36pm on August 4, 2008, Austin said…: Aww shucks, thanks Amy! :) This place is wonderful, and the people are just simply awesome!!! Look forward to seeing more posts from you!

At 12:27am on August 3, 2008, Lana said…: The Cubs are doing great. Maybe since it is the 100th anniversary since their last Wolrd Series that destiny would have them win it all this year! I am not a baseball fan, but people are really excited about the Cubbies. The White Sox are doing good too.

I have been in Chicago now for almost 6 years and we really like it. It looks like we will be here for alot longer.

The Herceptin is going OK. It makes me feel a little weak and sick, but it is minor and it is supposed to reduce recurrence by half so I am putting up with it. I have not heard of Lapatinib - hopefully it works well for you! I'll pray that your next MRI brings good news.

Best wishes back to you and talk to you again soon.

Lana