Prayers and/or positive thoughts appreciated

**Neeley** · 07-08-2011, 11:46 AM

In October my best friend was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer. Her initial PET scan showed a few spots on her spine and liver as well.

She completed a round of chemo in April and a lumpectomy mastectomy of her left breast in May. Of the 23 lymph nodes removed, 19 were cancerous. Her May PET scan showed some improvement in the spots on her spine and liver.

She began a round of radiation in late June. Right before the radiation, she had another PET scan. Monday she got the results and they were not good. The spots on her liver have increased either in size or number, not sure which. Also, she now has spots on her brain and lungs. The only positive from this scan was her spine. She no longer has any spots there.

She started radiation on her brain Tuesday and will start another round of chemo. There is a certain chemo medicine the doctor wants to use. However, she has been getting Herceptin treatments and he is not sure if this particular medicine can be used in conjunction with the Herceptin. She will find out Monday his exact course of action.

While I pray for complete healing, I am well aware that her prognosis is grim. She is so brave and selfless. She is more concerned about her friends and family than herself.

Any prayers and/or positive thoughts are really appreciated. She has two sons, ages 15 months and 4 years. She also has two step-sons, ages 11 and 15 years. Her husband has recently been stricken with back problems, bulging disc. He had open heart surgery for a valve replacement two weeks before their four year old was born (he was only 32 years old). Then, he had to have the same procedure again a year and a half ago. They have had a rough go of it, to say the least.

Thanks in advance for your prayers and positive thoughts.

**mamachop** · 07-08-2011, 12:11 PM

I'm so sorry! I'll keep your friend and all of you in my prayers!

**brennasmom** · 07-08-2011, 12:31 PM

I'm sorry

Sending prayers.

**MRAHoffman** · 07-08-2011, 12:38 PM

I am a 6 year survivor (granted only Stage 1 breast cancer) AND took Herceptin for 1 year. PLEASE, go to the following website, there are MANY Stage 4 survivors (and when I say survivors, they have been Stage 4 for 10+ years) there due to the wonderful effects of Herceptin. These women (this a very medically based support group) can not only provide support, hope, treatment options, doctor options, etc (MANY have seen Dr. Slamon the FOUNDER of Herceptin PERSONALLY)...watch the Lifetime movie w/ Harry Connick Jr. called "Living Proof" about Dr. Slamon and the founding of Herceptin, Ginger is STILL alive after the original trial almost 20 years ago. Do NOT give up hope. Prayers are coming. Do it, go there NOW....

her2group - HER2 Support Group Forums

**mauimagic** · 07-08-2011, 12:43 PM

Added her to my prayer list - miracles happen.

**oheoh's momma** · 07-08-2011, 01:21 PM

Prayers and hugs for your friend and u. Thank u so much for helping your friend deal with this. So many people are fairweather friends. I wish my friends had been more supportive when my mom died. U are a blessing and a wonderful friend.

**pinetree** · 07-08-2011, 01:34 PM

Sending up prayers right away.

**Englishlady** · 07-08-2011, 02:09 PM

I teared up reading this, so hard for such a young family to go through, my thoughts and prayers are with both you and them.

God Bless

**Momto5RN** · 07-08-2011, 02:30 PM

prayers being said!!

**CrazyCat** · 07-08-2011, 02:38 PM

What an amazing wealth of knowledge we have on this message board~
MRAhoffman...I'm sure she will appreciate that~!

**mh3rdwheel** · 07-08-2011, 07:13 PM

Sending out "HUGS" AND "PRAYERS" to you and you friend and her family.

**frugal-fannie** · 07-08-2011, 08:25 PM

Prayers for healing. I also second the don't give up. There are a lot of new treatments out there. Truly a sad situation.

**Palooka** · 07-08-2011, 11:19 PM

Very sad. Sending positive thoughts.

**ktsmama** · 07-08-2011, 11:46 PM

Praying for all involved.

**frugalfoster** · 07-09-2011, 12:43 AM

Cancer...one of the worst words in the English vocabulary.. It affects almost every American in one way or another. Saying I'm sorry to you doesn't even begin to portray how I felt when I read your thread. Life is short and for some of us it gets prematurely shortened. Your friend is up against a great battle, but it can be fought hard and sometimes won. I have a client who got lung cancer the year after my mother did. My mom lasted 2 years...she died 11 years ago...my client...well I cut her hair today. Granted she is not healthy, but she has an unbelieveable spirit. As i walked her to her car, and helped her get situated...she leaned over and said... "you know I love you, don't you?" I replied, "of course I do....and I love you..." This woman has an estranged child..a few years younger than myself. She is known to the town as a rather unusual "character". It is this kind of situation that makes me realize that I picked exactly the right kind of job for me. One that allows me to let people know I care.

You are a good friend...a caring friend...and when its all said and done...isn't that what life is about??? God Bless not only her...but also...you.