Kathy’s Story

Site created on April 28, 2023

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In December 2011 I was diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer. I was stage 2 but was triple positive, including HER2+ so I was given aggressive chemotherapy treatment. My double mastectomy was in January 2012 and I had an 8 week recovery. Beginning with in April 2012 I began a weekly chemo treatment of Herceptin for 6 months and a toxic treatment every 3 weeks for 6 treatments. Then it was just Herceptin every 3 weeks for 6 more months. I began taking Tamoxifen April 2013. After 5 years my oncologist suggested I stay on it for 5 more years, that studies had shown taking it for 10 years had major benefits. I was very excited to stop having to take Tamoxifen this April.

Well that never happened. In the beginning of February this year, I started to get a sharp pain in my right underarm. My regular doctor thought it might be my nerve endings and prescribed prednisone. That worked for about a week. I kept getting the pain off and on throughout March. I went for an ultrasound on March 20th and I had 3 irregular shaped lymph nodes. The next step would be a biopsy on the lymph nodes. The results were my breast cancer had returned and was HER2+ again. Diagnosis - Stage 4 breast cancer.

I insisted on getting a PET Scan which Anthem turned down twice. Instead I was scheduled for a CT scan. The scan took place on April 5th. Needless to say the result of the scan were not what I wanted to hear. The cancer had metastasized to several lymph nodes, multiple pulmonary nodules scattered throughout all lobes of the lungs are highly concerning for pulmonary metastases, a lesion on my pubic bone which may be a benign island or solitary metastasis, and a mass on my left kidney.

On April 14th I had a bone scan and no problems were found. On April 24th I had a port put in. On April 25th I had a kidney biopsy. April 26th Barry and I went to the chemotherapy education appointment. April 27th I had a brain MRI and there were no issues there.

Today is April 28th and I had a lab appointment for chemo and an echocardiogram. Everything with my heart is okay. Unfortunately I did learn today that I have Stage 1 Kidney Cancer. The plan at this time is to tackle the breast cancer first. I begin Chemotherapy Monday. I will get a treatment every 3 weeks of Herceptin, Taxotere, and Perjeta. I have a long road ahead but I will take one day at a time. I appreciate all of the love and prayers and will keep this site updated along this crazy journey.

Kathy

Newest Update

February 12, 2024

Journal entry by Kathy Moore —

Hello everyone! I’m sorry it’s been so long since I’ve posted any updates. It’s been almost a year since my diagnosis and I’m happy to say that things are going well. Barry and I met with Dr. Maurer today and reviewed the latest scan. Nothing has changed since the previous scan which is what we want to see. My treatment is only Herceptin now because I am dealing with neuropathy in my fingertips on my right hand. I will have a nerve study done March 20th. 

I do not take for granted for one minute how lucky I am. I can continue to live like this on Herceptin treatments for as long as they are working and maintaining the cancer. I do believe that prayers and love from all of you have helped me survive this journey. I’ll continue Herceptin treatments every three weeks and will have continued scans. 

Love to all 😘
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