I am a breast cancer survivor of 6 years. I had Stage III to ALL my doctors surprise. Had a mastectomy with 9 out of 17 lymph nodes involved.
I had the marker Her2 Neu which, I am learning, did not respond to the usual treatments. Prior to the development of Herceptin it had been pretty much a death sentence,
I had chemo and radiation AND the oncologist I go to said there was a clinical study of this biological agent for women just diagnosed with the marker (prior it had been used after a recurrance). I joined it and KNOW it is why I am alive 6 years later.
I saw the movie "Living Proof" on Lifetime or Lifetime Movie Network and was amazed at the extreme lengths Dr. Dennis Slamon and crew went to research and develop Herceptin. Constantly begging for money pushing beyond all naysayers and obstacles. (I later read the book).
I hit me that I AM ONE of the women that he was fighting for.
I now have chronic, stable lymphedema and need to wear an elastic garment glove/sleeve 24 hours. It is a small price to pay for MY LIFE. My grand nephew and nieces used to avoid holding that hand. Now they are as used to it as I am.
I thank God that this caring male doctor went WAY beyond what most would have and did not give up no matter what the cost in time, energy and free time.
I owe him my life and there are NO words to thank him for that. I also thank his family for the time they could not spend with him while he was so dedicated to this goal.
YES WE CAN ONE DAY CURE BREAST CANCER
with more people like Dr. Slamon onboard.
Eagan, MN
