Denise's Journey:

I was having trouble breathing for 6 months, my onco was "watching" the spot on my lung via CT scans every 3 months. Finally referred me to a pulmonary specialist. He ordered a biopsy. It's breast cancer.

I just started Xeloda. They want to try this first since the port didn't work out so well when I had cancer in 2007. Did not work.

Had port put in.

Had one infusion of Ixempra, excruciating side effects-neuropathy, mouth sores, body pain...second infusion I had an allergic reaction.

Very bad mouth sores from Ixempra. Used Magic Mouthwash to heal them up, but dr was slow to prescribe it for me!

Extreme neuropathy in feet. Couldn't walk.

The Ixempra uses the same mix as Taxol, which I had an allergic reaction to in 2007. The doctors failed to check the mix! Ugh!

Since the onc and pharm tech missed the fact I was allergic to the chemo they gave me, I decided to go to the CTCA and do co-managed care.

Ibrance, Faslodex and Xgeva. Worked for ten months.

Faslodex shots.

I started therapy after the Ibrance stopped working to deal with depression and possible end of life issues.

I had breath controlled radiation to a tumor on my left hilar bronchial area--it was pushing on my air way and making it difficult to breath. Had to hold my breath during the radiation--was very difficult.

I started Afinitor in November. Rash and coughing.

Started Aromasin with the Afinitor in November

Extreme rash, had to stop and take steroids to calm the rash down.