Kickin Cancer to the Curb - Part 2
On December 10, 2019, Halie found out that the cancer is back. This news comes only two and a half years after her first diagnosis. In addition to love, prayers and positive vibes, we are asking for financial support forthe Werge Family. Please see below for a detailed update from Halie. You can also visit https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/haliewerge for full details on Halie's whole story.
From Halie:
Voldemort has returned. I was hoping to be done with this forever...but here I am again with the news no former cancer patient wants to hear. The breast cancer has reappeared and spread/metastasized to my liver and likely lungs, Stage 4.
How did this come about? Well, I was scheduled to have a new reconstruction surgery at the beginning of this week. The original implants were not doing well or looking good so they were set to be removed and new breasts made from my own skin and fat. During my pre-operative appointment for this surgery, I had an abdominal and chest CAT Scan, it showed a couple concerning spots on my liver and one on my lung.
My oncologist ordered an MRI. After those results came back, she was very forthcoming that it was likely cancer. I had a biopsy on of the liver on Monday which confirmed it is breast cancer metastasis (mets for short). It’s apparently very difficult to biopsy the lungs, especially where this “spot” is. So, we’re going to treat that “spot” the same as the liver.
The mets have the exact same properties as the infamous “clogged milk duct” that alerted me to this cancer 2.5 years ago. It’s triple positive, meaning it grows from estrogen, progesterone, and a protein called HER2/neu. The good news is there are several drugs out to attack this type of breast cancer. The bad news is this type is very aggressive, there is no surgery that can remove mets, and sadly no cure for cancer yet.
I will start with more chemo. I am got another port surgically placed today and chemotherapy will start on Monday, December 30th. It will be every week for three months. I have to hope and pray that the chemo shrinks/reduces these “spots.” After the first two to three months of chemo, I’ll have more imaging to see if these tumors have shrunk.
All of this has taken place in about a week and a half, we’re still spinning, scared, feeling a million emotions. Tom has gone to all of the appointments with me, been strong, and has jumped back into “we’re gonna attack this” mode. But I know this is just as worrisome for him. We told the kids on Monday night. Alton and Annie, our 3-year old twins, don’t understand the seriousness and are mostly happily oblivious. Miles, who is now 6, has been a bit quiet and not really talked about it. I hope he thinks it’s just like two years ago...mom goes to the doctor a lot but will be fine.
I’m going to do everything my oncologist suggests. I’m also planning to get a second opinion of a large research hospital, like MD Anderson. I want to be in clinical trials and everything I can. I’d like to incorporate some more holistic-type practices as well. Although I’m not yet sure what all that looks like. I welcome advice, research info, etc.
I believe trying to have this reconstruction was a blessing in disguise, if not, I would probably never known these “spots”/tumors existed until it was too late. The blood tests I have every three months to watch my tumor markers are still normal and don’t show doctors concern. These tumors are still very small, all right around 1 centimeter (less than a half inch).
I’m rallying my tribe again - you have all been so wonderful and supportive. I can’t thank you enough. I definitely need your thoughts, prayers, good vibes, you name it, again. However, this time around, I’m not going to be too proud to ask for financial help. 2020 will be the 5th year in a row I will have to pay my insurance out-of-pocket max of $6,500. My real estate business has been slow and any help I can get will truly be appreciated.
I thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me and my family through this journey.
Much love,
Halie