Hi Everyone: I feel terrible that I haven't responded to questions, and dropped out of moderating this group some time ago. But, I have just now recovered from the treatment of aggressive (Her2+) breast cancer. Interestingly the cancer occurred in the breast that had IGM, and also my cancer biopsy revealed GM cells within the cancer tumour. I have been undergoing surgery, chemo and radiation and it was pretty hellish. However, I am starting to regain my strength now.
1) GM hurts a heck of a lot more than breast cancer in my experience, so don't let anyone just dismiss your pain and suffering -- both diseases are awful, although with the breast cancer it was the treatment (mainly chemo), that was horrific, the tumour didn't hurt, and while aggressive breast cancer is not a psychological picnic, the unknown cause and best course for treatment for IGM is not a great place to be mentally either
2) Just prior to my breast cancer diagnosis, I had gone on a four month course of Enbrel. Whether it did anything good or bad I have no idea. However, I did get the cancer diagnosis shortly after. I have not had a recurrence of GM since.
3) Research doesn't seem to have gone anywhere? or maybe I just need to do more current reading.
I hold you all in my heart and thoughts. This is tough stuff, and don't ever let any ignorant person tell you differently.
JoJo