Keri Haberstroh's Metastatic Breast Cancer Story, Chapter 6: Radiation Failed, More Chemotherapy

A reality-based comic strip chronicles the life of Keri and Doug Haberstroh, young newlyweds fighting breast cancer. Keri was first diagnosed with breast cancer (invasive / infiltrating ductal carcinoma) at age 25. Now 26 years old, Keri undergoes 14 radiation treatments for Stage 4 cancer that has spread to her tail bone. Keri still feels intense pain, and it's spreading. It's back to chemotherapy, her third course, as doctors struggle to find the right treatment.

Meet Doug Haberstroh

Why I Am Telling Keri's Story

My name is Doug, and I am a breast cancer husband. I'm here to share the story of the love of my life. It was Keri's dream that her thoughts, ideas, and love be shared publicly, so others could learn from her experience.

Find out more >>

What Works for Stage 4 Breast Cancer?

• 
  New News... And It's Not Good

  Keri and Doug head to Disney World to celebrate the end of Keri's radiation treatment. Then, they get the bad news.
• Here We Go Again: Chemo for BC Mets

  The "lifeport" for chemo is going back in, and Keri will be starting again on a cocktail of Epirubicin, Cytoxan, and 5-FU. She will also take Zometa to re-build bone damaged by chemo.
• Our Second Anniversary and Harsher Leg Pain

  Keri takes her pain pills, in addition to her chemo infusions, and sometimes feels "like they're candy." At times, the pain feels "intolerable."
• Adding Avastin to My Chemo Treatment

  The pain early in the mornings is especially hard for Keri; doctors add Avastin, an experimental drug, to her treatment regimen.
• It Hurts to Sit in This Chair Too Long

  Keri can't sit too long before it starts to hurt. 
• Insurance Problems Getting Oxycontin and Not a Generic

  Keri hits a bump in the road, as an insurance policy blocks her from getting Oxycontin to control her intense pain.
• Finally, Oxycontin... and Returning Our Puppy to the Shelter

  Doug is leaving for five weeks of training, the puppy Duke heads back to the animal shelter, and Keri's treatment schedule gets extended. It's a tough time for the Haberstrohs.

How We're Telling Keri's Story

• 
  See the Entire Story Told in Comic Strip Form

  The comic strip captions are excerpts from emails Keri and Doug sent to loved ones during Keri's treatment. Doug is re-publishing those emails in his blog. Together, the comics and Doug's SharePosts tell Keri's story - from start to finish.

Keri's Breast Cancer Comics

Episode 14: The Pain Has Not Gone Away