Just upgraded to stage IV, 31 years old, and scared

SAR843

I was diagnosed on 2/28/12, at 30 years old. At the time I was stage IIIb. I had 10 rounds of aggressive chemo, bilateral mastectomy with tram flap recon, and 33 rounds of radiation. I had my last radiation on 12/13/12 and started tamoxifen the first week of January. A few weeks later I had this pain in my chest. My first thought, and my dr's was that it was a pulled muscle. It wasn't getting any better so my onc ordered a CT and bone scan. I met with her this past tues 3/5/13 and she said the bone scan showed a spot on my sternum, and also one on my femur (even though I've had no pain). I know IBC spreads fast, but I was hoping to have a little more time to be cancer free. Now, the possibility of my dying very soon is so much more real than before. I'm in shock. I'm scared. I literally can't stop crying. I had my first lupron shot yesterday and my dr said she might switch me from Tamo to femara. She said I might also need more chemo. Are there any stage IV IBCers out there who can help settle my fears?

chrissyb

Hi SAR, not IBC but I did want to send you (((((hugs)))))) and welcome you to the club no one want to belong to. I know IBC is very aggressive but even so, bone mets seem to be the easiest to control and Femara sure does pack a good punch. Hoping you can take a deep breath and move on with less fear and more determination.



Love n hugs. Chrissy

ibcmets

SAR843,

Sorry about your reocurrence.  Femara may do well for you as well as the Lupron.  I was stage IV from the start in 6/09 and have done very well on Femara and Zometa for the bone mets.   Hope you get stable soon.

Terri

Cja221

My heart goes out to you. I have read through these forums & have seen many stage 4's who NED so I'm sure you will get many responses. Don't you dare give up!

barsco1963

SAR843 - sorry that progression has shown up so quickly. Let the tears flow for now - it is scary. But it does sound like your dr is on top of things and will make sure that you get tx that will hopefully hold those mets at bay.

((hugs)) Hang in there - we are all here to support, encourage and listen.

Beckers

Sar, one of my best friends had stage IV IBC diagnosed around age 37. She was treated very aggressively and is now NED for 7 years. Just a little message of hope for you.

SAR843

Thanks everyone. I appreciate the words of encouragement and the stories of survivors. That's what keeps me going. I've missed you too Bon! I'm sorry to have to come back to the boards for this reason.

robinwiggins79

Hi Sar, I was diagnosed last April as stage 4 with bony mets in every bone in my back, ribs, hips and one spot on my femur. I am not NED yet but hope to see it soon. I am convinced that stage 4 is not the death sentence it used to be. We could all be around for many many years living with cancer. BTW...I just turned 34 and have two small children. Good luck to you! Sending prayers your way!