Breast to Bone Metastasis

frant52

After 12 years of clean health from breast cancer, I've now been told the beast is back, hitting my bones from my skull to legs and everything in between.  There is a spot on my liver which is being tested.  My brain MRI is clear as of last Wednesday.  And while the fluid built up in my lung has shown no malignancy, it continues to fill up.  I'm back on Arimidex and a monthly infulsion of biphosphates to help strengthen my bones.  But that is all.  Chemo isn't on the table as it offers no value at this point.  I'm 60 years old and clearly shocked.   Anyone have similar situation?  I'd love to have a clearer picture of what I'm up against and don't need to be handled with kid gloves.

chrissyb

Hi Frant, so sorry you are joining the stage IV sisterhood but welcome. Don't discount Arimidex as a very effective medication as it is........I started on it in 2009 when dx stage IV and it was only a small progression combined with my intolerance of it that got me changed to Femara.

Be patient with it as it does takes a couple of months to show that its working for you and it can stop the beast in its tracks. If you are in a massive amount of pain you can have rads to that area but be warned, it can only be used in that particular place once.



As Stage IV and ER+ the docs like to start us off on the 'easier' meds and save the chemos for later.........the idea is no longer 'cure' but quality of life. It is still possible to be around for a long time even with extensive mets.



Check out the stage IV forums as there are a multitude (unfortunately) of women there who are extremely helpful and always willing to welcome a new sister.



Love n hugs. Chrissy

frant52

Thanks Chrissyb, and I will check the stage IV forums as well.  Best to you, fran

pearlady

Hi Fran.  So sorry you have to join us here, but you will definitely get a lot of suppport and great information from all of the women here.  I have been stage 1V with bone mets since 2001 and have up until now had a great quality of life.  I'm hoping that it continues for many years.  I agree with Chrissy that the oncs like to start us on the easier drigs.  My onc laughed a few weeks ago and said that we just have to keep on top of this and change the drugs when necessary. He keeps saying that I will be around for a long while, so I have to go with that and live my life.  I work full time and have missed very little work time over the years.  You can have a good quality of life for many years.  

Monica