New Stage IV Diagnosis

RebkkaJ

Good Afternoon Everyone,

I am 47yrs old this year, my Name is Rebecca everyone calls me Becca. My first diagnosis came in 2014, Stage III Breast cancer, ER & HER Neg, PR +, BRCA 1 & 2 Negative. I did Dose dense chemo, ACT regimen, every other Thurs/Fri for 25 weeks, Full mastectomy w/ 15 lymph node removal. No radiation, Tamoxifen, and reconstruction.

I was clear for 2yrs 4 mos before being diagnosed with Stage IV Bi Lateral Pulmonary & right Aux. Lymphatic Metastatic Breast cancer on March 23rd. I just did a CT scan of the pelvis, abdomen and MRI of the brain last Friday I'm still waiting for those results. My port was put in Monday Apr 3rd and I start my chemo of Abraxane & Gemcitabine tomorrow. His goal is 2 weeks on 1 week off for 3 mos, re-scan and go from there.

Being diagnosed with Stage IV has been tough and emotional. Has anyone been on these two chemo's at the same time? Will the side effects be close to the ACT regimen? Any advice on side effects, dealing with the depression which I didn't really have the first time, is greatly appreciated! It's hard for your mind not to go to dark places when you're not busy. I love my job & plan on continuing working full time if possible any advice or thoughts on maintaining a 40+ work week?

Is there anything I should speak to my oncologist about that I can't think of right you might advise or recommend? I feel like my mind has shut down this past 2 weeks not sure if that's just stress or shock!

keetmom

I cant say anything about the chemo but wanted to send Hugs and let you know it does get better with time.

Kandy

So sorry you have to join this group. It is so difficult to get this diagnosis and to keep your chin up. In time it does get easier where you have good days that you hardly think about it. I'm on disability since my stage 4 diagnosis, so I can't really advise as far as working. I know there are a lot of ladies on this site that pulls that off. I think it depends on how well you feel. Very individualized. I am taking Abraxane and Carboplatin. As far as the Abraxane I have had very few side effects. It is a pretty easy chemo. I do wish you the best. Take time to enjoy the moment

zarovka

I believe that is a TNBC treatment, possibly among other approaches. The ladies on the TNBC thread are knowledgeable if you pop by and say hello.

>Z<

babyduck

Becca, I have been stage iv pretty much from the start. (June 2014). I did Carboplatin/Gemzar. Probably similar. I've never really been clear since, just stable. At the moment I'm not on chemo, just completed rads to neck. As far as working....I did quit and go on disability.....mainly just ran out of sick time and it was what I had to do. First short term, then long term, now SSI. I like working though and fortunately with disability you are allowed to work a certain amount of hrs. My thoughts, if you enjoy working and can....do it. If it gets tough, then you know you have options with part time.

So sorry you are here. One day at a time!!

illimae

Hi Becca, I am 42, working and am currently having Abraxane weekly. The Abraxane has been pretty easy for me with similar SE's to taxol but less, so I've read. As stated above, SSI is an option. For me, I also enjoy my work and most co-workers, plus I don't want to lose my pension so I must work 10 years (this Nov) to get it. I take off on chemo day using sick or vacation leave and work the remainder of the week. I come in late when I need more sleep and haven't had much chemo brain issues. Fortunately, I work for the State and the benefits and bosses have been amazing.

Moderators

Becca and all,

There's some really helpful information from the main Breastcancer.org site's Recurrent and Metastatic Breast Cancer section on Working After a Recurrent or Metastatic Breast Cancer Diagnosis.

We hope you find this information helpful!

--The Mods