hi all, i am moving to stage iv

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diana50
diana50 Member Posts: 2,134
edited June 2014 in Stage III Breast Cancer

well, sadly, the last two weeks i have been scanned and scanned some more.  the issue was my tumor marker started elevating in january and by august it went from 34 to 66  and a week later to 82.  had some pain in my hip, thinking it was cancer so had a scan but it turned out to be a tear in a tendon from cycling.  whew.  but, onc ordered a PET/CT yesterday and she called me last night to tell me i have cancer in my spine.  only one spot.  for me the tumor marker really did its job as my markers over the last 10 years has been stable and rarely did much except go up an down a few points every six months.  the fact that the marker doubled and then went up more in 10 days got me the PET scan.   i know for many people they don't like the marker but all my other blood work was excellent and without the marker i would not have known i have the spot on my spine.  liver and lungs and other bones are clear.

plan is for biopsy to determine if the cells have changed over the course of the 10 years NED and then radiation and possible oral chemo.  i feel grateful that it is in only one spot and is treatable.  i have some pain but i was passing it off as old age. lol do i feel scared?  a little but not too much.  i really can't complain because i have had 10 years, i can cycle....live my life...and they found it pretty early before too much damage or more mets showed up.

don't give up and remember that our cancer is still treatable.  i expect to be cycling and doing my life; loving my peeps for a LONG time.  i will be on stage iv boards.  will check up on alll of you so see how you are doing and add whatever positive stuff i can. 

life goes on and you will too.  hang in there and never give up.

love and hugs

diana

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  • chrissyb
    chrissyb Member Posts: 16,818
    edited August 2012

    Hi Diana and though it's awful to say welcome to the club we all prefer not to join. C'mon over to the stage IV forum, see you there.



    Love n hugs. Chrissy

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  • many
    many Member Posts: 254
    edited August 2012

    Oh no ,u can't have this , Plz update regularly on this forum

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  • Karina121293
    Karina121293 Member Posts: 370
    edited August 2012

    Dear Diana, so sorry to hear this. Your courage still amazes me. Going through such a tough time you still give us hope!!! You once PMed me and I kept reading it over and over during the last two years and it was my source of strength!!! Some things are never forgotten... 

    Sending you prayers and wishing good outcome with the new treatment. I will follow you on both forums with much faith for the best. 

    Hugs and love. 

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  • Kindergarten
    Kindergarten Member Posts: 4,869
    edited August 2012

    Dear Diana, I am also sending you prayers and know you are going to handle this new journey with strength and grace. I am sure that you will be NED in no time. Thank you for your support and great info on the other thread about tumor markers. It will be because of you, that all of us will be more vigilant about what is going on in our bodies, including making sure we ask for the right tests and scans. You are a wonderful role model for all of us. Thank you and God bless you, Kathy

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  • MaxineO
    MaxineO Member Posts: 555
    edited August 2012

    Diana- I am sorry to hear this. You have been, and will continue to be, an inspiration to me. I do hope you will continue to keep us updated, but I will be keeping a lookout for you, regardless.

    A good success story on the tumor markers.  I hope that your chemo and rads knock back that bc in a hurry and you get to NED quickly. You have a good attitude, and I hope for you to keep it going through this next phase.

    Best to you.

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  • KerryMac
    KerryMac Member Posts: 3,529
    edited August 2012

    Oh, Diana, I can only think of curse words to write.

    I am so sorry to hear this, you are such an inspiration to so many people here. You have held so many of us up over the years, know that we are all here for you now. (((hugs)))

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  • sugarplum
    sugarplum Member Posts: 318
    edited August 2012

    Diana dear, my stats sister, my beacon - this takes my breath away! I can't even imagine how it feels to YOU - and yet I still see your attitude of gratitude shining through. I will be watching for your posts every day, as I have for the past 4 years.

    Prayers & positive thoughts...Julie

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  • kathleen1966
    kathleen1966 Member Posts: 793
    edited August 2012

    Your presence and message on these boards has been very helpful to me and others. And even with this bad news, you still have the same excellent outlook.  I think you will continue to do very well.  I am very happy to hear that it is a very small lone spot and I think this is very good news, despite the overall news being not soo good. It may sound selfish, odd, I don't know....but I am very sorry to lose you on our stage III board!  I know you will check in and will still have good advice but realize those on the stage IV board will now be happy and very fortunate to have you over there!  I know that the exercise you have been doing contributed greatly to your long remission and I know it will help you continue to live a very, very long life...

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  • mamabee
    mamabee Member Posts: 546
    edited August 2012
    Diana, You don't know me, but I know you. Smile When I was first diagnosed stage III and read through this board, your posts about TAC chemo and exercise, and just your openness and positive attitude, were such a help to me. I see the word "inspiration" in lots of these messages to you and no word fits you better. I'm so sorry to hear this news, but if it helps you at all, my mother-in-law was also diagnosed as stage IV with one bone met and she survived 15 years. If anyone can get to NED, you can! You'll be in my thoughts - take care.
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  • Elizabeth1959
    Elizabeth1959 Member Posts: 346
    edited August 2012

    Diana50

    I have also read your posts and found them inspiring.  I hope you will continue to post on stage III boards so we can know how you are doing.  I hope you will have many, many more years and be able to do the things you love.  I am so sorry that this is happening to  you.

    Elizabeth

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  • CherylinOhio
    CherylinOhio Member Posts: 623
    edited August 2012

    I feel like I just got punched in the stomach after reading your post. I too have read many of your posts and find them to be courageous and inspiring!!  If someone like yourself who is obviously fit and healthy moves to stage iv I feel like I have no hope of being NED or living beyond the next few years. I wish you all the luck in the world!! 

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited August 2012

    Hugs to you Diana from all of us at BCO. You are in our thoughts. Stay strong!! 

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  • clariceak
    clariceak Member Posts: 752
    edited August 2012

    Diana - you have contributed so much to the Stage III board.  As many have stated, you have inspired us and showed us how life does go on after a Stage III dx.  I'm so sorry to hear of your mets, but I choose to believe that you will live an active life for many more years.  Whether it was all your exercise, genetics or a slow growing cancer, you kept it at bay for 10 years which is a huge accomplishment. With a small bone met, you have so many more options for gentle treatments. 

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  • diana50
    diana50 Member Posts: 2,134
    edited August 2012

    thanks everyone.  i got a copy of the report today; and what it is a small lytic lesion on T4 in my spine. (1.5 cm)everything else was clear and in good shape.  so, basically, even though i have this small progression; they will take care of it.  as i said, my doc is going to have it biopsied and then i will get radiation to zap the little buggers in the spot.  i am very optimistic.  there are so many options out there for breast cancer survivors.  i will be around checking on my stage III sisters.  i know it seems scarey that i had a little progression but i feel great and have no side effects from any of it.  all it is , is a little progression.. my tendon tear from cycling bothers me more then the cancer. lol 

    most importantly, do your stuff; live your life....keep your doc appts.  never give up; even when you are scared.  things can work out. 

    i love you all. you are all strong women who battle, do life,  take care of your kids and family, work, run, walk./.. stay alive and keep reminding yourself that you ARE alive right now. 

    diana50

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  • ali68
    ali68 Member Posts: 1,383
    edited August 2012

    Sending you love and hugs, I know this won't stop you living life to the full.



    Alison

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  • SpunkyGirl
    SpunkyGirl Member Posts: 1,568
    edited August 2012

    So sad to hear of this, Diana, but you have so inspired me over the years, and I know you will continue to do that for all of us.  I'll be praying for you and cheering you on as you get through these treatments. 

    Hugs
    Bobbie

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  • Bugs
    Bugs Member Posts: 1,719
    edited September 2012
    No.  You will not leave our stage 3 forum.  No!  Dammit, I hate this.  Get that crap zapped and get NED, I won't allow anything else.Cry
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  • Momine
    Momine Member Posts: 7,859
    edited September 2012

    Diana, I agree with others that I simply won't put up with mets for you ;), so get rid of them forthwith, ya hear?



    When I feel down, I recall your avatar and think of you zooming along on your bike. I plan to continue doing that.

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  • weesa
    weesa Member Posts: 707
    edited September 2012

    Well, Diana, I am shocked, but then again, I'm not, since you confided in me long ago your tumor markers were rising.Every time I have seen you post since then I have held my breath, opening up your post. Your story has inspired me to get mine tested (never have since completing chemo.) You have always done everything right; no justice with this disease. I am loathe to see another 2002'er slip stages.

    Always admiring you from afar, Weesa 

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  • gillyone
    gillyone Member Posts: 1,727
    edited September 2012

    So sorry to hear this. Sending hugs your way.

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  • katyand4
    katyand4 Member Posts: 171
    edited September 2012

    I was crushed to read your post....I am thinking of you and sending hugs.  Please keep us posted.

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  • caaclark
    caaclark Member Posts: 936
    edited September 2012

    I am also sorry to read your post about progression but you sound like you are doing well. 

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  • lkc
    lkc Member Posts: 1,203
    edited September 2012

    Hi Diana, I am too sorry to hear this. However, I do KNOW that Bone mets is totally controllable. Seeing as you have been NED for all this time, I have no doubt that this tiny lytic lesion will soon be resolved. Please stay with us here. Much love !

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  • MandalaB
    MandalaB Member Posts: 111
    edited September 2012

    <3 keep shining <3

    much love

    xo

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  • lexi4
    lexi4 Member Posts: 1,074
    edited September 2012

    Doggone it Diana. I really didn't ever want to see this post. I am sorry that the sneaky beast has shown up in your spine. Thankful though, that you are on top of it and will squash it. Hating that you have to deal with it again, but i know that you will get treated and keep on keeping on. You are an inspiration for all of us.

    Love and Prayers,

    Lexi

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  • diana50
    diana50 Member Posts: 2,134
    edited September 2012

    Thanks everyone. I am on top of it and do feel positive. Caught really early. I have no symptoms. Just elevated tumor markers. No pain or anything. I hope to zap the cancer and send it into the no life zone. Lol. I am still cycling. Will keep you all posted. The spot on T4 will be history. Lol.

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  • tlundy
    tlundy Member Posts: 142
    edited September 2012

    Diana - saying the Lord's Prayer for you right now - thanks to your advice this has become my beacon of peace, day or night.  Your empathy, compassion, and and sisterhood are an inspiration for us all - you'll have it kicked in no time!!!

    Hugs, Tara 

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  • Rachel1
    Rachel1 Member Posts: 363
    edited September 2012

    Diana, I know you are going to kick its a$$ to the curb. But I'm teary and grieving for all of us. Because it is just not right that we have to struggle with this. You have been such a wonderful support for me.  Thank you!! You know...in my world...once they zap it and we are told it is gone...we are no longer a stage. We're just us.  Sending love, Rachel

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  • diana50
    diana50 Member Posts: 2,134
    edited September 2012

    Rachel

    Thank you. They will zap it. The longer you are out from initial Dx better prognosis. Also, only one met. I would have never known it was there except for the elevation in TM. Yeah, I am just me. Thank you for that! Ox

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  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited September 2012

    Diane, you've been on my mind since I read your news.  I'm so sorry you're dealing with even a single, tiny met after 10 years, but I love your attitude, and I, too, believe you can treat it and put it behind you.

    Although we've never met, we live fairly close, so if I can ever do anything, please let me know!  I'm always available!   (((Hugs)))   Deanna 

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