Newly diagnosed
I have been searching for a forum on metastatic breast cancer since I got my diagnosis two days ago. I am 39 years old and this is my original diagnosis. So far (as we are currently waiting in a few more results) I have breast cancer stage IV HR+ HER2-, found in lymphnodes (right side, same as cancer) and bones (2 ribs, 2 spine, and a knee). Treatment is waiting on other tests, but looks like hormone treatment. I just can't keep the fear out of my head for long these days (hours)
Just heard back on my CT scan and finally got some good news! It shows no sign of having spread to my organs. Excuse me as I have a relieved cry and hug my dogs.
Thank you everyone for the welcomes, it feels great to not be alone.
Comments
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Kissangel,
We're so sorry you have to be here, but really, really glad you found us. Our Community is an incredible one, full of amazing, supportive, knowledgeable, and helpful members. You're not alone, and we're all here for you.
Others will surely be by soon to welcome you. Please don't hesitate if there's anything we can help you with!
(((Big, gentle hugs)))
--The Mods
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KissAngel I'm so sorry you have to be here but you will find so much love and support. My brother had a diagnosis similar to yours, but he was started on chemo. It has been a year and while he is still doing treatment, he is doing alright. It is mostly a matter of finding which treatment works best for each person. I have heard of many women who do really well on hormonal treatment alone, or hormonal treatment with Ibrance. Wishing you the best going forward. Hugs.
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kissangel-I'm so sorry that you've had to join the club no one wants to belong to but you will find lots of support and info here. I was also diagnosed at stage 4 at 42. I have bone mets in all the same places as you and few extra. I have been stable on tamoxifen for the past 21/2 almost 3 years and am doing everything I used to do. The first few days and weeks are the hardest but as time goes you will surprise yourself with what you can handle. Please pm if you want to talk and I will be sending positive thoughts your way.
Kristin
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So sad to have to welcome you to this group. But there is a lot of people hear that has great advice or just willing to listen when you need to vent. It is hard to believe right now but you will feel so much better once a plan is in place. I wish you only the best.
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Welcome to the group no one wants to join. You will live longer and better then you think right now. We all wish you much success and happiness with your treatment. There is more life to be lived for you and your dog! (This coming from a long time dog owner! WE are highly motivated to survive for our furry family.) ((Hugs))
rosevalley
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Kissangel, welcome! You're in the "shock and awe" stage right now. Don't worry if you can't seem to lick the fear or the crying or the anxiety or the depression. We've all been there.
It WILL get better. I promise. Hug your dogs some more.
In the meantime, if you're having trouble sleeping, or major depressive or anxiety symptoms, ask your doctor for help. I took sleeping pills for six weeks after my diagnosis. Thought I would never get off them. Eventually things got better.
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Sorry you have to be here at all, but if you gotta have mets, bones is one of the "best."
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Kissangel…
You're not alone, not here, not ever! As others have said, the early days are the hardest… it really does get better. I was diagnosed at Stage IV six and a half years ago at age 45. I'll be 52 in June. Yay! I wish you the very best…
Rose.
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I am so glad you have found this forum although I'm terribly sorry for the circumstances that brought you here. That said, it's excellent news that your cancer is has not been found in your organs, and there is every reason to anticipate that you will respond well to your treatment!
I've compiled a 120 page booklet about Metastatic Breast Cancer treatments, side effect mitigation, and cutting edge research regarding the disease.You are welcome to request a complimentary copy by visiting the top of this page: https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/8/topics/831507?page=2#idx_32
Two published books which you may want to read are:
"Anti Cancer: A New Way of Life" by Dr. David Servain-Schreiber.The author, an MD, was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor which he survived for nearly 20 years by following the science-based principles described in his book.It contains excellent information about diet and supplements, as well as emotional well-being.
"Life Over Cancer" by Dr. Keith Block, an expert in integrative oncology who combines cutting-edge conventional treatment with individualized and scientifically-based complementary therapies.This book is an excellent resource for those who are interested in combining conventional and complementary therapies.
Please post if you have questions, and wishing you a great outcome!
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