Diagnosed with advanced breast cancer

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HelenFaith
HelenFaith Member Posts: 53
edited April 2017 in Diagnosed and Waiting for Test Results

Two weeks ago I was diagnosed with pneumonia and a plural effusion, given antibiotics and sent home. A week later I ended up in the ER because I felt as though I couldn't catch my breath. A CT scan was done and told I don't have pneumonia, probably never did and I more likely have cancer. I had a thracentesis five days ago, but continue to cough from a dry feeling in my chest.

Just two days ago we met with the oncologist who told us that I have advance breast cancer, but until we do more tests she wouldn't be able to tell me what kind or how advance it is. I am terrified, but trying to stay positive for my children. I was told that we know it's treatable, but not curable :-(

Any words of advice would be greatly appreciated or questions I should ask. Are there any others here who have also been diagnosed with advanced breast cancer?

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  • Icietla
    Icietla Member Posts: 1,265
    edited April 2017

    Welcome, HelenFaith. We are so sorry about your diagnosis and the concerns that have brought you here, but glad you found us. BCO is the best place on the internet for information, understanding, and support about breast cancer concerns. We are a true Community of Brothers and Sisters.

    You have had a very bad shock. You will probably feel a good deal better when you have more answers and a start on your treatment plan.

    Yes, we have a Forum section exclusively for Stage IV members. You are welcome to participate there and anywhere else on this site.

    https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/8

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited April 2017

    HelenFaith, we are here for you, and happy you found us here. And as Icietla mentions, there is a stage IV forum where you may want to post. Sending you tons of hugs!

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  • Bootscootin
    Bootscootin Member Posts: 70
    edited April 2017

    So sorry that you have to deal with this. The good news is that there are many treatments for "advanced" breast cancer and many have lived for years. This is the most difficult time when you don't have any details but when you have a treatment plan in place you will feel better. You have come to the right place for information and support. Right now just keep busy doing things you enjoy

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  • cive
    cive Member Posts: 709
    edited April 2017

    Helen, you are welcome to stop by the lung mets stage IV thread.  I had pleural effusions as have a couple other ladies active on the thread.  The diagnosis was something of a shock because I was over 10 years out from stage 2 BC and had more or less forgotten all about it.  But I was glad that they found out why I was so short of breath and were able to do something to alleviate the symptoms.  Here is the link to the lung mets thread.

    lung mets


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