Just diagnosed with Stage 4 Metastatic Breast cancer,

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Sparkybuff153
Sparkybuff153 Member Posts: 1
edited September 2017 in Stage IV/Metastatic Breast Cancer ONLY

I am devastated and scared. I am Hers positive and Progesterone positive along with estrogen positive. I survived breast cancer twice before, and had a mastectomy. A few weeks ago I found a large lump under my armpit, and now it has metastasis to my spine. Is there anyone out there that is a long time survivor. Or anyone that can help me or give me some guidance. Reading materials, support, etc.

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  • blainejennifer
    blainejennifer Member Posts: 1,848
    edited May 2017

    Sparkybuff,

    Just keep reading here, and on the informational pages. The first few weeks of your diagnosis will be crazy, but when you settle down into a treatment plan, you'll get a chance to breathe.

    Start here. https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/8/topics/...

    Jennifer

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  • Cafelovr
    Cafelovr Member Posts: 1,534
    edited May 2017

    I have been battling this for almost 8 years. 7 of those years have been NED (No Evidence of Disease). Being HER2+, there are so many options. After the shock wears off, you need to put on your Wonder Woman cape and go kick some cancer's butt!

    The best suggestion I can make is to contact your cancer center or the American Cancer Society to put you in touch with a mentor who has similar traits as yours.

    Good luck with everything, and blessings!

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  • Laurie09
    Laurie09 Member Posts: 313
    edited May 2017

    Sparky, sorry you have to join these ranks. You will find there are many long term survivors of Stage 4. Some progress faster than others, but many people are 5-10 years or even more out with Stage 4.

    I am about 2 years out from my Stage 4 diagnosis and am still working full time, exercising and doing many normal things. I do have to pay attention to my energy level but mostly it doesn't keep me from doing what I want/need to do.

    Feel free to PM me if you need anything (though I don't check the board every day).

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  • Tmattice
    Tmattice Member Posts: 2
    edited May 2017

    I have just been diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer, I am only 33 years old and I have babies at home. They are going to start me on Letrozole, Palbociclid, and Goserelin. My doctor told me no surgery, no chemo or anything because it won't change the outcome. I'm scared because doing those things I would think gives you a better chance of living longer. I'm scared and dont don't know what to think. I need as much time as I can get cause of my babies.



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  • artistatheart
    artistatheart Member Posts: 2,176
    edited May 2017

    Tmattice, like Laurie says there are many women who do well for many years here and new treatment comes out all the time. get your plan in place and take it one day at a time. Come here often to check out other treads where you will find great advice, support and friendship. Try not to stress too much, things will calm down.You can do this!

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  • Heidihill
    Heidihill Member Posts: 5,476
    edited May 2017

    Sparkybuff and tmattice, the situation is not hopeless. I had a bone lesion and like cafelovr have been NED for many years. Her idea of having a mentor is a great one.

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  • cive
    cive Member Posts: 709
    edited May 2017

    Tmattice, If you check out on this site, you will find an article that deals with to remove tumor or not  if you are stage IV.  You can also get a 2nd opinion if you are anxious about this treatment plan.

    Heart

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  • Tmattice
    Tmattice Member Posts: 2
    edited May 2017

    Thanks guys, I start the treatment tomorrow. I hope it's not to bad. My daughter's 4th birthday also tomorrow and her party on Sunday. Hope it all works out.

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  • Falconer
    Falconer Member Posts: 1,192
    edited May 2017

    Tmattice, I too am a mom of an almost 4 year old. And two teens as well. It will be hard and then it won't be. Live in those moments when you feel well. It sounds cliche but it's so true. Hugs to you.

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  • Polemonium
    Polemonium Member Posts: 12
    edited September 2017

    Hi, Tmattice-

    I noticed that you were local and I have been looking for a breast cancer support group in the area (I am also Stage IV). Have you ever attended any of the meetings of this group "Oneonta Peer-Led Cancer Support Group"? I was thinking about going this Wednesday. But it would be great to talk to others specifically with Stage IV breast cancer. I only know of 1 other person who lives in Cooperstown, but there must be more in this area.

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  • Nkb
    Nkb Member Posts: 1,436
    edited September 2017

    Tmattice- there is a very informative thread about Palbociclib which is also call Ibrance that you can read and ask questions on. Many of the women are also on letrozole with their palbociclib. Side effects usually get better with time, some people have to lower their dose for various reasons.

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