Stage IV de novo

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melza89
melza89 Member Posts: 64
edited May 2019 in Just Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastasis

Today on my first day of TCHP chemo my MO got my PET scan report from radiology and dxed me as Stage 4 with bone & likely liver mets. She wants me to get a liver biopsy soon to make sure. I also had a brain MRI which came back looking clear. MO was very good at explaining my condition & how she can't really give me a more specific prognosis until she sees how I respond to treatment. Of course I'm feeling devastated and am trying to have some kind of hope, but my mind is not in a very positive place right now. I'm 41 and have 2 preschool aged kids. MO offered to postpone my chemo today to give me time to process, but I wanted to go ahead and just do something about this horrible disease already.

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  • Lexica
    Lexica Member Posts: 259
    edited May 2019

    So sorry to hear this, melza, especially as you are just starting out with treatment. *hugs* and praying you respond well to treatment.

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  • Micmel
    Micmel Member Posts: 9,450
    edited May 2019

    I know the feeling, it happened to me. Exact same thing. Take a breath, stay away from google. Old statistics! There are treatments. You will respond. I have been in nead. For three year now after Surgery and you will also. Small mets in liver press for surgery. You’re young and strong. Don’t take no for an answer! Women have been living 10 to 15 years with MBC. Think in your mind. Chronic illness that people are working on everyday. I am so sorry that this has happened to you. I truly am. You’re not alone sweet woman. Hang in there. Once you have a direction and a plan for treatment in place, you’ll feel like you’re getting some control back. Strong hugs to you. ~M~

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  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited May 2019

    (((HUGS))) This stupid disease sucks. Hoping chemo knocks the cancer down and gets you to NED.

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  • FosterKittenMum
    FosterKittenMum Member Posts: 16
    edited May 2019

    Sorry to hear your bad news Melza.This is a wonderful forum and if you have time, have a read through, there are so many success stories and lots of stage four living a relatively normal life many years after diagnosis.

    I was also diagnosed stage IV de novo with the added bonus of an occult cancer which did not show up on 3D mammo or ultrasosound and had no lump and no breast symptoms. My first clue was unremitting, severe back pain. I have extensive bone mets in every vertebrae, R humerus, ribs, sternum, pelvis, sacrum. Three crush fractures and six endplate fractures in the spine. I had a course of 14 treatments with Taxol, Herceptin and Perjeta and Xvega. No surgery. Now I am on three weekly Herceptin and Perjeta with 6 weekly Xvega. 18 months later, I am feeling great, My bone mets are healing, my tumour markers and bloods are completely normal, the beast is sleeping. I lead a normal, active life.

    So hang in there, take one day at a time and get through the treatment the best way you can. There are so many of us who respond well, especially to the Herceptin and Perjeta. I hope you also get a good response and hope things will look brighter once the initial shock wears off.

    Hugs to you xxx

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  • melza89
    melza89 Member Posts: 64
    edited May 2019

    Thank you everyone. I just want to cry right now. I know I just have to take it one day at a time...I'm usually a positive person, but it's hard to think positive right now.

    Micmel - Congrats on being NEAD. Thank you for the advice and encouragement.

    FosterKitten - Thank you for sharing your story. You've been through so much. I'm so happy for your progress & normal life!

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited May 2019

    Stage IV de novo here too. I endorse everything the other women have said here. It SUCKS and its such shitty news to get as if being early stage was not bad enough -- but herceptin and perjeta are truly wonder drugs for so many of us. And there is more research and more attention to metastatic BC going on every day. Life isn't over for us -- it definitely just got more complicated but life is not over by a long shot. Hugs and prayers for you and your babies. Take care of you and get support, counseling and/or medication if you need it.

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  • illimae
    illimae Member Posts: 5,710
    edited May 2019

    Melza, I too was diagnosed stage IV de novo at age 41 in 2016. At first you wonder if you'll make it to the next big holiday but once you see a good response to treatment, you get into a routine. It's 2 1/2 years later and I feel pretty good, I go to the gym, travel and make the most of every moment. Feel free to reach out if you have questions and good luck 🙂

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