Long term survival

hi rainbow

I wasn’t sure if there was more you were going to post-I’m 6 1/2 years out with multiple bone mets. Big increase in tm’s the past year but no evidence of progression. I’m not sure if 6 1/2 years is long term but I hope to be here a few more.

Kristi

You might want to check out this thread:

https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/8/topics/830627?page=41#idx_1206

I have lived with mbc for eight years with no progression. No special diets or protocols. I just swallow an AI, currently exemestane, every night and keep on living. I did have rads to my single bone met, but have never had chemo. I have idea why I have done so well, but I wish you all the best

I hit the 3.5 year mark this past August. I have not had any progression and I had extensive bone mets (skull, spine, ribs, pelvis, and femur) when diagnosed. I also had a couple of spots on my liver. In the beginning I had chemo, surgery and radiation. I finished chemo in August of 2016 and have been on Letrozole since then. I also still have infusions of Herceptin and Perjeta every three weeks.

I usually feel great most of the time, but I do make sure I get enough sleep. I still work full-time as a college professor and life pretty much goes on as before. Of course, recurrence is always in the back of my mind, but I do my best to stay busy and productive. I have scans every six months now and have them scheduled for next week. My oncologist expects them to be excellent as they have always been for the past three years. She calls my condition "stable," and says she doesn't use NED, because the cancer is in my bones.

I do have to say, however, that I tend to shop a bit more! If I see something (within reason) that I want, I buy it. I also got a puppy in 2017 and she adds much to my quality of life.

Best wishes to all!

NancyRose

Rainbow, I had progression twice this year after over 8 years of stable bone mets. It is quite depressing. On the one hand I’d convinced myself I beat the cancer and it was never coming back. I also considered that maybe I never even had bone mets and the scans were read wrong. It was quite disheartening to get the progression news.

At the same time, dh’s employment changed and so did our health insurance. My meds switched and on top of them making me feel nauseous and fatigued, I’m concerned of the costs associated with the meds. It’s all been a big headache and a big upheaval and change in my household on many fronts. I meditate with an app, that helps, and I try to live even more in the moment. By that I mean I tell myself I am okay today, I have loved ones supporting me and all that stuff.

I hope you can find a new effective treatment.