Returning to My First Online Support Home
When I first joined BCO way back in 2016, I was recovering from a mastectomy during the midst of BrCa Adventure #2. (Adventure #1 occurred in 1995, a time when my primary support came from a cancer support group I started.) I remained active in BCO, through BcCa Adventure #3, which involved mets to chest wall in 2009, and through the next 10 years or so (if memory serves). I decided to take a break a couple of years ago when I became overloaded with multiple vascular and cardiac disorders and needed to expand more into cardio-vascular-world. By that point those disorders had led to difficult reactions to various hormonal BrCa therapies, which led me to adopt a "surveillance only" care approach. As I remained in NEAD territory, my oncologist would tell me that I might live the rest of my life without having breast cancer again, and I would always tell him, "I know that breast cancer is a very sneaky disease."
Fast forward to my annual breast MRI in July of this year (ultimately with good report--no sign of breast cancer in my "leftover breast"). During the breast MRI, which I typically dread because of the most uncomfortable position, I experienced sudden onset of severe pain in my thoracic spine. The pain was severe to the point that it precipitated a vasospastic angina attack at the end of the MRI. The vasospastic angina relented but the thoracic spine pain did not (it has been unrelenting ever since). Fast forward through 2 months of about 30 medical appointments, and I have an MRI that shows five small osteolytic lesions on four thoracic vertebrae (T5-T8) consistent with metastatic disease and a CT-guided biopsy that revealed "No sign of malignant infiltrate." My MO thinks that the biopsy is a false negative, my consultant RO thinks it's a false negative, and the interventional radiologist seems to think that he retrieved a good sample but that he cannot guarantee that any malignancy present was captured in that sample. Now I will have some more labs, then a meeting with my MO this Friday, followed by a PET scan next week. I've asked about a PET/CT guided biopsy, but we'll see about the PET scan first, and I've asked about a circulating tumor cell assay. My MO said she is "flabbergasted" by my situation but she does seem to be very thoughtful about what's next in terms of assessment and care planning. I realize I may eventually need a second or even third opinion (I'm not a stranger to those).
As I return home to BCO, I find myself curious about and compassionate toward current Stage IV/Mets members and also sad about so many of those precious members who have left BCO-world and our amazing planet. I feel the need to reconnect, and I plan to give as well as to receive. I still think of myself as a giver, no matter how long I was away from BCO. I'm always grateful for those who offer caring hearts, hard-earned wisdom, spirit lifting thoughts (not necessarily positive, mind you, but real, authentic) and feedback or suggestions.
Sending loving kindness to you all....
Comments
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Hi, Brenda!
I most definitely remember you, and welcome back. It is good to "see" you again. I'm sorry to hear about the issues with your spine. It sounds like you've been doing a lot of doctoring the past few months. I hope you will be able to learn something more definitive with the upcoming scans. Best wishes to you!
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Hi Brenda, sorry you're facing this uncertainty now.
I've heard bone biopsies are tricky. I hope you get clarity & a plan soon.
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Cancer sucks but the MBC community here is wonderful. We'll be here for you
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Hi again, Divine. I recall that you and I were involved in quite a few conversations, and I always appreciated your perspective and caring. I see you now have more that 10,000 posts! What a contribution you have made! Thanks for reaching out with a “welcome back.”
I see you’ve been through a few treatment changes, and I hope you are stable with xeloda. Best wishes to you, too
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Hi, moth. Looks like you’ve been through the breast cancer wringer over the last almost four years. Hope your current care plan is manageable and will help you to find stability for as long as possible.
Yes, clarity is a good thing. I hope for more after the PET scan on Thursday.
Thanks for reaching out. -
Hi, GoldensRBest. Looks like you have a 31+ year breast cancer history. You must have quite a story to tell. Glad you have found support through the MBC community. Thanks for offering support to me
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