Breast Cancer has metastasized

Coopswifey

I recently found out my cancer is back it is now in my bones (spine & ribs. Has anyone else experienced this I’m so overwhelmed and scared

MarcieB

Of course you are overwhelmed and scared. I have a friend who discovered her cancer metastasized to her bones after she stopped taking Tamoxifen (she took it for 10 years). She got a second opinion and it looked bleak, but her doctors put her on adjunct therapy and she is doing great. She has been on it for two years now and her last scan showed the tumors actually shrinking. I am so sorry you are facing this, and I am hoping your doctors had some very well thought out plans - there is so much encouraging progress being made! Please come here and share how you are doing?

Teachertina

I too am wishing you a good journey on this leg of the trip. Have your doctors discussed the plan yet for treatment of this new development? When you have a plan the fear is lessened somewhat. I’ve had 2 recurring events since the first diagnosis of RCC. It was scary every time! Once I knew what the plan of treatment was I was ready for the fight. So many new treatments and medications are available now than in years past. I’m still kicking 15 years later! Hang in there, prepare yourself and keep us informed about what is happening. We are great listeners and a source of support! Sending hugs!

Carool

Coopswifey, I’m so sorry this has happened. I join MarcieB and Teachertina in saying that there is a lot of hope here. I’ve heard of so many breast cancer survivors who are living with metastatic breast cancer. There are so many treatments now, for many kinds of cancer, but for breast cancer especially.

Another excellent source of Internet info on breast cancer specifically is www.breastcancer.org. It’s always good to know of more places to get on.

I realize you have a daunting journey ahead. Please keep us posted. We’re here. Sending you hugs.

Kp2018

Oh, my heart goes out to you, Coopswifey. I'm so sorry you're facing this. Be assured that you are not alone in your fear and feeling overwhelmed.

To help, there are some excellent resources to provide support. One is the Insider’s Guide to Metastatic Breast Cancer, a very comprehensive and up to date document that provides information about the latest treatment options. You can download it here: https://60e45cf9-3a4d-4d1d-b51e-4322d6e4661b.filesusr.com/ugd/541049_24e19e217e184967a81df1f57983e9ce.pdf

Another is a website called Inspire for persons with chronic, long term conditions, including advanced breast cancer. Here's the link. https://www.inspire.com/groups/advanced-breast-cancer?source=email&utm_source=email&utm_medium=AS&utm_campaign=AS&utm_content=2021-04-12

There is much reason for hope with newer treatments. My very best to you as you face this.

legaljen1969

I haven't faced metastasis yet. I am so sorry you are facing it now. I can imagine it is pretty frightening and disheartening. I echo the thoughts of others that there are a lot of possibilities and promising new treatments. I hope you can get a plan together that helps you live the life you want to live.
We are all here if you want or need some encouragement. We are here if you want to unleash a virtual scream, cry or to release some frustration. We've got you. We are in your corner for sure.

Carool

Coopswifey, how are you doing? Sending you hugs.

Coopswifey

Thank you all for your kind words. I trust my team of doctors, they have a good plan for me and I am taking it one day at a time. I feel much better than when I heard the news a couple of weeks ago. I will keep you all informed on my progress.

Carool

Coopswifey, thank you for the update. I’m so glad that you’re feeling much better. Looking forward to hearing about your progress as you go forward.

legaljen1969

Coopswifey, even when the news is not what we want- it seems more manageable when we have a plan. The waiting for the plan was the worst part for me. Once I knew what "it" was and what we could do to treat "it," things felt like they started to fall into place. I am glad you are feeling better than when you got the news a few weeks ago. This beast can cause so much havoc in our minds and our sense of peace.

Know we are all here for you to give you good wishes or to share any wisdom we may have.

Coopswifey

You are so right.. At first you just wish that you didn’t just hear that, and it takes time to wrap your mind around it. All I could think about is how am I going to tell my family. We just went through this a year ago, but I have a lot more information now and I feel better about my chances. I’m going to beat this!!! Thank you for your support

legaljen1969

@Coopswifey. I had trouble telling my family as well. You have a million questions. They have a million questions. You go to the doctor to ask questions and you get about the first three words and then everything sounds like Charlie Brown's teacher. I am so glad you have more information and feel better about your chances. Like I said, having a plan is key.
We are all here for you.

legaljen1969

@Coopswifey- I just wanted to check in on you and see if you had started new treatment(s) and find out how you are feeling. WN seems to be on a pause again. You are NOT forgotten.