Why not join the Living with metastatic private group? Access group via the link here.

I just found out today

charliegirl
charliegirl Member Posts: 1 New Member
in Metastatic breast cancer
I had my first appointment with my oncologist this afternoon. I had had a PET scan and MRI earlier in the week. I received the results today that the cancer has metastasised. They found a spot on my sternum, back and pelvis. I need to go have a biopsy on my sternum. 
I was diagnosed with breast cancer on 8 February. 4 days after my father’s funeral. I just feel shocked and numb. I want to feel hopeful but at the moment I just feel hopeless. 
What do I do to change my mindset? Has anyone else been through similar? I really need to feel like this isn’t a death sentence. I have 2 kids, 15 & 13. I want to be here to see them grow up! Do I even have a chance???



Comments

  • Julez1958
    Julez1958 Member Posts: 1,311 ✭
    edited February 21
    Hi @charliegirl
    You are in shock at the moment -  a few things.
    Consider joining the private group on here “Living With  Metastatic breast Cancer”
    Call the helpline at BCNA
    Stay away from “Dr Google” - there are many resources that are to be trusted - starting with the BCNA website
    Once you get a treatment plan from your oncologist things will settle down a bit.
    Metastatic breast cancer is not the death sentence it once was - many ladies live for many years and there are lots of treatments with new ones in the pipeline via clinical trials.
    Consider seeing a psychologist specialising in breast cancer - your GP should be able to give you a care plan or if you are being treated at a major cancer centre they will often have free psychologists you can see.
    Have you been allocated a McGrath breast care nurse ?
    They are a great support for breast cancer patients navigating the system and a great source of information and support.
    Also it’s ok to cry.
    And call Beyond Blue or  Lifeline  if you feel really down.
    No one said life was fair.
    I have also sent you a private message.








  • FiJane
    FiJane Member Posts: 21 ✭
    Hi @charliegirl, so sorry you’ve joined us here but you are in the  right place for support and help. I second everything julez1958 has said. 
    My oncologist said that Metastatic breast cancer is now treated as a chronic disease. I don’t want to diminish what you’re feeling because it is very scary to start with. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2022 and metastatic breast cancer in July last year. It’s a lot to take in. 
    Try to have someone with you for appointments or take a notebook with you. Write questions as you think of them, then the answers under them. I still do this otherwise I forget something at every appointment. 
    Be gentle with yourself. Cry when you need to and look into all of the support that julez1958 mentioned. The cancer council also have help lines. Eventually you may find a support group in your area. It’s good to talk to other ladies who have experienced MBC. 
    I try to live in the present and really enjoy all those small moments we can tend to take for granted. It’s very difficult some days, but I find my days are better if I can do that. 
    Let us know how you go, ask lots of questions. There are so many different treatments but someone here will have experience with most of them. 
    Holding you in my thoughts, sending you hugs 🤗 
  • Anne94
    Anne94 Member Posts: 170 ✭
    Hi @charliegirl
    I'm so sorry that you have had to join this group. It is such an upheaval for you and your family. Talk to your McGrath Breast Cancer nurse(if you have been allocated one), write as many questions down as you think of them. If you have children, talk to their teachers, and get them support. Talk to the social worker/psychiatrist at the cancer clinic. 
    And yes there are loads of us here, as the others have said, ask us questions.
    Sending hugs
    Anne

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