Hi everyone,
My first post, I have just had my diagnosis upgraded to Stage IV following the discovery of a small hotspot in my vertebrae. I start chemo on the 10th August. Wondering if there are others out there living a long fruitful life post treatment with a hotspot. Feeling a little overwhelmed and looking for some positive news for a change; every appointment so far seems to bring a new problem and worse diagnosis.
Thanks, Kari
Hi Kari, I will start off by saying "bugger" how damn cheeky of your tenant to decide to move in as an unwelcome squatter!!!! I am certainly hoping that your chemo blasts it back to where it came from !!!
It is certainly a tough gig to be diagnosed and then upgraded to include mets and it is certainly very very normal to feel totally overwhelmed until you find your feet again. Once all the diagnostics are finished and the treatment plan begins it will get a little easier to deal with. There is just so much to take in right now.
I am living with squatters in my bones and liver right now and kicking along ok. it will be 3 years in November with mets (after original EBC in 2004) and I am showing no signs of checking out - I have too much to do!!.. I know many ladies who are living with bone mets and doing it well and for long periods of time (and still going).
I am also a facilitator in the Living with advanced / secondary breast cancer group and would be happy for you to join where you can connect with others dealing with mets.
cheers, Sharon (pink66)
Thanks, I have no thoughts of giving up. :)
Thank you Mannamez, It is so great to hear positive stories. I will be attending the support group in Townsville at the next available meeting.
can I ask what your quality of life has been living for the past 8 years with Stage 4. I hear some people continue to live life to the fullest and almost live a ''normal' life.
Hello
i am sorry to hear of your diagnosis. I hear there are many people who live a long life with Stage 4 so don't give up yet :-)
Hi Kari,
I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Metastatic Breast Cancer in 2007 in the spine, hips, ribs and scrum plus lymph nodes in chest. I have had many Chemotherapy & Radiotherapy in targeted areas, treatments both in intravenous and in tablet form. Some people do really well with hormone treatments,
So I have had Stage 4 for the past 8 Years and I am Living with Cancer, not dyeing from it.
I have found the Advanced Breast Cancer support group run by Breast Cancer Care WA in Cottesloe to be informative and supportive, with people going thru similar things, They meet 1st Wed of the month 11 to 1pm at Railway Parade in Cottesloe.
Good Luck for the future,.
