Hi I posted yesterday and today received devastating news that my her 2 ER positve breast cancer has gone to my liver.Please does anyone have this and can anyone tell me am I going to die quickly can I get my life insurance so I can bring my children back from overseas. I am numb.Can I live or is this it? What treatment can I expect to be offered to me. Thank you for reading my post.

Hello Sam, ohh I feel for you, what shocking news to receive and how it sends your thinking into a head spin. There are many women on here who have lived with mets for many years, you are not alone. Your horrible news does not mean it's all over, there is a lot that can be done to help you. Your team will advise you what your options are. But this is Friday afternoon and help can seem so far away. It might help to talk to someone, at least over the phone. Try the BCNA number 1800 500 258, and ask if they have a telephone support service. If not, the Cancer Council has a helpline for those times when you really need someone to talk to. Their number is 13 11 20.we are always here for you to chat online, but there is something so reassuring about offloading your fears to a warm, caring voice on the phone. Do keep in touch and let us know how you go. Sending you hugs, Tracey xXx

@Sam09 I am sorry about this devastating news. But the good news is that herceptin does a great job of controlling this and there is also another drug they give as well when metastatic. My breast care nurse told me at the beginning of my journey of a patient who had liver mets....11 years on with this treatment...no change in her mets. There is hope. There is life...and very probably a long one. Nobody can predict our futures but know your team will do everything to give you the best treatment available. Kath x

Hi Sam sorry about your bad news the ladies have given you good advice. There is also a group on here try and join I'm sure there will lots of support there. Take a deep breath it is a huge shock treatment has come a long way and take any support you can get xxx

Hi there @Sam09 - Just wanted to jump in to say hello and to let you know that the online network is here to support you. As mentioned by rowdy, there is a group in the network for women living with metastatic breast cancer, that when you can, you might like to also connect with, http://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/group/2-living-with-metastatic-breast-cancer. As Tracey mentioned, sometimes it can be helpful to chat to someone over the phone for some additional support, the cancer council have a telephone line that offers some over the phone support, the number is 13 11 20. We also have a free resource pack called hope and hurdles that we can send out to you, if its is something you might like to have a look at, you can find it here https://www.bcna.org.au/resource/kits/hope-hurdles/. If you need any help with the network or finding information and support, please just let me know.

Not panic stations just yet. There are treatments available to put the liver mets in check. Only get worried if the meds aren't working. I am not sure how life insurance works but you may be able to access your superannuation if you have some with a hardship letter from centerlink? Take a few breaths. You will get through this and we're here for you any time. <3

BAD NEWS PLEASE HELP ABSOLUTELY DISTRAUGHT

primek
Member
9 years ago
@Sam09 Just wondering how you are going.
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Member
9 years ago
HI there @Sam09 - please don't ever, ever say or think that you are pathetic and don't feel as though you need to excuse yourself !
To receive a bc diagnosis is frightening enough but then to be told that it is secondary with mets in your liver is so confronting and shakes you to the core..
You feel as though your life plans have been taken away from you.
Whilst I have not had chemo this time around, I cannot speak about the effects of paclitaxel but Kayvie, Primek and Afraser have all given different accounts of the side effects they felt.
I had 6 x rounds of chemo 3 weeks apart in 2003 and found that there would be some days where I felt like I had been hit by a truck but I was fortunate enough that I was able to go for walks and take my 5 and 2 year old sons to the park.
So, walk your little puppy on days you feel well enough to.
The fresh air may even help with your general spirit.
I believe that the most recent study is that if you are able to, it is best to keep active immediately following chemotherapy. The wonderful BCNA Admin ladies could confirm this.
Sending you hugs and light.
Sheryl xxx
kayvie
Member
9 years ago
Hi Sam
I am having weekly pacitaxel and agree with primek that this is doable. Side effects are mild- a little reflux, bloody nose at times and a little fatigue. I walk my dogs every day and can carry on with most things. I was very fit pre diagnosis and am sure this helps during treatment.
I found the thought of chemo terrifying (fear of the unknown) but once underway the fear and anxiety eased.
Your feelings are completely justified - think we have all been there.
Use your enthusiasm and determination to focus on the future- you can do this!!!
Big hugs x
Afraser
Member
9 years ago
Reactions to chemo vary immensely - like primek I got a bit of a bloody nose on weekly taxol and some issues with fingers and toes. I never had nausea from either of my chemo cocktails nor had any side effects from herceptin. It's much harder to do than to say but if you can try some relaxation techniques it may help - the body has a great capacity to respond to anxiety with aches and pains, I get them every year before my annual tests! I too would recommend starting - doing what you can to be back in charge of your life is a great boost. We can do surprising stuff - scared or not. Best wishes.
socoda
Member
9 years ago
Hi Sam, You can do this!!!! And keep your plans for the future - Even if your plans have to be modified goals are always good to have. I think shocked is the word you were thinking of - definitely NOT pathetic! So take time to come to terms with this (have a cry, scream, vent) and then gather that strength (you know the enthusiasm that makes running so good) grab it and use it to help you cope and continue to enjoy your running and walking your puppy. And keep coming here so we can give you virtual hugs Xx
primek
Member
9 years ago
PS...you have every reason to feel sorry for yourself and see no future. But once treatment starts and the tumors shrink you will have hope and plans again. x
primek
Member
9 years ago
I had weekly paclitaxol and it was totally doable. You get a bit miserable having to have it, but really side effects are bearable. A bit of reflux. A runny nose about cycle 2 to 3. A bit more delicate skin. Feeling a bit tired. Sometimes you might have some aches in your joints but mostly you will be able to walk your dog and get on with things. The herceptin...just a bit tired. They monitor things as you go and adjust as you need. The doses are weight dependent so don't worry about only being small. We were all petrified pre chemo. I remember balling my eyes out in the shower the morning of my 1st...and sometimes in between. But you can do this. You are stronger than you think. Why wait? It will just make your nerves worse. They'll give you a premed to reduce any side effects beforehand and run it slowly. You could call tomorrow and say..yes lets do this sooner. Hope all goes well. Kath x
Sam09
Member
9 years ago
Hi Lovely Ladies,
Well today was my onc appointment. My liver mets are 10 at 26mm each and inoperable. She gave me 12 weeks at the aggressive growth it has had in a short time with out treatment. Im numb... Her opinion was she was pleased I qualify for pacilitaxel with pertuzumab and trastuzumab. Lucky me... Start Monday if I will do it she tried to pursuade me to start tomorrow but I am pettrified to say the least. Suddenly today I had left hip pain and strange sensations in my left leg and foot and this scared me greatly too.... Please ladies can you tell me what to expect if I have this treatment. I am so scared of the side effects and do not want to give up walking my puppy or exercising will I be able to live a normal life. I need to know this before I decide on treatment. Thank you in advance.. I wish.... I could wake up from this nightmare. All my plans for the future are gone . Exuse me.... I am pathetic feeling sorry for myself which is very unlike me...
PaulaN
Member
9 years ago
Hi Sam, dont EVER feel like 'I told you so' or that you deserve it' none of us do. I too have family issues. I rang each of my 6 siblings personally to let them know what was happening (in January) & I havent heard anything from some of them. Its hard to deal with, one is even a highly qualified nurse. Just do what YOU feel you need to do & we are all hear if needed XXX
Ann-Marie
Member
9 years ago
Hi @Sam09 please give BCNA a call tomorrow on 1800 500 258 (thank you @Brenda5 ) we have a telephone service that is there for you to use.