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Tennille's avatar
Tennille
Member
8 years ago

Finding a new kind of normal

First diagnosed in 2011, 35 years of age and 32 weeks pregnant. Right sided mastectomy, level 2 clearance 3/26 nodes. Chemo 6 months, radio plus Tamoxifen. Switched to Zolodex and Aromasin 2016. Original tumour was 3cm ER+ PR+ HER2-  Stage 2B, Grade 3. Four weeks ago after having an abdominal ultrasound for gallstones mets were found in my liver and bones. Total shock as I haven't experienced any real pain and LFT's all normal. Currently awaiting approval for a clinical trial for Palbociclib and have started on Denosumab and staying on Aromasin for the time being. Onco continues to tell me treatable but not curable. I am a hugely positive person but I am still struggling to get my head around all of this. I am a single mum of 12 and don't know how to live my new kind of normal. Where do I even begin?
  • What we all secretly dread that supposedly cured of breast cancer, sneaks in to somewhere else unknown to you. At least though it is now known to you and your team of specialists can deal with it as it unfolds. My dad has the demosaub injections every month. He was on pain patches but decided he prefers pills to patches. His normal is resting up as much as possible and picking his day and time to do things when he is having a good day. Other days aren't so great and it gets him down a bit but he is always ready and schemes up plans of what to do on his good days. Here's hoping you have lots and lots of 'good' days. <3
  • Hi @Tennille, our Hope & Hurdles resource is designed for people who have been diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. It has a lot of useful information that you can explore when you're ready. You can order it online here or call us at 1800 500 258.
  • Tennille, I'm so sorry you are in this situation. My thoughts are with you.
    Lisa x
  • Hi Tennile, so sorry you find yourself in this situation...i too had similar experience in that i was 15 years c,earance from first instance of B/C only to have mets diagnosed in spine, liver and recently abdominal wall...i too had very little pain leading up to diagnosis which is now stage four and supposidly incuable. I too am on denosumab (xgeva) monthly injection, and was on femera, switched to aromsin and actually now have 6 months of chemo due to breathing issues and mets on the liver..... i struggle with the 'incuable' bit but I'm pretty strong minded which i think is half the battle with a positive attitude.
    So hang in there, keep strong and positive and have good people behind you....and just know that sometimes it is a bit daunting and we have to pick ourselves up and keep fighging tne fight!
  • Hi @Tennille, CRAP!!!!!  I can't imagine what a shock that must be. Crossing fingers your trial approval comes through soon and that you can be stabilized. Sending a big hug. Xx Cath
  • Hi Tennille,
    Sitting here thinking about what I can say.
     I want to acknowledge that even as a positive person, the struggle to get your head around your situation is real and personal. 
    Just also want to repeat what primek has said.
  • I can't even imagine how hard it is for you with this news but just wanted to let you know we are here and  listening.
     
    I hope you get on that clinical trial soon and you respond really well to your new regime. 

    Kath x