Hi this is my first blog, I have been living with mestatic breast cancer for 4 months now, well that is when I found out that the cancer had spread to my skull, spine, pelvis, ribs, throat, chest wall and 2 weeks ago I was told that it is now in both my lungs. I am still working full time, now that the pain has been managed, it's amazing the treatments they have out now, I thought I was going to be bed ridden with the pain. Though I think the best medicine is having a positive mind, faith and HOPE. I know there is no cure for my cancer now, but there is always HOPE as new treatments are coming out that will prolong my life. I could still be around for many more years to come, well I am going to be around for many more years to come, that's better thinking. I praise the Lord for helping me with his courage, spirit and wisdom.

I hope this finds you well. Such horrible news, but we can live, and live well with this terrible thing. After four months the news will still be very raw. I can imagine how you must be feeling. Where abouts in the country are you?

Welcome to the group max1ebob. Sorry to hear that it has spread so far. A positive mind is a great help in this journey with cancer. Freedom from pain is also wonderful! I found out that I had metastatic breast cancer two weeks after my initial diagnosis in 2011. I am living a full and happy life and know other ladies that have been around for many years with secondaries. Hopefully you will too. Lynnemh

Hi, Firstly, glad to meet you but sorry you have to join the 'advanced' club. I love your positive thinking, it is just what I need to hear at the moment. I am 39 and have mets to lungs and bones after having my initial breast cancer only 11 months ago. I have only just dealt with - well actually still dealing with the fact that this damn thing is 'incurable'. I have been sewwping everything under the carpet and not thinking realistically. But you are so right, this condition can be managed and positive thinking is definaitely essential here. Glad to hear you are still working, that is fantastic. it's strange, sometimes I think unless we were actually told we had advanced cancer physically we wouldnt know, we just kepp on keeping!. I look forward to talking again. Luv Natalie xxx

Secondary breast cancer | BCNA Online Network

Deb_F
Member
12 years ago
I would be interested in hearing what you have to say ness. Where are your mets? How long ago were you diagnosed?
Ness
Member
12 years ago
I've been dealing with my cancer with alternative treatments and seem to be winning the battle. If anyone is looking for alternatives for treatment when their doctors tell them there is not much they can do for their stage of cancer let me know and I can give you some other information about plants and herbs etc that are working for me. I'm sure nature provided a cure for everything and I've done a lot of research to find a cure for myself so I'm happy to share that. Even if you combine it with whatever 'modern medicine' has been recommended it might just give you better odds.

Kind regards, Ness
Anonymous
12 years ago
Hi ladies, did you know that NO statistics are collected about secondary breast cancer (also known as advanced breast cancer or metastatic breast cancer in Australia!

No-one knows how many women are diagnosed with this disease in Australia, how many are living with it, what the ages/geographical location/cultural background etc of are of these women, what care they are receiving and the care outcomes.

Research funding levels are usually based on data, which explains why approximately only 3-4% of breast cancer research funds are directed towards secondary breast cancer. Appalling stuff!

In the spirit of "rattling some cages" to raise the profile of this issue, I've had a go at drafting a letter to local MP's and any other people/organisations who could do with a poke and prod to get some action happening! I thought maybe those who are interested could send the letter off to their MP's and see what sort of a response we get!

If you would like to help me rattle some cages, please feel free to send a private message through and I will send you a copy of the letter. Celeste ?
max1ebob
Member
12 years ago
Hi Cellbird, I was meant to read your post today, sorry I know that you wrote it last month, though I just couldnt keep up with the overwhelming support as there was so many relpies. This morning I have had brain and lung scans, as both lungs have multiple leasions and when I read your post it gave me so much hope, as I am anxiously awaiting the results and what might happen to my treatment plan. Thank you for your post, it is very encouraging.
Jenmegs
Member
12 years ago
Looking forward to a message on when you might be in Melbourne! Also thanks, things turned out great with the help i had before Melbourne Cup Day, getting an early appointment for the day after the public hol. really helped. Hope things are going alright for you in the early months since learning your news of secondaries. Hugs, Jenny
Desi
Member
12 years ago
Hi Jenny, I definitely will let you know in advance. Hope all is well on your side xx
Anonymous
12 years ago
Hi max1ebob,

I'm a late jumper-in-era onto the end of your post but I hope you have managed to connect up with some of these amazing women who know exactly what you are going through.

I am not sure if you have come across the online group 'Women living with advanced breast cancer' as yet? But there are close to 200 members living with secondary breast cancer which you can also connect in with. If you think it would help - join the group and make an introductory post - http://www.bcna.org.au/group/4218

If you need a hand finding your way around just shout ~Daina
Anonymous
12 years ago
Hi max1ebob,

I'm a late jumper-in-era onto the end of your post but I hope you have managed to connect up with some of these amazing women who know exactly what you are going through.

I am not sure if you have come across the online group 'Women living with advanced breast cancer' as yet? But there are close to 200 members living with secondary breast cancer which you can also connect in with. If you think it would help - join the group and make an introductory post - http://www.bcna.org.au/group/4218

If you need a hand finding your way around just shout ~Daina
Jenmegs
Member
12 years ago
Hi Desi, sounds good for a Melbourne visit! Maybe a week or two's notice cos I don't check online every day....Good places for meeting (both easy to get to if public transport) are Think Pink (The Living Centre) as chrismelb has outlined above and BreaCan which is right in the city (both centres are on BCNA Online Network)........Hi there max1ebob, this has gone heaps further over the week since you first posted. Really hoping the week's gone alright for you...it's great news you've had specific medical info and some good pain management.....As for positive thinking, I've gone a bit wobbly myself this week (a bit of overload combined with a couple of routine tests)...so I'll logout and get on the phone to one of the hospital's breast care nurses and see if she can find out the timing for test results, so I'm not sweating it out over the weekend!!! Jenny xx :)
chrismelb
Member
12 years ago
Thanks for letting everyone know about the new support group Francesca. Next meeting is Wednesday 20th November at 10.30-12. You can park in a car park around the corner for $6 which basically is the same price as parking on street. Or it is right on the tram line directly from Flinders Street. It is a nice comfy place to meet where we are free to talk without others overhearing our often frank conversations. Come along and feel supported.