Double bugger, @Kattykit ... I think we all hear the 'recurrence' word often enough even from our very first appointment with the surgeon once diagnosed - but to be honest, I just thought it related to 'regular BC' not Mets.
I don't recall actually hearing the Mets word (or even being aware of it as an advanced cancer condition) until many months later ... and it was driven home to me when one of my Uke ladies was diagnosed with it mid last year (after months of a niggling rib pain and 15 years after her surgery & treatment.) Then a wonderfully fit offshore kayak fishing buddy who's had back pain for years was diagnosed straight up with it (his was from undiagnosed prostate) - and he had all the checks regularly - both bloods and 'finger'! His prostate never enlarged until his PSA went off the scale this time last year. Sadly, he is too far along for any treatment other than pain control. :( But he is still getting out there on the water, chasing those big fish. I will be joining him in Feb at South West Rocks!
oh dear, that's a wake up call, @Aggie
Absolutely, @Sister - as do we all! It is best just to get on with your life - but also the need be aware of following up on any changes to your body, unspecified pain, in particular.
2 sisters in law's mums are in their 90s and had their BC surgery/treatment 30 years ago. I also have several friends who are 15 years on without recurrence of BC (tho have had brushes with other Cancers with good results.) And of course, my husband, Keith with his stomach cancer - 5% are lucky to get past the 5 year clear mark with the one he had - and he is now nearly 9 years ..... Bryce Courtenay (the writer) being one who didn't make it.
The real bugger is that our bodies are currently getting 'conditioned to continuous pain' as the medication we are on GIVES it to us in big doses - so it could already be masking pain from possible Mets. We just need to be very aware - and act on any suspicion of unusual symptoms, quickly.
Take care, be aware xx
