Forum Discussion
Metastatic Breast Cancer found just by accident
Hi,
I’m 58 years old & was in pretty good health when I sustained a massive bruise after just a small amount of pressure in my pelvic area. I showed a friend (nurse) who told me to go to the doctor sooner rather than later. From there my journey began. After ultrasounds, CT scans, MRI’s & about 25 vials of blood it was found I had cancer in my lever. It was only after a biopsy on my liver & mammogram that my breast cancer was diagnosed. It’s been 8 weeks since that bruise & here I am now trying to come to terms with the diagnosis. I’m off this morning for a biopsy on my breast where a large tumor as become obvious over the past 3 weeks, an Echo after that then a PET scan on Wednesday. My chemo & cocktail will start in a week or so. My family & friends a very, very supportive but everyone has a story to tell & not all of them positive. I hope & pray I can keep up the strength I know I’m going to need to continue on the emotional rollercoaster I’ve found myself on.
I’m 58 years old & was in pretty good health when I sustained a massive bruise after just a small amount of pressure in my pelvic area. I showed a friend (nurse) who told me to go to the doctor sooner rather than later. From there my journey began. After ultrasounds, CT scans, MRI’s & about 25 vials of blood it was found I had cancer in my lever. It was only after a biopsy on my liver & mammogram that my breast cancer was diagnosed. It’s been 8 weeks since that bruise & here I am now trying to come to terms with the diagnosis. I’m off this morning for a biopsy on my breast where a large tumor as become obvious over the past 3 weeks, an Echo after that then a PET scan on Wednesday. My chemo & cocktail will start in a week or so. My family & friends a very, very supportive but everyone has a story to tell & not all of them positive. I hope & pray I can keep up the strength I know I’m going to need to continue on the emotional rollercoaster I’ve found myself on.
33 Replies
- @Not_good_63_57 - I am so sorry you've had a run in with an unsympathetic Onc ...... my first Onc was similar - I got the impression that I was wasting his time, as my condition wasn't 'serious enough' to warrant his attention! On one of my appts he asked "What are you here for?" Well, I would have thought that was totally bloody obvious as it was all in my notes (which he hadn't bothered to look at!!) So I swapped to a lovely lady Onc who is very good with me.
I think you have a pretty good understanding of your issue, tho unsure why the ‘no surgery’ if it is still in the breast. Make sure you ask the Breast Care Nurse and/or your next Onc for an easy to understand explanation.
I have 3 friends who are in the same boat. All are late 60s or early 70s & have been diagnosed with bone mets in the last 18 months. All have been told it is inoperable and that they will be on tablets forever. They were also told that altho technically, it is 'terminal' - that theirs is 'slow growing' and will be treated more as a 'chronic condition' and that symptoms will be treated as they occur. Just make sure you tell them if you notice any changes anywhere in your body!
All the best for your ongoing treatment - good that you can go local. I hope your next Onc is better than the first one.
Just get out there and do whatever you like, to have the best life you can xx There are no rules. Just do what is right for you - and that includes having fun! xx - Hey thank you
I’m qld so don’t know if there is McGrath nurses up here
no I was not happy with oncology doctor thought she was bit rude
I have no idea cause it’s still in breast why they leave it there it’s only spread to bones in back I’m Atari g tablets next week plus injection for bones
I’m public system but found out I can go to my local hospital which has an oncology dept so I’m goin to do that least they might b nicer - Hi @Not_good_63_57,
Ask for the hospital Breast Care Nurse to call you or find a McGrath nurse ASAP. https://www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au/get-support/find-a-nurse/.
They will be able to help you find the answers to any questions not addressed by your oncologist so far.
If you want a second opinion from another oncologist, definitely get one. If you do not like your current oncologist, you can change docs, even in the public system. Your GP may have suggestions - or ask for recommendations here at BCNA, from those in your area/at your hospital. Are you a public or private patient?
Take a support person with you to those important appointments. Keep your own files and get copies of test results etc.
I hope that helps you. L xxx - So sorry to hear you are goin through that .... myself got diagnosed breast cancer bout four weeks had biopsy needles poked here and there had ct scan only to find it’s gone to bones in back has not gone to nodes or organs so yesterday went for app with oncologist she asked if I knew what was happening I felt like she thought I was stupid did not know anyway mine is estrogen pos so got told no chemo no radiation no surgery goin on tablets to reduce it and stop cancer growing ... I know this is incurable but classed as chronic disease so has anybody has have same as me and is this normal any advice please
- @Enaid welcome to this safe space. Sorry to hear of your situation. So many of the ladies here have such wonderful advice and nothing is off limits. Good luck with your scans. xxx @sister thank you for putting up thread.
- @Enaid welcome and sorry to hear of your situation.
You can say pretty much whatever you would say to your friends here. You can also say things that you wouldn't say to your friends :)
We have all the personality types you would find in any society, and some of us have a preference for 'direct' language. Very refreshing, in my opinion. Good luck. MXX - Dear Enaid,
I'm so sorry for your shock diagnosis. As Iserbrown said when you have all of the information and a plan, you may feel better. Lots of hugs, thinking of you. - I’ve just read a few comments & am so glad you are allowed to say Fuckity fuckity fuck on here :)
- Thanks @Sister! 👌🏻 Good read 🙂
