Hi, I'm new to online forums, so here goes. I was diagnosed stage 2 grade 2 BC in 2014 aged 36. Find out 27/12/23 metastasised to my bones at age 46. Married, 3 kids (9,11,12). It's not hormone receptive anymore, so treatment is looking like chemo, after hip replacement and radiation. I enjoy a laugh and some practical tips on how to keep going with this new norm.

Hi @odette A metastatic breast cancer diagnosis is no longer the certain death sentence it once was - there are many ladies who have lived many years in treatment for this disease and new treatments are being developed all the time.It’s cliche but try and live one day at a time , savour the good times and always have something to look forward to.Consider joining the” Living with metastatic breast cancer” private group on here for more targeted advice and support.Take care 🌺

Hi @odette and @Cath62 Thats a great list by @Cath62!I am always intrigued when I hear about” new” forms of therapy - for example “ reading therapy” - all my family have been doing that for their whole lives!I do like the idea of “ laughing therapy” Those of us who are a certain age ( I am 65) may remember readers digest - it had a regular column called “ laughter is the best medicine” - I do think a sense of humour helps with all of this.

Dear joanne213,I think your comment is mixed in with Odette's question on Metastasis BC.Have you been given a Stage of BC ?You may be told that after your surgery.Afraser has given good advice above.Try not to panic before you know the whole story. Even if you have it in the Lymph nodes, that is not Stage 4.That is only after it has spread to other organs.The pain you have described, could also come from stress. Which is very understandable.The tests you have been ordered are fairly routine.To determine if it has or has not spread.Most of us have had these extra screening tests.I hope that you get good news, ie no spread.All the best.

Thank you @Cath62. I loved your list and the advice. Thank you to all who have respond. Xxx

This is not at all what you want, but humour and tenacity are good allies in your strategy! I don’t know how long your chemo treatment might be but can only encourage you to be as optimistic as possible about seeing it through.Have you had chemo before? If so, you may have similar reactions so can be prepared. If not, while nausea and fatigue are common side effects, some (like me) don’t get them at all. Hair loss is also common - personally, I went the wig road, good quality synthetic, light, easy to look after, helped to feel ‘normal’. Others will be better placed to advise on dealing with diagnosis and treatment with children. Their capacity to accept and assist, in appropriate ways for their age, is important in the wellbeing of you all.Best wishes.

New to MBC. How to stay positive when every Onc meeting seems to bring less certainty?