Stage 4 breast cancer
I have been diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer recently, lungs and bone involvement. Hormone receptive high. After reading up about it I was feeling very upbeat. Then I met my oncologist, she was very positive and I was feeling at peace and ready for anything. But after a lot of thought, and knowing I am on borrowed time, knowing all the blood tests, scans, and injections for my bone cancer (and lung) for the rest of my life, meetings with oncologists, GP and allied health workers and with only a 50% chance of living for up to 5 years I'm seriously wondering if it's all worth it for me. When will I get the chance to live my life fully when I will constantly be reminded that my time is limited? Knowing the side affects and how the doctors change the meds to try and find the right ones when I feel I don't have time or the energy to put my heart and soul into something that will kill me anyway. I don't feel depressed, over whelmed definitely, sad for sure but I can feel the real me leaving already and becoming just another statistic. My breast care nurse is wonderful, the oncologists have been lovely and supportive and everyone involved has been amazing. But, the thought of going through all the treatments I have to go through and the end result will not be a cure and no certainty that I will be one of people who die within the first year is too much. I'm not afraid of dying but I am afraid of becoming a struggling cancer patient who will die. That's how I see my reality. I am 65 and have had a wonderful life. I have no regrets, just a simple and happy life. I have no grandchildren but I live an active busy life in retirement and I know with all the treatments, appointments, the ups and downs I don't think I will have the time or will or energy to be the person I am now. I sincerely hope someone out there can understand and perhaps give me some hope that after awhile my new "norm" will be ok and that I don't forget who I am. Gerry xx
New diagnosis metastatic breast cancer
Hi, I'm all very new to this being diagnosed only 7 wks ago with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer (triple positive) which has spread to my bones. I am 51 with 2 children. I had only had my first mammogram 18 mths previous which was clear. I felt unwell at work & went to hospital and they found it looking for something else. It has been such an overwhelming process. My family & friends have been amazing but am feeling so very alone.
Returning to work and finding the new normal
Hi all, I was diagnosed with stage 2 IDC, ER and PR positive in January last year (2025). I had 2 lumpectomies followed by a mastectomy, then chemo and radiation. Radiation finished in October and now I'm on Tamoxifen. I've been off work since right before my mastectomy (thanks income protection insurance!), and I'm planning to return to work in a month's time. By that time I will have been away from work for just about 12 months. I'll be doing a phased return to work, I work for a large organisation and my employer is very supportive. I'm really nervous about returning to work. My job is pretty mentally demanding and can be stressful with pressure and tight deadlines. I'm really worried that my brain fog won't allow me to do my job effectively. I know I'm not going to be able to multitask at all. I don't feel like the same person I was a year ago and I'm concerned I won't be able to cope, that I'll embarrass myself and damage my reputation. Has anyone else had a similar experience with a positive outcome to give me some hope? Or any advice about managing brain fog and a demanding job? TIA Bec :x
Triple negative recurrence
Hi I was diagnosed with Triple Neg last March 2024 and finished chemo and radiation end Sept. I got through it all fine-not too many side effects bar the usual and I was exercising, eating well, and feeling positive about it not returning but then in November I felt a lump but wasn't too concerned I thought is was just fibrous tissue post radiation but it has returned and not only that I now have a small oestrogen postive one in the other breast. In a week and a half i have gone from ultrasound, PET scan biopsy and starting chemo last week and had 2nd one today. As well as immunotherapy and a double masectomy when chemo has finished. I'm just finding it quite hard to cope with this time (even though) the PET scan shows it hasn't spread anywhere. I was so strong last time but this time I feel like the rug has been pulled out from under me and I'm finding it hard to stay positive. I sat and just had tears running down my face for a lot of the chemo today. I didn't really feel the need to use BCNA much last time but this time I think I need some extra support. Thanks for listening, just nice to know there are people out there who can empathise with how I'm feeling. Take care.Neuropathy- need some moral support
Hi all, I had one dose taxol and 2 doses herceptin. They have since put treatment on hold 3 weeks ago due to neuropathy in feet and legs (I was borderline for needing it anyway). Im now in a vicious cycle or spiralling anxiety and worsening symptoms, despite them only being mild to begin with. I’ve upped my antidepressants which will hopefully kick in soon. But I’m so scared that this is going to be permanent. I get zapping, tingling and varying numbness. Some days are good, where I barely notice, and other days, like today, it feels debilitating. I guess I’m looking for some good news stories or tips on what worked physically or mentally to help get you through this. many thanks, AnnaFirst appointment since diagnosis
Hi Lovely Ladies, I have my first appt on wednesday at Peter Mac and was wondering if anyone else went to Peter mac and what their experience was with the first appointment. Im hoping to come away with some dates of appointments to start my journey or am I being unrealistic and is it just really an information session? Thanks in advanceSo confused, scared and teary
Hi all, I was just diagnosed yesterday with DCIS intermediate grade 2 and told to get off my HRT patches immediately. I have 3 areas in the one breast so I think i will need a masectomy. I have been contacted by Peter Mac in Melbourne regarding my referral and just waiting on confirmation of my appointment date. My brain is saying if I had to have cancer this is the one to get but my emotions are being ridiculous, so teary inside but cool and calm on the outside trying to support everyone else. If I do need a masectomy i want to have reconstruction surgery on the same day with a small implant but Im so worried as 6 months ago I was let go at work due to business downsizing and ive really struggled to find another job, my mum has just passed away and any savings I had have helped with the funeral etc so basically I am seriously going through hardship and only just paying my rent on my job seeker payment. I am so scared that I will find out going through this process there are some unexpected charges that arent included, all the sites say peter mac is free and I am bulk billing but Im so scared that my health is going to held back due to financial stress. Has anyone had this process done at peter mac, chose the medicare bulk billing option and was their reconstruction covered? Sorry Im really rambling here but its so much easier to type this to a stranger than someone I know. xxxxxNewly diagnosed and waiting for appt. breast becoming more tender as I wait :-(
Hi there, I feel I’m in the difficult position of waiting four weeks between diagnosis and first surgeon appointment. Invasive lobular ER+ PR + HER2 - lump that I noticed in right breast a month ago. I’ve had the MRI done privately this week so the information is ready at that appointment. Trouble is the breast and armpit just feels increasingly niggly and slightly tender while I wait. I’m worried that it’s just growing/spreading as I wait. I don’t have private insurance, do have savings. but wanted to hold out for public and it being a more multi-disciplinary team. I’m really struggling wondering if I should have gone private and quick :-( Thank you x
I dont even know what my question is..
I got a lump out and thought nothing of it. The ultrasound and GP kind of indicated it was in the skin not the breast tissue. So when I got a call to go back to surgeon a little earlier, I thought they were just checking the wound care. Until they said its what it is and booked me in for another surgery (this week) and had MRI and CT and biopsy. On a referral it says possible IDC and DCIS. Im getting a call tomorrow and surgery Friday. GP told me the lymph nodes are positive. Its been a blur over Christmas. Will I ever think about something else or will it always be on my mind before bed and as and soon as I wake and every moment in between? I've 2 kids. Im scared.
