67 Male Metastatic Breast Cancer
Good Morning My 67 year old dad was diagnosed at the end of February with Her2 negative breast cancer. He had a mastectomy of the left breast and sentinel lymph nodes removal in March. A week later he had a second surgery to do axilla node removal as 3 of the 5 nodes removed were positive for cancer from the first surgery. The second surgery removed a further 17 nodes all were negative. He had a PET CT scan just before first surgery which came back all clear except for some haemangioma which was not mentioned to us at the time. He was classed as a 2B stage and referred for chemo, radiation and hormone therapy. Things looked positive. At the first appointment with the medical oncologist she booked dad in for chemo, but also mentioned that the PET scan he had done previously showed an area in the T 1 of his spine that should be investigated further as it could be a possible metastasis or a haemangioma. No idea why the breast surgeon missed that in the PET report. Dad did a MRI which unfortunately showed possible metastasis in his T1, T6, T9 and L1. He then had a bone scan which showed same results along with 2 small spots on his ribs. Oncologist has canceled chemotherapy and radiation before it’s even started and put dad on tamoxifen and abemaciclib. He will start denosumab bone injections in about 2 months as he had to pull 2 teeth out to be able to get dental clearance for them. He did a bone biopsy of his L1 yesterday even though oncologist was adamant he didn’t need to do it as the metastasis is confirmed with the scans. Results are pending. His bloodwork is ‘normal’. No radiation has been recommended for now as dad has no pain. The last 2 months has been an emotional rollercoaster. There is very little information out there on male breast cancer. We’re unsure why the PET scan was cleared by the breast surgeon but it turns out there is actually metastatic disease on his spine and ribs. We’re not sure the wait and see approach is ok with us. Do most metastatic breast cancer patients receive chemo and radiation or just hormone blocking therapy. Also not happy bone injections are delayed for 2 months but nothing is replacing it for now. We’re tempted to see another oncologist for a second opinion on treatment. What are your thoughts on dad’s situation?
Capecitibane
Hi there I now have secondary breast lung cancer nodules. My oncologist has trialed me on Pablociclib and Abemaciclib however nodules have continued to grow and increase in number. They are now suggesting a few other options, one of them being Capecitibane. Again symptoms sound awful, especially hand foot syndrome 😞 I would appreciate any accounts of personal experiences with symptoms and results after use. Thank you in advance 🙏🫶
Trodelvy - any info to share?
Hi, I am reaching out to see if anyone else has commenced Trodelvy chemotherapy and if yes, what are your side effects experiences. I am only in 1st cycle, 2 weeks on/1 week off. Main reaction has been some insomnia and bad fatigue. Wondering about hair loss and at what stage, if anyone has experienced this? Does fatigue get worse? Any other lurking side effects to be aware of?
6 years cancer free...then I'm not
Hi all, just wanted to share a little about my journey and was also wanting some advice... My story begins in December 2016, found a lump in my right breast after running my first marathon (lost quite a bit of weight with all the training). fast forward 11 surgeries-lumpectomies, sentinel node biopsies, egg harvesting/preservation, bilateral mastectomies and insertion of silicone implants, removal of said implants, cesaerean section, hysterectomy, bilateral DIEP reconstruction and fat grafting and we get to 2022. I had my DIEP recon in 2021 (most horrific experience of my life-had to be resuscitated twice and in ICU for a week). After all that, I decided to celebrate the end of my cancer journey with my second marathon (great ocean road-bucket list and definitely recommend). Unfortunately, December 2022, have found out I have had a recurrence of the cancer (despite bilateral mastectomies and reconstructions) and it has now spread to my lymph nodes. I really don't know how to feel about this...so much has changed for me in the last 6 years since my diagnosis, I went from being happily married with no kids the first time around, to now seperated, single parent to a beautiful 5 year old that starts school next year, and a completely different job. I guess my question to you all is...is there anyone else out there who has/is going through the same? I know that I have both Chemo and radiation plus multiple surgeries in my immediate future. I feel...tired...like I really just don't know if I have the strength to endure this again. I am considering not going through any treatment and enjoying the time I have left with my son. I don't want to go through all the treatment and lose the quality of life I have now, especially if I could potentially die on the operating table anyway. I was 31 when first diagnosed and am 37 now, any thoughts?
Mum recently diagnosed
Hey all, I've joined this forum in the hopes of connecting with others. My mum is 69, diagnosed with breast cancer 2 months ago and now has been diagnosed with metastatic BC in spine and possibly lungs (they arent 100% sure on the lungs) as the spots are so small. Shes started oral chemo and hormone therapy today and will see the oncologist again in 5 weeks. She seems to be handling it well so far but she's not feeling sick or anything yet so i guess time will tell. Im sure its going to be a long journey and I'll be here to support her every step of the way. I currently live with my mum so im glad Im here to be there for her. I just wanted to pop in and say hi.
Treatment
Hi everyone I don’t know how to start this, I was diagnosed with breast in 2017 when pregnant. My baby and I went through mastectomy, chemo and radiation together because she was still in my belly when I was going through all that, thank God she came out beautifully and strong. She is 20month and a very happy girl. But now unfortunately my cancer has metastasis into my bones and liver. Having chemo again with all that comes with it. I get really stressed and frustrated. The chemo knocks me down so hard I can barely get out of bed sometimes, can’t eat and am losing so much weight.. I feel like this cancer is winning but heal no am not going down without a fight.Guided Meditation for chemotherapy
Hi everyone, I was diagnosed a month ago, had a lumpectomy and am about to have my 3rd round of chemo. I found this guided meditation on You Tube specifically for chemo. It's been wonderful and I do it morning and night. It's helped me cope with anxiety and worry and taught me how to change my thinking so that I view chemo as a positive experience. This is the link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNaqEKtc4Uk Hope it helps you tooHello and liver
hi all thought id introduce myself. 43 with 3 kids I had bc 10 years ago. 2 years ago back pain and a scan showed Mets to sacrum. On xgeva and femara and in remission after radiation. Then most recent scan showed a met in my liver. Anyone else on a similar shitty path with the liver. I did a silly thing and looked at dr Google. Big mistake! Seeing my oncologist next Wednesday. Xxxxxx
Devastated
This is the first time I've posted anything but I don't know who else to turn to. I initially had early breast cancer June 2010, treated with lumpectomy, lymph node clearance left arm,chemo and radiation. Took tamoxifan for 6 years. Got to my 5 years and me and everyone else went "woohoo!!". Planned the rest of my life with my loving husband and two wonderful sons. Then a month ago I got sick whilst on holiday overseas. Came back home to a battery of tests..the PET scan shows mets in lymph nodes and bones. This wasn't supposed to happen!! I start agressive chemo next week knowing now that I will be lucky to survive 5 years. I am 61. I just don't know what to do, my family and friends of course are supportive but I can't get through these dark feelings of despair. Does anyone have advice??