Stage 4 Breast Cancer Post treatment - Signs of progression

Good Evening,

My wife was diaginised with Satge 4 Breast Cancer at the beginning of June 2021. She had no previous diagonsis of breast cancer, straigh to stage 4.

He cancer has spread to her bones, mainly spine and back and possibly her liver. She finished chemotherapy eventually at the beginning of March 2022. We had the post treatment scans 1st week in April and saw the consultant 16th April, her cancer is described as stable, next appointment in 3 months.

At present she is reciving Herceptin every 3 weeks and bone strenghening drugs.

Since the appointment on April 16, I feel her condition has deteriated, she is beoming less mobile, not being able to walk as well, sleeping more during the day. memory deteriation and sometimes looks out of it. Last couple of days she as stuggled to get out of bed un aided and she feels the pain is now in her neck.

I have had a visit by the GP, who has taken bloods and water to test for infections etc, both negative. District nurse has been to see her.

I have no idea what to expect or what is likely to happen next, it is not something my wife want to ask when we go to the hospital, she doesn't want to know a prognosis. 

I was wondering if anyone coould advise of their experiences of this type of cacncer i.e. how quickly can the desease start to spread after chemo and what are the warning signs I should look out for?

Thank you in advance.

  • Hello

    I don't know what signs there may be that it is progressing, but I did want to reply as this must be so very hard for you both to be foing through. Are you able to speak to the oncology team who treated your wife? Herceptin is a wonder drug that I'm personally having at the moment and I truly hope it works for your wife. 

    I also am under separate care of Care Oncology in London, who may be able to help your wife if she is at stage 4. You can find them if you do a Google search.

    I'm sending you both big, positive vibes. 

     

    Vicki 

  • Oh and I believe that herceptin can sometimes cause upper back and joint pain. Did she start herceptin recently? It might be all the side effects of the different drugs that are making her neck feel sore and her body tired. 

  • Hi Vicki,

    Thanks very much for the reply. She has been on Herceptin since the start of treatment last July/August.

    She doesn't want me to speak to the oncology team, she is worried that she will end up back in Hospital. She hated that last year when she was in for about 4 weeks with no visitors.

    Today one of her sisters visited and she did perk up a bit. I'm hoping it is the start of a bit of a recovery of sorts.

  • I hope so too, for you both. And I hope you have support too through this. It is never easy. 

    Take care

    Vicki