Is it possible for metastatic breast cancer to be a chronic illness rather than death sentence? Looking for stories of hope

Recently diagnosed with MBC ER+/HER2- Has come completely out of the blue as no symptoms other than tiredness leading up to Christmas (which isn’t unusual). Have been on Letrozole and Ribociclib with monthly Zoladex and Denosumab injections and feel fine. But am terrified of what this means long term (I have 2 young children and am 45). Hoping to hear some success stories and people managing to get into remission x

  • Hi GoingToBeatThis,  I am sorry to hear about your diagnosis.  I have same as you, have bone mets.  I am on same medication except not zoladex.  I was diagnosed in 2024.  When I first met my oncologist he asked me what I knew about my cancer.  I said I know it is terminal and he said no it is not terminal.  It is not curable but it is treatable.  I didn't know that I would see Christmas.  Now am in a much better place and have been on holiday to Portugal last year and going to Iceland this week.  I am living with this disease and have decided to live the best life I can.  I don't have young children though so that must be scary.  My cancer is now stable so that is good.  I thing you can phone the helpline on here tomorrow for someone to talk to.  I had counselling that Macmillan organised for me and it helped.  I am also doing online zoom courses through the cancer charity Penny Brohn and find these really helpful.  Sending you hugs and I am here if you want to chat.

    Lee x