Hi Cazmo,

I am sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis of metastases, when it sounds as if you have been dealing so positively with your original diagnosis and follow-up treatment. My mum had breast cancer for 12 years. It was only in her final year that we were told that it had metastasised into her liver, lungs, brain and bones. I know just how devastated we felt at the time, so my thoughts are with you.

I have had breast cancer myself for 7 years. I have had three bouts, the second 6 years ago and another this year. I had a lumpectomy the first time and a double mastectomy the second. My first 2 bouts were primaries in the same breast. I am just waiting to hear about my 3rd this coming week. I was back at the hospital to see my consultant in September and told that there was nothing to worry about, then in October, I received a letter giving me an appointment for next week. I don't expect that I am being called back for nothing and surely can't be lucky enough to have a third primary.

I think that getting a secondary diagnosis is a fear that we all live with from the first day we are diagnosed and I suppose that most of us have to face it eventually. I have only had hormone treatment, so cannot answer your question. I would imagine that whether or not this new treatment will reduce your pain, will depend upon what the new treatment is. Have you asked your care team about this? They should be in the best position to answer your question.

I have had a lot of pain in all my joints following treatment to the extent that my mobility is dramatically reduced. I have tried every option that I know of. I have attended pain clinics, exercise classes, mindfullness, swimming, acupuncture, used a tens machine, wear arm/hand sleeves for lymphoedema, have manual lymphatic drainage regularly, have bandaging of my arms and hands regularly, have attended physios, had 2 knee replacements. I was on heavy pain killers, but had to stop taking them after 6 years due to side-effects. I hope that you have more success with your pain. The trouble with stronger painkillers is that they 'zombify' you.

When are you due to start your treatment and will you see your consultant or Oncologist before this? If not, why not phone your breast care nurse and ask her?

Please let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Good luck to you, Jolamine, with your results this week. You really have suffered over the last few years. xx Harry

Hi Harry,

Thank you for your good wishes. I must confess that I've been 'bricking it' for the past 3 weeks, but will let you know how things go this week.

I hope that you are keeping well.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Korina,

A warm welcome to Cancer Chat.

I am so sorry to hear that you find yourself in the same position as Cazmo. When are you due to start treatment? I hope that it goes well for both of you.

Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you whenever you feel like talking.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx