Stage 4 breast cancer

I was recently diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer and referred for a staging scan. It showed that the cancer has spread to both lungs and liver. I'm devastated. My family is devastated and I don't know how to carry on. I can't start chemo for another month so I feel that I'm sitting waiting to die. I'm not ready to die though. I'm only 51 and have so much more to live for. 

  • Hi I am 43 and was in May 2019 diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer mets in my lungs liver and kidney.I have started weekly Paclitaxel in August 2019 and my liver and kidney are clear now.The only cancer is few lung nodules.You are not going to die.I have nearly no side effects from chemo I have even returned to work in July and still doing chemo.

    I know its hard but please stay positive.If you want to chat I am here.

     

    Denise

  • Hi Denise,

    Thank you so much for your reply as it's given us all some hope. I only found out on Friday afternoon and to say it's knocked me sideways would be an understatement. Saying that,  I have been looking at other methods to use alongside the chemo.

    I will be having docetaxel plus trastuzumab and pertuzumab every 3 weeks. I've done quite a lot of water fasting in the past and will practice this with the chemo as I've read so many articles about the cancer cells being starved whilst the good cells become stronger rather than getting wiped out by chemo. I'm also going to ask my oncologist whether it would be ok to take a natural remedy by the name of soursop. It too has some good articles but hasn't been tested on humans. I'm prepared to give anything a go because I've got too much living to do. 

    It's wonderful to hear that you're doing so well. Have you done anything alongside chemo to support your immune system? And going back to work is amazing. Well done. You must be thrilled with your outcome. How many cycles of chemo have you had? I hope you don't mind me asking questions. I'm new to this and feeling somewhat overwhelmed right now.

    Thank you for replying to my post and I really hope that we can stay in touch.

    Barb x

  • Hello of course we can stay in touch.I am on weekly Paclitaxel since August 2019 having 1 month breaks .every 3 months to give a body rest.

    I am taking vitamin D daily and drinking vitamin C drinks.I also eating fruit bowls every day and lots of veggies.Eating meat only 1x. Week thats only chicken and eating lots of fish.I am trying to limit the sugary food but when I go to work I take with me croissants for breakfast:)I am working only 2x week and fridays having chemo.I dont count the cycles because its weekly.I am having it 3xweekly and then 1 week off.

     

    Denise

  • Hi Lorraine

    Yes I will mention fasting and other herbal remedies that I've heard can help. I understand that sometimes supplements and alternative therapies can certainly stop chemo working. I've got a telephone appointment on Wednesday with my oncologist regarding the side effects of chemo so can discuss it further with him.

    Thanks for your concern/advice. I'm new to this and in a bit of a panic. 

    Barb x

  • Hi Lorraine

    The fast lane is right. How did you find out about new drugs? Although I've been given a list of what I'm having and when I know nothing about them nor any other drug. I'm also confused by cycles. Some are weekly, 2weekly, monthly. It seems a minefield out there.

    I'm sure I'll become clued up on these things. It's all quite terrifying.

    Thanks for your response. 

     

    Barb x

  • Hi, I’m 51 too and  just been diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer which has spread to lungs and 1 nodule on my breast bone. Am in a world of turmoil, can’t eat, can’t sleep, can’t get my mind to stop being so negative because of the bad news I keep receiving. I had a mammogram last June which came back clear, then in November I went to the GP as found a lump in my right breast. Was diagnosed there and they said was fibroadenoma and not sent to the breast clinic. Gone from being told 1 week ago is stage 1, grade 2 surgery and chemo, to secondary breast cancer, stage 4 treatable but not curable. I’m in denial this happening to me I have no symptoms whatsoever and feel well in myself. . I’m not ready to die, I have a wonderful family to be with who need me. 

  • I have stage four breast cancer in my chest and throat in the soft tissue , im on ribociclib  and letrazole , i was diagnosed with breast cancer 27!years ago, i thought it had gone but it has returned i found out last december having been told by the dr i had acid reflux for 8 months i have been feelong ok but the last couple of days nauseous . I am 68 . Anyone else the same ? 

  • Hi Pammylou I have stage four breast cancer with mets in my spine, pelvis and other bones.  I had first oncology appointment yesterday.  Am going to be on Ribociclib, denosumab and exemestane.  I had breast cancer twelve years ago.  I was wondering how you were getting on, has the nausea gone away now?

  • Hi Leelaloo, I feel fine now but at first I was so nauseous you might be different, I kept telling myself I was going to feel better once I got used to the tablets and eventually I did some days I forget I’ve got cancer, so I hope you will be ok with everything going on. Cancer is xxxx good luck with all your treatments xxxx