Hi Micgeo,

Welcome to Cancer Chat. I'm very sorry to hear of what you're going through at the moment.

It's best to discuss your question with your doctor or specialist if you can, as they will be best placed to advise.

Our nurses are available to chat too if it helps - it may be good to talk things through with them. You can reach them on 0808 800 4040 - Monday-Friday, 9-5.

I hope you find the forum helpful - we are always here for support.

Wishing you all the best,

Ben
Cancer Chat Moderator

Hi Micgeo,

I'm sorry to hear that you're stage 4. I am too. Different types of cancer can be very painful. I have inflammatory breast cancer which was very painful before I began treatment in October. I suggest that you speak to your oncologist about the pain that you're experiencing. If you're unable to reach him/her then your GP will be aware of your situation and may help. 

Good luck with your treatment and I hope you can sort out some pain relief.

Barb

Hi 

Thank you for taking the time to reply,it means a lot ,I've spoke. To my oncologist about pain she's not sure it is the cancer , we will know more on my next scan in six weeks so just take co- codemol as an when I need it,

Can I ask what is inflammatory breast cancer and what treatment are you having  ,how are you coping with everything

Micgeo

i  am due to start chemo tabs nxt  wk glad to hear ur noipt unwel. I had 30 chemo so far. 3 dif  types.  Been ok ish and normal life with covid but to find out it was al for nothin and its spread to brain made me lose faith  totaly. I thought i was doin gud not the total opposite. Am stil in shock but i wont let it win. No way. Am 48 and loads to live for. Fab  family and kids and friends . I hope u continue to stay well. Big hugs. X x

Hi, inflammatory breast cancer is a rare and aggressive cancer. It spreads throughout the breast and is usually diagnosed at stages 3 or 4.

Unfortunately mine had spread beyond the breast before I became aware of it. It began with severe pain in the breast and quickly moved to under my armpit. The CT scan showed that it had also spread to both lungs and liver. All of this happened within 6 weeks. It felt like my life imploded.

I've currently had 7/8 of docetaxel chemo as well as herceptin and perjetta at the same time. After my next chemo session I'll stay on the target drugs for life. I was initially given upto 2 years but I'm not going anywhere as I've got too much living to do. My scan results before the new year showed that the cancer is being defeated and I'm hoping that I'll be cancer free at my next scan in march.

I'll always be stage 4 but I'm hoping that the target drugs can hold off the cancer for a long time to come.

Positivity helps as does good living. I feel as if I'm helping the drugs with my healthier lifestyle.

I have moments when I cry into my pillow and I think it's completely normal as well as being an outlet for the negativity that I get on occasion.

The future is uncertain but I take each day as it comes. 

Good luck with your journey.

Barb

Hi how are u now..I have stage 4 cancer..spread to liver breast bone..bones lymph nodes..a few places...they given me chemo n drugs to stop it spreading..before I started treatment I had lumps up on my chest after one treatment they have gone down totally..I was also experience pain in my chest bone..that as also stopped ..they given me 3 + years I'm so hoping for more ..had a really good Christmas with my two children..and I don't want leave them yet..I'm very positive person....but got say it's Xmas so I am eating chocs n cake...Jan I will eat better...anybody going through similar n longer treatment so can give advice n just hear your stories...my hair dropping out already..I'm on this treatment for a year..