So sorry about your diagnosis, I’m 43 and was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer in October 22 I’ve had 6 rounds of chemotherapy and now on a targeted therapy called phesgo every 3 weeks. I was told to treat this more like a chronic illness rather than a death sentence. Keep positive and I’m here if you ever need to talk to someone xxxx

Thank you both for your replies.  It's good to know that I'm not the only one who is going through this as sometimes it feels like it.  There is only so much I feel I can tell my family what I'm experiencing but I don't expect them to understand.  

I'm glad I found this forum as I feel I've got a place to come and ask for help or just get things off my chest so I'll definitely be posting.

I've got an appointment next week with my oncologist to discuss chemo.

Hi Sw33tpea,

You will find this forum a great place to come and sound off, to chat, ask advice, or to get information. This all comes from people who have, or have had first hand experience of what you're going through. You'll  find that it's often easier to speak to strangers, here, instead of worrying family and friends with your concerns.

PIease keep in touch and let us know how your oncology appointment goes. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Lindsay that's a good way of looking at it as a chronic illness not a death sentence ,because some of the newer treatments over the last few years are really keeping certain cancers in check for many many years ,I hope you're doing well .

Hello and sorry about your news.  2 years ago in March I was in your situation, I was 48 and diagnosed with Stage 4 Breast Cancer from the off.  I did not even have any symptoms, I am still here and still no symptoms.  The breast cancer was also in my bones (Hip / Femur / Rib / Spine).  Now after starting treatment (Denosumab/hormone therapy/targeted therapy) my bones look normal on the scans.  The drugs they give you today are very effective and you can live life like you normally would.  It is very common to have aches and pains and feel a bit tired when you start hormone therapy but eventually it will wear off.  The most important thing is to not give up hope, and you have to be a good advocate for yourself, push for things and don't give up the fight.

Hi all.  Just a quick update.  I start chemotherapy on 29th January

Hi Sw33tpea,

I am glad to hear that you now have a date for chemo to start and, I sincerely hope that you find treatment as effective as Lizee has. I hope that you can also look at your cancer journey as a chronic illness, rather than a death sentence, as Lindsay suggests. Keeping positive will get you through this and I sincerely hope that treatment will help to reduce your pain.

Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. Remember that, we are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

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