How many of us are there with Stage IV Metastatic Cancer and when was it diagnosed?
I was diagnosed 9/2010, in my bones and skin.
As always, thinking and praying for all of us.
Carol
Comments
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Hi Carol
I was diagnosed on Feb. 10, 2010. Within a week and a battery of tests I knew the extent of the disease: left breast, many lymph nodes(including the supraclavical), liver, bones, and skin all involved. This is lobular ER/PR-, HER2+ cancer. The liver has numerous tumors, the bones involved are the spine, ribs, and pelvis, and the skin is effected on the inside. No surgery was warranted because of the extent of the disease so I've been on chemotherapy and targeted therapy every week since Feb. 26, 2010.
This was not a recurrence - all effected areas were present at first diagnosis. A "meeting of the minds" determined that it had only started about 4 to 5 months prior. This was quite shocking as I had been healthy all my life and there's no history of cancer anywhere in my family.
As you said, I think about and pray for all who've been afflicted with this disease, regardless of where they are in the battle.
Marsha0 -
bumping upMarsha Mulvey said:Hi Carol
I was diagnosed on Feb. 10, 2010. Within a week and a battery of tests I knew the extent of the disease: left breast, many lymph nodes(including the supraclavical), liver, bones, and skin all involved. This is lobular ER/PR-, HER2+ cancer. The liver has numerous tumors, the bones involved are the spine, ribs, and pelvis, and the skin is effected on the inside. No surgery was warranted because of the extent of the disease so I've been on chemotherapy and targeted therapy every week since Feb. 26, 2010.
This was not a recurrence - all effected areas were present at first diagnosis. A "meeting of the minds" determined that it had only started about 4 to 5 months prior. This was quite shocking as I had been healthy all my life and there's no history of cancer anywhere in my family.
As you said, I think about and pray for all who've been afflicted with this disease, regardless of where they are in the battle.
Marsha
you Brave WARRIORS .. are in my heart and in my prayers.
Strength, Courage and Hope.
Vicki Sam0 -
After a 22 year remission, I
After a 22 year remission, I was diagnosed with Stage IV in April 2009 (bone mets). I am doing well and planning on another 22 years!0 -
Me too...CypressCynthia said:After a 22 year remission, I
After a 22 year remission, I was diagnosed with Stage IV in April 2009 (bone mets). I am doing well and planning on another 22 years!
I hate this club! lol. But here I am a new member....
Original diagnosis April, 2009....stage IIa, lumpectomy, clean, clear margins, no lymph node involvement....chemo, rads.....found a lump that seemed to appear over night, literally, right above my clavicle..this on a Friday, 3 weeks ago....knew by Monday afternoon my cancer had returned...recurrence of the bc...after every test know to man, just about, PET,CAT,MRI, blood work,EKG, physical exams, family doc exam, biopsy of the clavicle "lump," done under conscious sedation, it is the triple negative back to haunt me...BUT THE GOOD NEWS...it is "only" in this clavicle node and a "few" other nodes, it has not invaded any vital organs or the bones...so I am thankful for that! All this less than 21 months of completing original treatment....
Fast forward to now., 3 1/2 weeks later...after all this I qualified for a clinical trial chemo drug that is in Phase II ready for phase III...this is an oral chemo drug, which is a small blessing! This is in conjunction with Sloan Kettering in NY....I will take it every 21 days...after the third cycle, the scans will all be repeated....providing the cancer has not progressed, I will repeat these cycles for a year....if it has, I am off the drug and we go to plan B..I'll cross that bridge if needed.....I took the first dose of 5 capsules 8 days ago...so far so good...minimal side effects, achy, constipation...no steroids,no nausea, fatigue, but not bad....although as with conventional chemo, the side effects are cumulative...so that remains to be seen....
According to my oncologist, there are two more NEW drugs coming along for metastatic BC...good news for us!!!! This is now a chronic disease for me..
.I was puzzled by a post made today where someone said their oncologist said she was "cured".....mine told me, point blank, last week cancer cannot be cured....they can put it in remission...he said we have yet to find a "cure" for cancer...I was always told before this recurrence, by 4 physicians that I was in remission....guess they were right!
So girls, we are in a different club now... we did it once, we can beat this into remission again! I've had my pity party, now the gloves are on!
Hugs to all,
Nancy0 -
I admire you allMAJW said:Me too...
I hate this club! lol. But here I am a new member....
Original diagnosis April, 2009....stage IIa, lumpectomy, clean, clear margins, no lymph node involvement....chemo, rads.....found a lump that seemed to appear over night, literally, right above my clavicle..this on a Friday, 3 weeks ago....knew by Monday afternoon my cancer had returned...recurrence of the bc...after every test know to man, just about, PET,CAT,MRI, blood work,EKG, physical exams, family doc exam, biopsy of the clavicle "lump," done under conscious sedation, it is the triple negative back to haunt me...BUT THE GOOD NEWS...it is "only" in this clavicle node and a "few" other nodes, it has not invaded any vital organs or the bones...so I am thankful for that! All this less than 21 months of completing original treatment....
Fast forward to now., 3 1/2 weeks later...after all this I qualified for a clinical trial chemo drug that is in Phase II ready for phase III...this is an oral chemo drug, which is a small blessing! This is in conjunction with Sloan Kettering in NY....I will take it every 21 days...after the third cycle, the scans will all be repeated....providing the cancer has not progressed, I will repeat these cycles for a year....if it has, I am off the drug and we go to plan B..I'll cross that bridge if needed.....I took the first dose of 5 capsules 8 days ago...so far so good...minimal side effects, achy, constipation...no steroids,no nausea, fatigue, but not bad....although as with conventional chemo, the side effects are cumulative...so that remains to be seen....
According to my oncologist, there are two more NEW drugs coming along for metastatic BC...good news for us!!!! This is now a chronic disease for me..
.I was puzzled by a post made today where someone said their oncologist said she was "cured".....mine told me, point blank, last week cancer cannot be cured....they can put it in remission...he said we have yet to find a "cure" for cancer...I was always told before this recurrence, by 4 physicians that I was in remission....guess they were right!
So girls, we are in a different club now... we did it once, we can beat this into remission again! I've had my pity party, now the gloves are on!
Hugs to all,
Nancy
Hello Girls,
I admire your attitude and courage. I am sure you have provided hope for many of us and will in the future.
I was naive three years ago when I have thought it could be cured. With my knowledge about cancer today I tell everybody that it is in remission and it make more sense to me. Another point, since we already have had cancer I alway thought we all are considered a high risk group for recurrence and other cancers as well.
Hugs,
New Flower0 -
MAY..May86 said:I was diagnosed with BC mets
I was diagnosed with BC mets to the lung in 2006. I had the lobe removed and went on Faslodex. I'm doing well at present. May
You're an inspiration! You made my day....5 yrs since your dx.....
Thank you, and hugs,
Nancy0 -
Good for u. I luv urCypressCynthia said:After a 22 year remission, I
After a 22 year remission, I was diagnosed with Stage IV in April 2009 (bone mets). I am doing well and planning on another 22 years!
cynthia... Good for u. I luv ur positive attitude.0 -
name of two drugs?MAJW said:Me too...
I hate this club! lol. But here I am a new member....
Original diagnosis April, 2009....stage IIa, lumpectomy, clean, clear margins, no lymph node involvement....chemo, rads.....found a lump that seemed to appear over night, literally, right above my clavicle..this on a Friday, 3 weeks ago....knew by Monday afternoon my cancer had returned...recurrence of the bc...after every test know to man, just about, PET,CAT,MRI, blood work,EKG, physical exams, family doc exam, biopsy of the clavicle "lump," done under conscious sedation, it is the triple negative back to haunt me...BUT THE GOOD NEWS...it is "only" in this clavicle node and a "few" other nodes, it has not invaded any vital organs or the bones...so I am thankful for that! All this less than 21 months of completing original treatment....
Fast forward to now., 3 1/2 weeks later...after all this I qualified for a clinical trial chemo drug that is in Phase II ready for phase III...this is an oral chemo drug, which is a small blessing! This is in conjunction with Sloan Kettering in NY....I will take it every 21 days...after the third cycle, the scans will all be repeated....providing the cancer has not progressed, I will repeat these cycles for a year....if it has, I am off the drug and we go to plan B..I'll cross that bridge if needed.....I took the first dose of 5 capsules 8 days ago...so far so good...minimal side effects, achy, constipation...no steroids,no nausea, fatigue, but not bad....although as with conventional chemo, the side effects are cumulative...so that remains to be seen....
According to my oncologist, there are two more NEW drugs coming along for metastatic BC...good news for us!!!! This is now a chronic disease for me..
.I was puzzled by a post made today where someone said their oncologist said she was "cured".....mine told me, point blank, last week cancer cannot be cured....they can put it in remission...he said we have yet to find a "cure" for cancer...I was always told before this recurrence, by 4 physicians that I was in remission....guess they were right!
So girls, we are in a different club now... we did it once, we can beat this into remission again! I've had my pity party, now the gloves are on!
Hugs to all,
Nancy
Hi Nancy, I am TN mets to two lymph nodes, abdomen, and rt and left lung...no complications. all tumors are still small. I just got done with avastin/abraxane in jan. I am looking for clinical trials. What is the name of the drugs you are taking? I am looking at an MK2206 with Taxol. Any info you could share would be great! I am in Texas but could go other places if needed. Thanks, MJ0 -
Love and admiration for allMAJW said:MAY..
You're an inspiration! You made my day....5 yrs since your dx.....
Thank you, and hugs,
Nancy
Love and admiration for all you warriors. I've learned and gained so much from you girls in the few short months I've been on this board. If re-occurrence ever occurs on my end, I hope and pray for the strength to take the high road like you girls. You gals inspire me... Keep up the fight.
Hugs,
Lorrie0 -
You are all a wonderful inspiration to all of usCAchick said:Not stage IV, but...
LOVE Y'all!
Sybil
To me, cancer is cancer--it all sucks big time. Some situations suck way more than others. Some of us are at different stages than others. Some of us may develop metastasis, recurrences or other forms of cancer. Some of us never will.
The main thing is--we're all a sisterhood here and my heart and prayers go out to each and everyone here, no matter what their situation.
I love you all.
Hugs, Renee0 -
I feel like Lorriemissrenee said:You are all a wonderful inspiration to all of us
To me, cancer is cancer--it all sucks big time. Some situations suck way more than others. Some of us are at different stages than others. Some of us may develop metastasis, recurrences or other forms of cancer. Some of us never will.
The main thing is--we're all a sisterhood here and my heart and prayers go out to each and everyone here, no matter what their situation.
I love you all.
Hugs, Renee
You are all a inspiration to those of us who haven't had recurrances. Been dx with a cancer that hasn't spread and maybe never will.But reading all of your situations and how you handle it makes me stronger.We have to stay strong to fight this disease.
I feel the same about being cured. We aren't.We are all going to wonder if it comes back or spreads to other organs.Never will be cured IMO.In remission but not cured.
My breast surgeon said to me "You don't have bc now and Stage 0 but you can get other cancers and another type of breast cancer but just not DCIS. DCIS won't spread but other types of cancers can develop.
After reading these posts you ladies are awesome and I wish the very best for all of you.I know you will all beat this.
Lynn Smith0 -
Bump up....Lynn Smith said:I feel like Lorrie
You are all a inspiration to those of us who haven't had recurrances. Been dx with a cancer that hasn't spread and maybe never will.But reading all of your situations and how you handle it makes me stronger.We have to stay strong to fight this disease.
I feel the same about being cured. We aren't.We are all going to wonder if it comes back or spreads to other organs.Never will be cured IMO.In remission but not cured.
My breast surgeon said to me "You don't have bc now and Stage 0 but you can get other cancers and another type of breast cancer but just not DCIS. DCIS won't spread but other types of cancers can develop.
After reading these posts you ladies are awesome and I wish the very best for all of you.I know you will all beat this.
Lynn Smith
Bump up!!!0 -
Well said Renee!missrenee said:You are all a wonderful inspiration to all of us
To me, cancer is cancer--it all sucks big time. Some situations suck way more than others. Some of us are at different stages than others. Some of us may develop metastasis, recurrences or other forms of cancer. Some of us never will.
The main thing is--we're all a sisterhood here and my heart and prayers go out to each and everyone here, no matter what their situation.
I love you all.
Hugs, Renee
Well said Renee!0 -
Sorry, was going to respond quicker but had a rough week...
My main reason for this post was to let people on this site know that even with mets/stage iv we still live and have a good life. Mind you the fight for life is on, but it is not an automatic death sentence.
Personally, I will stay on chemo as long as my body will tolerate it as the 10 - 12 good days every month are well worth the hell of the treatments (don't always feel this way during the bad days, but I equate it with going from winter to beautiful springtime with flowers and new life, only difference is I get to experience seeing springtime where everything feels more beautiful every month and I am so happy to be alive).
It is so hard when we finish the intial treatment for bc, or any cancer, then always have it in the back of our minds will it come back? My wish for everyone on this board is that we don't let the fears get in the way of living our lives to the fullest while we have the ability to do so. Harder said than done, but honestly there is no guarantee for anyone that we will or will have a recurrance, and even when we do, treatment is doable.
I was initally told after my mastectomy that my chances for recurrance were slim to none and there was no reason for chemo initially. But my original onco (and current one said that with the amounts of hrt that I was on, made it crucial to be very aggressive at the onset, which he was. 8 1/2 years later it was back and he is still fighting it aggressively for which I will always trust his judgement.
So as always I will hope and pray for all of us for good health, mentally, spiritually, and the ability to set our fears aside and live our lives to the fullest.
A sense of humor, love and laughter get me through,
Hugs always, Carol0 -
I always pray for all of mycamul said:Sorry, was going to respond quicker but had a rough week...
My main reason for this post was to let people on this site know that even with mets/stage iv we still live and have a good life. Mind you the fight for life is on, but it is not an automatic death sentence.
Personally, I will stay on chemo as long as my body will tolerate it as the 10 - 12 good days every month are well worth the hell of the treatments (don't always feel this way during the bad days, but I equate it with going from winter to beautiful springtime with flowers and new life, only difference is I get to experience seeing springtime where everything feels more beautiful every month and I am so happy to be alive).
It is so hard when we finish the intial treatment for bc, or any cancer, then always have it in the back of our minds will it come back? My wish for everyone on this board is that we don't let the fears get in the way of living our lives to the fullest while we have the ability to do so. Harder said than done, but honestly there is no guarantee for anyone that we will or will have a recurrance, and even when we do, treatment is doable.
I was initally told after my mastectomy that my chances for recurrance were slim to none and there was no reason for chemo initially. But my original onco (and current one said that with the amounts of hrt that I was on, made it crucial to be very aggressive at the onset, which he was. 8 1/2 years later it was back and he is still fighting it aggressively for which I will always trust his judgement.
So as always I will hope and pray for all of us for good health, mentally, spiritually, and the ability to set our fears aside and live our lives to the fullest.
A sense of humor, love and laughter get me through,
Hugs always, Carol
I always pray for all of my pink sisters and pray even harder that a cure will be found in my lifetime. We all have our own journeys....I just wish no one had to ever go down this road again.
Praying for all of you,
Megan0
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