Cancer that have spread to bones

candican
candican Member Posts: 24

I haven't been here for awhile now but I recently was diagnosed with breast cancer for the,third time. This time it's was in the armpit in the opposite side in the lymph node. I say lymph node because at the time there  was only one lymph node involved. At the time I wanted to wait to get a second opinion concerning my treatment and waiting on appointments date and time as well as different tests to be perform, Its now ihas reached  my bones. 

My question is have anyone survived  this type of cancer. My oncologist informed me that the cancer accordingly to a Pet Scan preformed the cancer showed in the spinal column, only one involvement. Also in the two ribs,  breast bone and hip. Is this cancer treatable if so what types of medicines have you guys used.

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Comments

  • Beepositive
    Beepositive Member Posts: 259 Member
    just want to wish you much success

    sorry about you new information candican but asks lots of questions to your oncologist and even 2nd opinion if necessary...everyone body is sooo different in how it react to meds and treatments. so God Bless and keep asking questions of your doctors. I cannot relate to your current situation but HUGS AND PRAYERS TO YOU..YOU WILL BE FINE.

    beepositive

  • Deb2364
    Deb2364 Member Posts: 1
    Hi! My breast cancer also

    Hi! My breast cancer also spread into my bones. I have a rod in my femur and a pin in my hip. It is in my other hip and spine, but my oncologist is just keeping an eye on that. I am currently on Ibrance and Arimidex. I am only 3 months into this new diagnosis and medicine. Had a mastectomy last April. 

     

  • Apaugh
    Apaugh Member Posts: 850 Member
    Prayers going up

    I am fortuante enough to not have any mets.  I will keep both in prayers for healing and peace.

    Hugs,

    Annie

  • Stage 4 Breast Cancer with three sites on Bone- Metastates

    Hello There,

    I am 39 years old and two months ago, I felt lump in my left breast. Initial diagnosis from Mammogram and Ultrasound, biopsy revealed that it is stage 2 breast cancer as it has spread to couple of lymph nodes. After PET scan, we found three spots on bone: T1 on spine, sixth rib and lower back. I went to MD Anderson for second opinion. I had brain MRI done to rule out short memory loss (At times I can't remember people's name). Also spine MRI to confirm PET scan results as I have back problem and couple of discs are degenerated. PET scan picks up all inflammation in the body. Spine MRI confirmed Metastates. I had also bone biopsy done. I am ER/PR Positive and HER2 negative. I also did genetic testing to see if I have any more risk of other kinds of cancer in future or not. Genetic  testing came negative. For my treatment, I am qualified for one of the trial which is done for treatement plans rather than drugs. I am getting six months of Chemo. Three months for Taxol weekly, with Zometa every four weeks. After 12 rounds of Taxol, I will have four rounds of AC every three weeks. Followed by Breast removal, radiation and hormonal treatment. 

    As per my Oncologist, it is very aggresive treatment with intesion to cure and they have seen successful results. I had three chemos done. Tomorrow will be fourth one. Going strong and will be strong till I get rid of the cancer from my body. I am still working full time. Walking every day - 7000 steps a day is target and also practicing yoga for 15-20 minutes in the morning. It is helping me to stay fit and keep immune system up. I have got best of the best husband and in-laws to take care of me.

    There is a book called Anti-cancer. Please read it. The book is written by Neurologist -Ph.D. Doctor who himself has gone through Brain Cancer. Very informative.

    I will pray for all of you. One thing,I want to say is keep positive attitude. Stay strong and Happy. Be normal as you were before. Believe in God. Believe in yourself. Cancer will go away and will never return.

  • Kats2
    Kats2 Member Posts: 126
    edited September 2017 #6
    Bone mets

    Hi Candican,

    I have strictly bone mets but many of them. I've been dealing with these mets for over 3 years so far.

    You ask if this cancer is treatable and the answer is yes. ( not curable, but treatable. Some women live a very long time with bone mets, ( could be 10-20 years or more), plus there are new drugs coming out all the time.) Each person's treatment will depend on the type of BC you have, whether you're EST+ or -, PR + or -, and the most important one, whether you are HER+ or -. Your Oncologist will base the drugs you get on this information. If you look at your Pathology  report, this info is listed.

    You can still get a second opinion. I did while on my prescribed medicine. The consulting Oncologist reviewed my lab work and looked at all my past scans, and agreed with the treatment I was getting from my current doctor. She sent her opinions in writing to my Oncologist and also spoke to him on the phone. My Oncologist encouraged my getting a 2nd opinion. It helps in their decision making. Two years later I also got another consulting opinion. My Health Insurance encourages it also. It gives you reassurance too.

    So, I would get started on your therapy and also get that 2nd opinion. Bring your questions with you plus another person who'll write down what the doctor says. That's important. And one last suggestion: When you see the consulting doctor, bring your scans yourself! Have them in your hands to give to them personally. I was told to do this for my 1st consultation and that worked out well. For the second consultation, I trusted my doctor's staff to send the necessary scans, and they were NEVER sent! Time was wasted in getting my scans there on another day. I wasn't happy, nor was the consulting doctor as she had NOTHING to look at. So, do the legwork yourself and that way you'll have what is needed for your visit.

    Good luck!!   Kats2

     

  • Kats2
    Kats2 Member Posts: 126
    edited September 2017 #7

    Stage 4 Breast Cancer with three sites on Bone- Metastates

    Hello There,

    I am 39 years old and two months ago, I felt lump in my left breast. Initial diagnosis from Mammogram and Ultrasound, biopsy revealed that it is stage 2 breast cancer as it has spread to couple of lymph nodes. After PET scan, we found three spots on bone: T1 on spine, sixth rib and lower back. I went to MD Anderson for second opinion. I had brain MRI done to rule out short memory loss (At times I can't remember people's name). Also spine MRI to confirm PET scan results as I have back problem and couple of discs are degenerated. PET scan picks up all inflammation in the body. Spine MRI confirmed Metastates. I had also bone biopsy done. I am ER/PR Positive and HER2 negative. I also did genetic testing to see if I have any more risk of other kinds of cancer in future or not. Genetic  testing came negative. For my treatment, I am qualified for one of the trial which is done for treatement plans rather than drugs. I am getting six months of Chemo. Three months for Taxol weekly, with Zometa every four weeks. After 12 rounds of Taxol, I will have four rounds of AC every three weeks. Followed by Breast removal, radiation and hormonal treatment. 

    As per my Oncologist, it is very aggresive treatment with intesion to cure and they have seen successful results. I had three chemos done. Tomorrow will be fourth one. Going strong and will be strong till I get rid of the cancer from my body. I am still working full time. Walking every day - 7000 steps a day is target and also practicing yoga for 15-20 minutes in the morning. It is helping me to stay fit and keep immune system up. I have got best of the best husband and in-laws to take care of me.

    There is a book called Anti-cancer. Please read it. The book is written by Neurologist -Ph.D. Doctor who himself has gone through Brain Cancer. Very informative.

    I will pray for all of you. One thing,I want to say is keep positive attitude. Stay strong and Happy. Be normal as you were before. Believe in God. Believe in yourself. Cancer will go away and will never return.

    Treatment for ER+??

    Hi desiwonderwoman,

    Being ER+, has your Oncologist suggested that you have your ovaries removed? Ovaries in a pre-menopausal woman produce lots of estrogen, and if you're ER+, BC feeds on the estrogen that your body produces. That's why anti-hormonal drugs like Arimidex, Tamoxifen, and Faslodex are prescribed for ER+ women, especially is they're pre-menopausal. Post menopausal women also are on anti- Estrogen pills because the adrenal glands produce Estrogen too, but not as much as the ovaries. I know several pre-menopausal women who have had this done as part of their BC treatment.

    I was wondering if you have Lobular BC, or a high grade  of cancer, and that's why IV chemo is being recommended for you. I'm a little confused about the IV chemo protocol, then breast removal when the cancer has already left the breast. But now I realize that you're in a clinical trial. And I also see that you'll be getting radiation and hormone treatment after the Chemo.That's good. I wish you all the best with this BC journey.

    Yes, a positive is definitely needed!! You're to be congratulated on being so pro- active in getting well. You're young and determined and I'll be sending positive  thoughts and energy that you'll beat this. Prayers help too! I do a lot of praying and will keep you in mine.

    I also have bone mets and was told that because the BC travelled from my breast to another location in my body, I am now Stage 4. I'm fighting hard and hope that I can get into remission or at least remain stable without any further progression. So far it's stayed in my bones. I would love to have this BC completely gone! Miracles happen. With God all things are possible. Sending you light and love.  Kats2

  • HapB
    HapB Member Posts: 527
    edited September 2017 #8

    Stage 4 Breast Cancer with three sites on Bone- Metastates

    Hello There,

    I am 39 years old and two months ago, I felt lump in my left breast. Initial diagnosis from Mammogram and Ultrasound, biopsy revealed that it is stage 2 breast cancer as it has spread to couple of lymph nodes. After PET scan, we found three spots on bone: T1 on spine, sixth rib and lower back. I went to MD Anderson for second opinion. I had brain MRI done to rule out short memory loss (At times I can't remember people's name). Also spine MRI to confirm PET scan results as I have back problem and couple of discs are degenerated. PET scan picks up all inflammation in the body. Spine MRI confirmed Metastates. I had also bone biopsy done. I am ER/PR Positive and HER2 negative. I also did genetic testing to see if I have any more risk of other kinds of cancer in future or not. Genetic  testing came negative. For my treatment, I am qualified for one of the trial which is done for treatement plans rather than drugs. I am getting six months of Chemo. Three months for Taxol weekly, with Zometa every four weeks. After 12 rounds of Taxol, I will have four rounds of AC every three weeks. Followed by Breast removal, radiation and hormonal treatment. 

    As per my Oncologist, it is very aggresive treatment with intesion to cure and they have seen successful results. I had three chemos done. Tomorrow will be fourth one. Going strong and will be strong till I get rid of the cancer from my body. I am still working full time. Walking every day - 7000 steps a day is target and also practicing yoga for 15-20 minutes in the morning. It is helping me to stay fit and keep immune system up. I have got best of the best husband and in-laws to take care of me.

    There is a book called Anti-cancer. Please read it. The book is written by Neurologist -Ph.D. Doctor who himself has gone through Brain Cancer. Very informative.

    I will pray for all of you. One thing,I want to say is keep positive attitude. Stay strong and Happy. Be normal as you were before. Believe in God. Believe in yourself. Cancer will go away and will never return.

    Anti cancer book

    desiwonderwoamn, I don't want to scare you, but Dr. Servant died of his cancer quite a while ago.  

  • Bethlv2sail
    Bethlv2sail Member Posts: 1

    Stage 4 Breast Cancer with three sites on Bone- Metastates

    Hello There,

    I am 39 years old and two months ago, I felt lump in my left breast. Initial diagnosis from Mammogram and Ultrasound, biopsy revealed that it is stage 2 breast cancer as it has spread to couple of lymph nodes. After PET scan, we found three spots on bone: T1 on spine, sixth rib and lower back. I went to MD Anderson for second opinion. I had brain MRI done to rule out short memory loss (At times I can't remember people's name). Also spine MRI to confirm PET scan results as I have back problem and couple of discs are degenerated. PET scan picks up all inflammation in the body. Spine MRI confirmed Metastates. I had also bone biopsy done. I am ER/PR Positive and HER2 negative. I also did genetic testing to see if I have any more risk of other kinds of cancer in future or not. Genetic  testing came negative. For my treatment, I am qualified for one of the trial which is done for treatement plans rather than drugs. I am getting six months of Chemo. Three months for Taxol weekly, with Zometa every four weeks. After 12 rounds of Taxol, I will have four rounds of AC every three weeks. Followed by Breast removal, radiation and hormonal treatment. 

    As per my Oncologist, it is very aggresive treatment with intesion to cure and they have seen successful results. I had three chemos done. Tomorrow will be fourth one. Going strong and will be strong till I get rid of the cancer from my body. I am still working full time. Walking every day - 7000 steps a day is target and also practicing yoga for 15-20 minutes in the morning. It is helping me to stay fit and keep immune system up. I have got best of the best husband and in-laws to take care of me.

    There is a book called Anti-cancer. Please read it. The book is written by Neurologist -Ph.D. Doctor who himself has gone through Brain Cancer. Very informative.

    I will pray for all of you. One thing,I want to say is keep positive attitude. Stay strong and Happy. Be normal as you were before. Believe in God. Believe in yourself. Cancer will go away and will never return.

    Keep a Journal

    Hi, thanks for sharing your story.  Your attitude is perfect.  Keep your nose in the blue as pilots say; a positive attitude/altitude makes all the difference.  I wanted to share the notion of keeping a journal of all of your medical appointments, dates, dr. names, and notes about medications, dosages, names etc.  We found that to be tremendously helpful.  My friend has been living with stage 4 breast cancer for 2.5 years.  Having good notes day to day has been really helpful.  You think you'll remember but you don't always. 

    Even now I keep a journal on the counter and track her morphine, liquid intake, foods/calorie intake, Miralax (important to keep things moving).  I keep a separate notebook for dr. appointments complete with questions/answers.

    So glad your cancer was caught earlier.  Godspeed to you, you will survive and thrive.  hugs

  • Frida123
    Frida123 Member Posts: 1
    Yes You Can

    I joined this group just so I could respond to your post. I am newly diagnosed and here to get information. My mother and a close friend both had bone mets. My mother did nothing and perked along for 15 years. She had a large tumor and 8 nodes were positive. She just had surgery and that was that. My friend had radiation. She is going on 10 years. There is so much being developed, and so much more is understood every day. Think about HIV--it was a death sentence at one point. Now people manage it with drugs and you almost never hear about anyone succumbing to it. I believe we are very close to these kinds of break throughs with many diseases, including breast cancer. So I am here to say hang in there. Your cancer is treatable. Hoping for the best.

  • HapB
    HapB Member Posts: 527
    Keep the faith

    For all of the brave and amazing women with mets to the bones, keep the faith! Pray for a cure for this dreadful disease!

  • anniemshe
    anniemshe Member Posts: 91 Member
    Breast cancer metastasised to bone

    Hei I just joined today though i had breast cancer in 2008 and did the whole mastectomy,  chemotherapy and radiation. This was followed by 5 year tamoxifen. Now 2017 just in April I had some shoulder pain n they found it in the bone. One location!! Radiation again n now on letrozol together with a new drug that's on clinical trial called ribociclib. I too am looking for alternatives to these medication but not sure how to go about it. I'm open to any suggestion. 

  • Kat1962
    Kat1962 Member Posts: 26
    Hello all - a little late to

    Hello all - a little late to the party here, but found these posts relevant.  I was diagnosed with BC/some nodes mets in my lower spine.  Initially I was stage 2, but there was a "blip" on the bone scan, so a biopsy follolwed.  Positive for cancer and was bumped up to stage 4.  My mode of treatment is Ibrance and Letrozole with a monthly 30 minute IV of Zomata for my bones.  I had a bone scan (after the initial one) last month.  The tumors in my breast were almost undetectable, along with nodes.  My spine showed little improvement, but all is moving in the right direction.  

    So, the drugs are doing their thing.  It's been 6 months.  I was told I would NOT have a masectomy...still trying to wrap my head around that.  I'm in Boston and have THE BEST doctors, I'm in good hands and I have full confidence with my staff.  I feel good and am optimistic.  Yes, I do have bone/joint pain that shifts.  Losing a little hair, but I have a ton.  I've put on a few pounds, but I'll take all these SE's over the alternative...  I feel much better reading these posts, thanks for letting me chime in.  Best of luck to all!  Kat1962.

  • Apaugh
    Apaugh Member Posts: 850 Member
    edited March 2018 #14
    Kat

    You sound very secure in your medical team and in yourself.  I feel blessed to know such a brave person as you are.  Keep us updated when you can. 

    Prayers for better positive days going up for you.  Hugs,

    Annie

  • Kat1962
    Kat1962 Member Posts: 26
    Apaugh said:

    Kat

    You sound very secure in your medical team and in yourself.  I feel blessed to know such a brave person as you are.  Keep us updated when you can. 

    Prayers for better positive days going up for you.  Hugs,

    Annie

    Apaugh

    Hi Annie.  Thanks for your kind words.  This site I find helpful to read other people's cancers, treatments, working or not, advice and general questioning and bitching.  I do have friends, but communicating with people who are going through similar circumstances is so very helpful.  I've learned a lot in this short time.  My next appt is Thursday - hope the news is still on the upswing!  Let's keep in touch!  Thanks - Kat

  • Apaugh
    Apaugh Member Posts: 850 Member
    kat

    We are here we care. 

    Hugs,

    Annie

  • soupycarr
    soupycarr Member Posts: 2
    from my breast to my back bone.

    I just found out a few days ago my breast cancer has metastisis into my back bone. not sure what all is going to happen I haven't slept much for 3 days right now I am so very tired.  got to go take a nap just wanted say hi and prayers to all. I just signed up so I will be back for some support.. It always good to talk to people that have gone through it ..  take care talk later.. soupycarr

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Kat1962
    Kat1962 Member Posts: 26
    soupycarr said:

    from my breast to my back bone.

    I just found out a few days ago my breast cancer has metastisis into my back bone. not sure what all is going to happen I haven't slept much for 3 days right now I am so very tired.  got to go take a nap just wanted say hi and prayers to all. I just signed up so I will be back for some support.. It always good to talk to people that have gone through it ..  take care talk later.. soupycarr

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Hi Soupycarr,

    Hi Soupycarr,

    I'll be brief wanted to let you know I was diagnosed with Stage 2 tumors in my left breast and scheduled mascectomy, etc.  But they noticed a small blip on my lower spine during a bone scan.  Biopsied and , yes, cancer had spread to my lower spine.  Right now I'm on Ibrance, Letrozole and Zometa.  It's been 6 months and I've responded well.  No mascectomy scheduled as the horse has left the barn.  Next DR appt this Thursday and I'll get more info.  Prayers to all of us!  -Kat

  • Anita2018
    Anita2018 Member Posts: 3
    Stage IV BC Metastasis in Bones

    This is my first time on here. I discovered enlarged lymph node on neck in Feb. Found out I have above referenced cancer in multiple bones. I’m taking Letrozole (Estrogen positive), Zometa IV drip every 3 months, and Ibrance. I‘m Having lab work twice in April and onc said numbers should be better when I go see him 4/25. I just started medications in March. 

  • Anita2018
    Anita2018 Member Posts: 3
    Kat1962 said:

    Hi Soupycarr,

    Hi Soupycarr,

    I'll be brief wanted to let you know I was diagnosed with Stage 2 tumors in my left breast and scheduled mascectomy, etc.  But they noticed a small blip on my lower spine during a bone scan.  Biopsied and , yes, cancer had spread to my lower spine.  Right now I'm on Ibrance, Letrozole and Zometa.  It's been 6 months and I've responded well.  No mascectomy scheduled as the horse has left the barn.  Next DR appt this Thursday and I'll get more info.  Prayers to all of us!  -Kat

    Stage IV BC Metastasis in Mutiple Bones

    Prayers to all of us!

  • Anita2018
    Anita2018 Member Posts: 3
    Kat1962 said:

    Hello all - a little late to

    Hello all - a little late to the party here, but found these posts relevant.  I was diagnosed with BC/some nodes mets in my lower spine.  Initially I was stage 2, but there was a "blip" on the bone scan, so a biopsy follolwed.  Positive for cancer and was bumped up to stage 4.  My mode of treatment is Ibrance and Letrozole with a monthly 30 minute IV of Zomata for my bones.  I had a bone scan (after the initial one) last month.  The tumors in my breast were almost undetectable, along with nodes.  My spine showed little improvement, but all is moving in the right direction.  

    So, the drugs are doing their thing.  It's been 6 months.  I was told I would NOT have a masectomy...still trying to wrap my head around that.  I'm in Boston and have THE BEST doctors, I'm in good hands and I have full confidence with my staff.  I feel good and am optimistic.  Yes, I do have bone/joint pain that shifts.  Losing a little hair, but I have a ton.  I've put on a few pounds, but I'll take all these SE's over the alternative...  I feel much better reading these posts, thanks for letting me chime in.  Best of luck to all!  Kat1962.

    Stage IV BC Metastasis in Multiple bones

    I am on same medications that you are getting. Started and found out about Stage IV in early March, last month.