Stage IV

justme32213
justme32213 Member Posts: 53
in Breast Cancer #1

Its justme again ! Its official, I am diagnosed with stage IV. Do any of you here have stage IV breast cancer ? I am looking for everyone here with information that could be useful or mind soothing at this point. I just sat at the kitchen table having dinner with Raul and we were discussing it, Im angry right now............. Plz Help ...........((((((hugs ))))))))

Comments

  • CypressCynthia
    CypressCynthia Member Posts: 4,014 Member
    #2
    Hang in there!  I have had

    Hang in there!  I have had Stage 4 since 2005.  First, lung and bone mets and, recently liver mets.  Still fighting it but I am determined to go as long as I can.  Sending big hugs and lots of prayers.  Remember, many Stage 4 survivors are living many years.  You do not come with an expiration date!

  • justme32213
    justme32213 Member Posts: 53
    #3
    CypressCynthia said:

    Hang in there!  I have had

    Hang in there!  I have had Stage 4 since 2005.  First, lung and bone mets and, recently liver mets.  Still fighting it but I am determined to go as long as I can.  Sending big hugs and lots of prayers.  Remember, many Stage 4 survivors are living many years.  You do not come with an expiration date!

    Thank you Cynthia. First one

    Thank you Cynthia. First one to hear from and made me feel almost instantly hopeful. Its soo hard. The emotions are taking a toll on me so bad, its crazy in my head right now. I am happy to hear that you are a survivor since being diagnosed in 2005, Im going to make it ! 

  • CypressCynthia
    CypressCynthia Member Posts: 4,014 Member
    #4
    justme32213 said:

    Thank you Cynthia. First one

    Thank you Cynthia. First one to hear from and made me feel almost instantly hopeful. Its soo hard. The emotions are taking a toll on me so bad, its crazy in my head right now. I am happy to hear that you are a survivor since being diagnosed in 2005, Im going to make it ! 

    I was actually diagnosed with

    I was actually diagnosed with Stage 3 in 1987!  But I have been Stage 4 for 8 years. 

    It is normal to feel what you are feeling.  The diagnosis is so overwhelming at first and it has to be so hard on you being so isolated.  Allow yourself some time, but, if you feel too anxious and/or depressed, ask your oncologist for some help.  Depression/anxiety is more common in survivors and I found lexapro has helped me get through it.  If you decide to take something, make sure you clear it with your oncologist because some meds are not compatible with our treatments.

    Good luck!  I am sending all of the good thoughts and prayers that I can tonight.  Big (((hugs))).

  • Brat3826
    Brat3826 Member Posts: 13
    #5
    CypressCynthia said:

    I was actually diagnosed with

    I was actually diagnosed with Stage 3 in 1987!  But I have been Stage 4 for 8 years. 

    It is normal to feel what you are feeling.  The diagnosis is so overwhelming at first and it has to be so hard on you being so isolated.  Allow yourself some time, but, if you feel too anxious and/or depressed, ask your oncologist for some help.  Depression/anxiety is more common in survivors and I found lexapro has helped me get through it.  If you decide to take something, make sure you clear it with your oncologist because some meds are not compatible with our treatments.

    Good luck!  I am sending all of the good thoughts and prayers that I can tonight.  Big (((hugs))).

    Hang in there

    Hi Just Me,  I just hit my four year anniversary - mets to the bone right from the start.  I have never hit "NED" but all that is going on with me is very managable!  It will take you a little while to wrap your thoughts around everything - which is normal.  If you need to chat - please send me a message.  I will help with any questions that you might have.  Always remember to be good to yourself!

    (((Hugs))) Shannon

  • SIROD
    SIROD Member Posts: 2,194 Member
    #6
    Some Stories

    Here is a website for Metastatic Breast Cancer Network and stories of women who lived over 10 years - one lived 30 years with stage IV.    Copy and paste:

    http://mbcn.org/get-involved/category/10-years/

    I was diagnosed in 1994 and after my first chemo went on hormonal drug therapies for the next 18 years.  I became stage IV in 2000 and am still here.  Ran out of hormonal drugs in February and now on chemo.  I had 3 recurrences, one in 1999 a regional one, 2000, ribs, 2008 widespread cancer in both lungs, pleura with a pleura effusion and it's backin the ribs.

    Still hanging in here after 18 1/2 + years.

    It is hard to adjust to this diagnose.

    Best,

    Doris

     

  • camul
    camul Member Posts: 2,537
    #7
    I have been stage iv for almost 3 years
    We are living much longer with it than the statistics show. You have heard from Sirod and Cypress Cynthia who I believe are our 'old timers' who give me hope!
    It is a long hard journey, but the fight is worth the time. I just keep hope alive by believing that as long as I can keep fighting I have a better chance of being here when a cure is found.
    But it is not always easy and there are days when you will not be positive or feel very well. Then I wake up on a new day and the hope is back!
    I wish you he best and just hang in there. Email or post whenever you have questions and someone will chime in.
    Hugs,
    Carol
  • Gabe N Abby Mom
    Gabe N Abby Mom Member Posts: 2,413
    #8
    Take a deep breath.  There is

    Take a deep breath.  There is still much you can do while dealing with stage IV.  I've been there since Aug 2011.  We will do our best to help and support.  

    Hugs,

    Linda

     

  • CypressCynthia
    CypressCynthia Member Posts: 4,014 Member
    #9
    Gabe N Abby Mom said:

    Take a deep breath.  There is

    Take a deep breath.  There is still much you can do while dealing with stage IV.  I've been there since Aug 2011.  We will do our best to help and support.  

    Hugs,

    Linda

     

    Linda, you inspire me every

    Linda, you inspire me every single day!  (((Hugs)))

     

  • Patti1967
    Patti1967 Member Posts: 186
    #10
    CypressCynthia said:

    Linda, you inspire me every

    Linda, you inspire me every single day!  (((Hugs)))

     

    Was just told today, stage lV

    Was just told today, stage lV mets to left lung.  My first diagnosis was 8/12 with bilateral IDC stage 2b with one fully metastic node.  Finished chemo 4.5 months ago and here I am.  There are many here that are truly amazing fighters that I will draw my strength and inspiration from them and fight like hell!:)

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