New To Group

Mimi is right there are
Mimi is right there are others on this site who could share their stories with you. Also remember that there are many stage 4 cancer survivors out there who are surviving and doing well. Definitely talk with your doctor. He may only feel that you need to know information about the primart breast cancer but let him know that you want the big picture as well. Good luck and prayers, Eil

stage 4
Hi Susie,

I was dx as a stage 4 during my second cancer battle in 98. I had it in my chest muscle and in the sentinel node. I was given 18 rounds of chemo and 10 weeks of rads. Originally they left the very visible tumor (it was on my chest just above my breast) where it was and used it as a marker to see how the chemo was working. The chemo did the job and shrank it to an undetectable size, so I suppose that is was destroyed. After treatment I went regularly to my onco for check ups and blood work. MRI, bone scans and Pet scans were only given if I was having a problem. When not at dr. apt. I have continued to live my life to the fullest I can. I have problems with lymphedema due to treatments but that does not mean I cannot enjoy myself. I know this is all new to you and very scary. Remember to ask your doctor any and all questions or concerns that you have, they work for you. No question is too silly to be asked. You may want to write them down so that you don't forget them. If you do not feel well by all means go to your doctor and let them knowk, no one knows you better than yourself. Be persistent if you are taken too lightly, this has happened to me and my doc and nurses now know that although i may joke a lot with them it is my way of getting the point across that i feel something more needs to be done. I guess i am really saying be diligent in regards to your health but also don't stop enjoying your life. I wish you all the best!

RE

SusieQ123 said:

Thank you for answering my question.You gave my morale a big boost.I'm just a little nervous about what is next.

Keep Fighting
Susie,

Just remember to keep fighting against the cancer beast, never hesitate to come here with any concerns you have. THere is such a wonderful group of supportive people here. My best to you.

RE

RE said:

stage 4
Hi Susie,

I was dx as a stage 4 during my second cancer battle in 98. I had it in my chest muscle and in the sentinel node. I was given 18 rounds of chemo and 10 weeks of rads. Originally they left the very visible tumor (it was on my chest just above my breast) where it was and used it as a marker to see how the chemo was working. The chemo did the job and shrank it to an undetectable size, so I suppose that is was destroyed. After treatment I went regularly to my onco for check ups and blood work. MRI, bone scans and Pet scans were only given if I was having a problem. When not at dr. apt. I have continued to live my life to the fullest I can. I have problems with lymphedema due to treatments but that does not mean I cannot enjoy myself. I know this is all new to you and very scary. Remember to ask your doctor any and all questions or concerns that you have, they work for you. No question is too silly to be asked. You may want to write them down so that you don't forget them. If you do not feel well by all means go to your doctor and let them knowk, no one knows you better than yourself. Be persistent if you are taken too lightly, this has happened to me and my doc and nurses now know that although i may joke a lot with them it is my way of getting the point across that i feel something more needs to be done. I guess i am really saying be diligent in regards to your health but also don't stop enjoying your life. I wish you all the best!

RE

Questions
I just wanted to stress RE's point about questions. I often have so many that if I don't write them down I will forget even the most important ones. I see my oncologist before every chemo treatment, and I have a notebook where I keep all of my questions and her answers. Before every treatment, I date a page and write down each and every question as well as any weird symptoms or discomfort I am experiencing. It helps keep the mind uncluttered and makes sure that you are addressing every problem and issue. Good luck and let us know how everything is going.

Mimi

mmontero38 said:

Welcome Susie to the club no
Welcome Susie to the club no one wants to join but alas here we are. I haven't had a stage 4 diagnosis, but there are lots of women here on the board that are there with you. I'm hoping they log on and see your post so they can answer your questions and give you more support then the rest of us can. Just know we are here for you to walk along beside you as you fight the beast. Post any questions or concerns you may have and we'll all try to help. Keep fighting. Hugs, Lili

Welcome
Susie i am sorry I can't answer any of your stage 4 questions but can tell you that you have found a wonderful group of caring and compastonate people. You will find much support here. Love, Nancy

mimivac said:

Welcome to the group
But so sorry you have to be here. I don't have the answers to your questions, but I know that sometimes the goal of stage IV therapy is to keep things where they are, without progression. It sounds like that's working for you. I would write down all my questions and have a nice, long sit-down with your oncologist about what is next. There are stage IV women on this site who might chime in. Please keep posting with us. Good luck.

Mimi

Hi
Hi Mimi, I had breast cancer 5 years ago. I am new to the group. I was trying to get in to the chat room. Could you help me please? I down loaded java and i still can't get in. It says sorry there was an error in the application. What does that mean? Thank you so much for your time. GrandmaEv