Stage 4 Breast Cancer Survivor---Seeking encouragement and Hope

TeriMy heart goes out to
Teri
My heart goes out to you. I know that we have some Stage IV ladies that will be popping in and telling you how they are doing. It is so hard to just hear the word cancer and I can't imagine how I would feel if I heard stage 4 and mets.
But I have had several primary cancers and the way I cope is to try and enjoy each day as a gift. It works 99% of the time and they are a gift. For whatever time you might have, you want to relish it, live it, and make the very most of it. Follow your treatment plan and do whatever you can to help you through the despair. Because you want quality as much as you want quantity. None of us knows where these cancers will lead us or when we will die and as long as you are here you should be able to embrace your life, your time. I know that this is all easier said than done. You may want to work with a counsellor or therapist. And don't be afraid to ocassionally vent, rant, cry. This can also help to relieve the stress, the fear. But what you don't want is for this diagnosis to rob you of all the todays you still have ahead of you.
My prayers are being sent to you that you find peace and that our sisters here will share their positive and uplifting stories. I know that Kathi here has a inspiring story as do several others.
Stef

spoonchek said:

Thank you so much for your
Thank you so much for your words Stef as I read them and take them into my heart. Just joined this website today in search of connections and so you are my first and I'm very grateful. You are of course correct in focusing on my "todays" and not worrying about the quantity of "tomorrows" I have ahead of me....again as you said, a tough task at times. Thank you for your prayers and thoughts.

Teri

Welcome!
You've come to the right place for lots of love and sharing!
I know someone who has had your same diagnosis. She's been on various treatments over at least five years and is still doing fine! I know she goes on and off chemo at different times - when I found out about my BC she was there for me and encouraged me to come to her support group. As I live in a different town and am back to working full time I haven't visited her group yet.
It's OK to be overwhelmed, angry, sad, discouraged! Take any and all the help and support you can get! Stay positive - you'll find you can come here anytime and someone is always here to "listen" and give encouragment! We're all in this together! I'll keep you in my prayers!
-Jenny

jennytwist said:

Welcome!
You've come to the right place for lots of love and sharing!
I know someone who has had your same diagnosis. She's been on various treatments over at least five years and is still doing fine! I know she goes on and off chemo at different times - when I found out about my BC she was there for me and encouraged me to come to her support group. As I live in a different town and am back to working full time I haven't visited her group yet.
It's OK to be overwhelmed, angry, sad, discouraged! Take any and all the help and support you can get! Stay positive - you'll find you can come here anytime and someone is always here to "listen" and give encouragment! We're all in this together! I'll keep you in my prayers!
-Jenny

Teri
welcome. Yes I have met several stage IV breast cancer survivors at the acupuncture training seminar.
I was surprised how optimistic and good-looking they were. I draw an inspirational example from knowing them. We have several ladies with similar diagnosis here as well. I hope they will respond to your post.
I myself have had stage IIIC and still recovering from my treatments.
Hugs

Yes, yes, yes
There are plenty of women who live many years with metastatic breast cancer, especially if the mets is to the bone alone. There are women on these boards who have been around for over a decade and more who are stable and live extremely full lives with mets. I totally understand that you feel so scared and despairing. Please post here and get to know these wonderful women. You are not alone.

Mimi

Sunrae said:

Welcome too
Just wanted to welcome you to this site too. I don't have the same dx as you either. I'm fairly new here, recently diagnosed with 3 tumors in right breast and node involvement, on hormore therapy to reduce the tumors so I can have surgery. I'm sure you will find ladies here who have had a similar dx as yours. There are incredibly courageous and caring people here who really have the heart to help and support all of us. Sorry that you're going thru this. Please know that many people here are with you in your struggle and our prayers are with you. Hoping for better days soon for you.

Teri
My DX was made in July. Stage 4, with mets to bone, so it seems we are on similar paths together. My oncologist is "cautiously optimistic" that I might look forward to years of continued health. What I have is a chronic disease that can be treated and managed. I'm on Femara and Zometa. I seem to be tolerating both well. Except for the cancer, I have no other health issues, so that's a real plus.
This is a terrific support system here, with many gracious ladies willing to be our gentle guides. Hugs to you. Gracie

Tux said:

Welcome, Teri. I have not
Welcome, Teri. I have not had the same dx as you, but I wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you & praying for you.

Hugs & prayers...

Welcome
Teri-I'm so glad you're here. I've heard great things about Zometa in terms of helping with the bone mets and oddly enough, my surgeon says that studies have shown that it helps to decrease the risk of bc recurrance. Everyone here is pulling for you.

If you want to tell us al little about yourself.

Best wishes

Stage 4
Hi Teri, I am a stage 4 survivor. My mets were not to the bone but to the chest wall and sentinel node. I got the stage 4 dx in 98 and am going strong. I had a recurrance in 07, had chemo and surgery and am doing well today. I live a full live with grandkids who love to play with me, we go camping and travel whenever possible. There is life to be lived and I believe you will get there. I am so glad you found us, you will find that this board is filled with loving caring people who have walked in your shoes and understand.

Hugs,

RE

Me, too.
Dear Teri,

I just was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer (liver mets) a month ago and am taking Arimidex after having my ovaries out. I feel just like you. Very desperate. Today is the first day of being on this board, and I feel a little better already. You're not alone.
HUGS,
Linda

natly15 said:

Met a lady today at "Relay
Met a lady today at "Relay for Life" who is absolutely flourishing with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer. I believe she is a 4 year survivor, has a wonderful attitude, beautiful smile and a deep faith. There is a saying, and you will find it quoted on these boards again, " I have cancer, the cancer doesnt have me! I'm praying for you Spoonchek and LC815. Hugs to both you ladies.

Hugs back
Thanks natly15 . . . I love the use of your word "flourishing." Teri, RE, a wonderful woman on these boards said something so wise to me (now, I hope I get it right): You are not a number or a statistic. You are Teri and therefore are unique. If you're like me, you get bogged down with the doom. Let's try to look for the light together!
xoxo
Linda

Eil4186 said:

Dear Teri, So very sorry to
Dear Teri, So very sorry to read that you are so down. I can't imagine how difficult this for you. My heart breaks. I know I have read posts on here from others surviving stage four BC. The treatments are getting better and better. Stay strong my friend, we never know whats around the corner that will be the next miracle. Hugs, Eil

Teri
I am also so sorry to read this post from you. I will certainly keep you in my prayers! I have had bc twice now and go in next Wednesday to have 4 cysts removed to check. I am praying that they are benign. So, I know how scared you are, or, have some idea. Please take care!

Love, Jeanne ♥