2nd Primary Cancer with bone mets

Patiann
Patiann Member Posts: 10
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Hello.
My name is Patiann.
I am thankful that I found this board.
I was just diagnosed with breast cancer, after having survived colon cancer.
I was 34 when dx'ed with that. I was almost 10 years survivor, 3 months shy, and wss just dxed with breast cancer with mets to bone, and lymph node involvement.
I am SCARED.
I've met with oncology, and radiation.
Start radiation tuesday. meet the breast surgeon on wednesday, to remove lump.. just so we have more tissue then a needle biopsy.
In a matter of weeks, I have gone from walking, to hardly being able to. Tons of PAIN.
I have 3 kids..my daughter is helpful.. my sons .. not so much.
My husband has to live in another state, to work and have health insurance.
I'm sort of alone, dont really have friends here.
Tomorrow I have appt to MRI my spine.
I heard that once it mets to bone, there is no real reason to have mastectomy?
Thats basically what the doctor said..
I'm in FL.. family here, brother also has colon cancer..
also have family in Nj.. could go there, but cant afford it.
Dunno what to do, feeling lost and alone.really really alone.
Is there anyone else out there with breast cancer and bone mets?
I need a hug.
~ Patiann
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Comments

  • aisling8
    aisling8 Member Posts: 1,627 Member
    A hug
    I can give you. And a warm welcome. You've found a community of loving, knowledgeable women who will be able to share their very similar stories and answer many of your questions.

    I understand scared and alone and I send you positive thoughts and many cyber hugs.

    xoxo
    Victoria
  • phoenixrising
    phoenixrising Member Posts: 1,508
    Patiann, my heart goes out
    Patiann, my heart goes out to you. I'm so sorry to hear of all that's happened and the position you're in. Here you will find strong, loving arms to lift you up and there are many women here that have mets so you won't feel all alone. I can't help you with your decision making but I can send you many, many sincere cyber hugs. My best to you...
    hugs
    jan
  • lynn1950
    lynn1950 Member Posts: 2,570
    I am glad you found us, but
    I am glad you found us, but so sorry for the reason. There are others here who are stage IV who can share their wisdom. I don't know about the reasoning behind not needing a mastectomy because you have bone mets. Sounds like you need more information from your oncologist or surgeon. I have read of many cancer survivors who are doing OK, bone mets notwithstanding. I hope one of them will chime in for you.


    Thank goodness you have family living near you and bless your daughter. Here's a big, gentle (((hug))) xoxoxox Lynn
  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    Colon cancer (stage III), followed by breast cancer here...
    But only stage II...no mets (at least not so far...).

    With your statement about your brother, you might consider genetic testing...for your kids. Or at least more vigilant watching for them...

    My grandfather died from colon cancer. My mother (his daughter) has had breast and endometrial cancer. I have had rectal and breast cancer (within 6 months of each other...PET scan for the rectal 'lit up' a lump I'd had for over 10 years that had been mammo'ed every year). Two years after me, my full blood sister had anal cancer.

    The very FIRST thing you need to do is listen to your treating doctors. These are the heros that have the knowledge to give you the best options for the fight. Make notes as to everything that is said, those 3 words have a habit of rendering us deaf (figuratively). There are others here that can speak to bone mets...I know from working with patient partners that it is ESSENTIAL to get the pain under control...

    We are here for you, please keep us posted. The best treatment advice will come from your doctors, but the best advice on dealing with side effects are to be found from the 'been there/done that experiences here!

    BIG dutch hugs, Kathi
  • cinnamonsmile
    cinnamonsmile Member Posts: 1,187 Member
    i learned from experience
    i learned from experience with my first set of oncologists to get a second opinion. never hurts.
  • CypressCynthia
    CypressCynthia Member Posts: 4,014 Member
    Here's a hug!
    Sending you a huge cyber hug! I am so sorry that you are going through this. I was diagnosed with bone mets almost 2 yrs ago (April 2009). I am doing well. You are in my thoughts and prayers and let us know how you are doing.
  • MyTurnNow
    MyTurnNow Member Posts: 2,686 Member
    Pattiann, welcome to our
    Pattiann, welcome to our amazing group. I am so sorry to hear that you have to deal with the beast again. Where are you in Florida? I live in FL, too. There are a couple of ladies in our group that have bone mets and hopefully they can answer some of your questions. Please know that you are not alone and we will be with you every step of the way. Keep us posted. Good luck and sending (((hugs))) your way!!
  • Kylez
    Kylez Member Posts: 3,761 Member

    i learned from experience
    i learned from experience with my first set of oncologists to get a second opinion. never hurts.

    Sending you positive
    Sending you positive thoughts and lots of prayers. I also think that if you are not comfortable with your oncologist or his opinion that you seek a 2nd opinion also.


    Hugs, Kylez
  • Jennifer1961
    Jennifer1961 Member Posts: 137
    So sorry for all your pain,
    So sorry for all your pain, you will find lots of support on this board. I also think it's best to get a second opinion. Ask around for a referral. Also, look into the Wellness Community or some other place that helps cancer patients. They have them in Florida. Sarasota, Fort Lauderdale and Miami. Try a google search for cancer support groups. Also ask your onc. for a referrence. Reach out for support. YOu will be surprised at what you find. My neighbors were very helpful to me while I was in treatment, went shopping for me took care of my kids. ONe even offered to clean my house. I had people I barely knew offering to help me. I know you are scared, I think we all are, I know I am. The ladies here with mets will give you advice on what to expect. Hang in there!
  • leabow
    leabow Member Posts: 28
    Pattiann
    You have found a group of the most awesome women I have ever know. Since I am not where you are in your journey, I can't offer any help, but many on here can and will. However, you will be in my prayers each day.
  • Boppy_of_6
    Boppy_of_6 Member Posts: 1,138

    So sorry for all your pain,
    So sorry for all your pain, you will find lots of support on this board. I also think it's best to get a second opinion. Ask around for a referral. Also, look into the Wellness Community or some other place that helps cancer patients. They have them in Florida. Sarasota, Fort Lauderdale and Miami. Try a google search for cancer support groups. Also ask your onc. for a referrence. Reach out for support. YOu will be surprised at what you find. My neighbors were very helpful to me while I was in treatment, went shopping for me took care of my kids. ONe even offered to clean my house. I had people I barely knew offering to help me. I know you are scared, I think we all are, I know I am. The ladies here with mets will give you advice on what to expect. Hang in there!

    Welcome
    So very sorry that you need to be here but glad you found us. I know others have already said this but you will find so much support here from wonderful people and lots of info too. God Bless
    (((Hugs))) Janice
  • padee6339
    padee6339 Member Posts: 763
    Patiann
    You certainly got a hug from me, another Patty Ann! I'm sure you are feeling the hugs from all of us here on this board. I am so sorry about what is happening to you. If I could be there I'd give you the biggest bear hug you could imagine. You are in my thoughts and prayers and please stay with us on the board. You will find the angels here will surround you with love and support!
    Hugs - Pat
  • Gabe N Abby Mom
    Gabe N Abby Mom Member Posts: 2,413
    Another hug for you! I'm
    Another hug for you! I'm sure you will find the support you need here, as I have. Please continue to let us know how you are doing and to ask questions.

    Hugs,

    Linda
  • LVG
    LVG Member Posts: 128
    You need a hug & a Social Worker...
    Here's yet another (((HUG))) for you, as I pray you receive answers to what's next and how to handle it all. Your hospital / clinic , as well as your community and even insurance provider, can connect you with a clinical Social Worker for assistance. Please call and mention that you need help. - right away. Bless you
  • mom62
    mom62 Member Posts: 604 Member
    LVG said:

    You need a hug & a Social Worker...
    Here's yet another (((HUG))) for you, as I pray you receive answers to what's next and how to handle it all. Your hospital / clinic , as well as your community and even insurance provider, can connect you with a clinical Social Worker for assistance. Please call and mention that you need help. - right away. Bless you

    Support
    Hi,
    I have recurrant breast cancer with bone mets. I had additional surgery and now are living with the bone mets. It has been a year and a half. Are you in pain because you have't had surgery? No need to be in pain talk to your doctor for some meds. No one needs to be in pain. I wish you well on your road to recovery.
  • Alexis F
    Alexis F Member Posts: 3,598

    Welcome
    So very sorry that you need to be here but glad you found us. I know others have already said this but you will find so much support here from wonderful people and lots of info too. God Bless
    (((Hugs))) Janice

    I'm so sorry that you found
    I'm so sorry that you found us as a result of having bone mets. I will be praying for you.


    Lex
  • roseann4
    roseann4 Member Posts: 992 Member
    mom62 said:

    Support
    Hi,
    I have recurrant breast cancer with bone mets. I had additional surgery and now are living with the bone mets. It has been a year and a half. Are you in pain because you have't had surgery? No need to be in pain talk to your doctor for some meds. No one needs to be in pain. I wish you well on your road to recovery.

    My best advise is....
    Each of us is different. Don't think of mets as the end. You cancer will be treated as a chronic condition now with many treatments available.
    I know this is a fearful time but don't give up. There's lots that can be done and lots of life ahead. You can do this! Please come back whenever you need information or encouragement.

    Roseann
  • cahjah75
    cahjah75 Member Posts: 2,631
    Patiann
    I can give you a hug too! I'm sorry for what you're going through. I had double mastectomy in June and just started rads last week. I don't know much about mets but some on this board do. I will keep you in my prayers.
    {{hugs}} Char
  • ladyg
    ladyg Member Posts: 1,577
    Welcome to this wonderful board.
    I am sorry you have to be here. I am sure you will find everyone here to be caring, supportive and a good source of information.
    Since your husband is not there with you maybe you can find someone who can help you. I live in Oregon and we have a Support Sister program available. It is a volunteer program that matches you with someone who has already gone through what you are facing.
    We are here for you anytime you need us.

    Hugs,
    Georgia
  • survivorbc09
    survivorbc09 Member Posts: 4,374 Member
    KathiM said:

    Colon cancer (stage III), followed by breast cancer here...
    But only stage II...no mets (at least not so far...).

    With your statement about your brother, you might consider genetic testing...for your kids. Or at least more vigilant watching for them...

    My grandfather died from colon cancer. My mother (his daughter) has had breast and endometrial cancer. I have had rectal and breast cancer (within 6 months of each other...PET scan for the rectal 'lit up' a lump I'd had for over 10 years that had been mammo'ed every year). Two years after me, my full blood sister had anal cancer.

    The very FIRST thing you need to do is listen to your treating doctors. These are the heros that have the knowledge to give you the best options for the fight. Make notes as to everything that is said, those 3 words have a habit of rendering us deaf (figuratively). There are others here that can speak to bone mets...I know from working with patient partners that it is ESSENTIAL to get the pain under control...

    We are here for you, please keep us posted. The best treatment advice will come from your doctors, but the best advice on dealing with side effects are to be found from the 'been there/done that experiences here!

    BIG dutch hugs, Kathi

    Sending you a hug, prayers
    Sending you a hug, prayers and a big welcome!


    Jan