What were your initial symptoms of breast cancer that led you to see a doctor?
Whether it was a noticeable change in appearance, sensation, or any other symptom, what clued you in that something wasn't quite right?
Breast dimpling and I could feel one of the two breast tumors.
Hi
, thank you so much for taking the time to share with us. How have you been doing since diagnosis? I see you recently joined our community, I wanted to take this opportunity to welcome you! We are glad you found us and hope you find our space to be safe and supportive. If we can ever help locate any information or simply provide a listening ear, please don't hesitate to reach out. We care and are here for you. Kindly, Jessica, Team Member
Thanks Jessica. I have been up and down since diagnosis quite honestly. I went to working part time so that I could accommodate all my doctors. Life was not medically simple even before cancer. I haven't had the best of cancer care this last year. Fortunately my PCP is outstanding.
I just got a second opinion and things are improving. She immediately put me on a Verzenio vacation which has almost cleared up all my GI distress. She plans to lower my dosage when I start back so that is a huge relief. She knows a lot about breast cancer, metastasis, and the meds. She can't fix everything but being heard and hopefully having fewer side effects will certainly fix a lot. In my experience the treatment is far worse than the disease. I have several other chronic conditions that I have lived with for many years plus I am a nurse. It isn't easy but it helps knowing how to manage cancer too. Sorry for the long winded reply.please do not feel the need to apologize! That's what we are here for - to listen and provide support in any way we can. I am so glad to hear you have a wonderful PCP and that your second opinion doctor has proved to be helpful and you feel heard! Feeling heard by your medical practitioner can make all the difference. How are you feeling this week? Again, we are here for you anytime. Hugs, Jessica, Team Member
Hi Jessica,
Thanks for getting back to me. My week started rough. I had a stomach bug Sunday and Monday but got myself to urgent care and got all squared away. Good thing as I work the rest of the week. I missed one day but it could have been much worse.
I saw a new NP this week that was fabulous. Really knowledgeable. She noticed elevated liver values and ordered appropriate MRI. I will be eternally grateful that she was the one in the office yesterday.sorry to hear that your week got off to a rough start, but glad things seem to be improving for you. Your new NP sounds amazing! Thank goodness she was there for you this week. It can be extremely helpful to have a medical practitioner as the one you described. Hoping the remainder of the week is a little more kind to you. Sending hugs. -Jessica, Team Member
At initial cancer diagnosis(stage 3) in 2010 I felt a lump in my left breast. Went to my PCP and she said to go to Breast clinic for mammogram and echo. They didn’t see anything even if I felt the lump 🤷♀️ I told the technician and she sent me in for a guided biopsy…resulting in Stage 3. Since then every year had a breast MRI and in 2018 they detected Mets in my sternum. Sent in for a PET scan and discovered Mets in my iliac crest, sacrum and pelvis. Been living stage IV since 2018.
Update: this is my initial post in 2018 relating to MBC diagnosis in June 2018..:6 years later I am still here and alive 😉
June 2024, discussion with oncologist and well I have to face it, unfortunately, I have about 1 year left to live 😥. Since December 2023 I have had nonstop issues and set backs all started with influenza ☹️. I have lost 40 pounds since then, having a hard time to control and manage the pain as progression of metastasis in my back (the whole back, pelvis, ribs, sternum, shoulders, hips etc) & now in my liver and kidney. I have gone through all but 1 available treatment options for me , being treated on it now, The Red Devil’s cousin, FEC but I’m not keeping high hopes for this treatment as all others have failed within months unfortunately.
I am registered with end of life care and when the time comes will go to hospice. I do not want to be a burden so hospice is a no brainer for me. I am very grateful for my family who surround and shower me with love and support. Some members stepped forward when others stepped back 🙂
I am not afraid of dying I am afraid of being in pain. All that I ask is that I am not in pain, the rest will follow and I will be guided through this journey 😇
, how are you doing today? I want to thank you so much for feeling comfortable sharing all of this with us. I am sure many community members can relate to you in one way or another, but it may not always be easy for them to find the words. It sounds like you have had a long road with this, but it's comforting to know you've had your family by your side and you've been able to create an action plan for yourself. I can certainly understand not being afraid of dying. After all, this is in the plan for everyone at some point... but being in pain, who has the time and energy for that? I am sending you gentle hugs and positive vibes. If you feel up to it, please keep us posted on how you're doing. -Beth (Team Member)
